Hot
Topic: Computers
As I've mentioned before, I am using a Pent 4 3.4Ghz processor. I also run SETI@Home on my computers.

Just for fun, I decided to monitor my CPU temperature and memory usage while running SETI. First, I had to let my processor cool to baseline (UT2K4 running on "holy shit" mode kind of heats it up). Once it had got there (about 30 degrees Centigrade), I brought up Ye Olde Task Manager and clicked the "performance" tab. CPU usage: nil, with an occasional spike of %1. I'm using a standard Intel provided CPU cooler fan (that's soon to change: the Star Ice cooler from Asus is next on my list). Baseline established.

Next, I started the SETI client. I already had a work unit downloaded, so it jumped right in. I minimized the window and observed.
CPU usage went up to fifty percent (nothing else running, including antivirus). Temperature went up to 42 degrees Centigrade in about 15 seconds.

Next stop, maximize the window. The temperature jumped to 52 Centigrade in about five seconds, and CPU usage hit %100. It took a minute or so to cool back down to baseline.

On the one hand, that pretty much establishes my peak CPU temperature at about 52 Centigrade with this fan arrangement. That's not bad. It's not great, but it's not bad. On the other hand, running SETI@Home will heat a system up like nobody's business. I know of a person that runs it while playing EQ, possibly while playing EQ2.* I don't want to know what his ambient case temperature is, or his processor temp. He runs an Athlon, and, well, those tend to run a little hot.

I'm still getting a better cooler... this fan has to run full tilt just to do the job it's doing, and I just know one day the bearings are going to seize up, the system will overheat, and I'll have to hope the automatic shutdown will save my processor. I'd rather have a cooler that won't make me worry about that.

---

*Hi, Uerdane.