Increased CPU Idling Temp

I have a:

M17x
QX9300
Dual Nvidia 280's
No overclocking

The last two weeks my idling CPU temps have increased from about 38-42 C up to 58-62 C. I have checked my CPU fan and it is functioning. I took the case off and there is no dust or blockage.

There has been no increase in GPU temps.

The CPU seems to idle at about 15%-20% usage!

Does anyone have any ideas what may be going on?

Thank you, Scott

 

Are you sure you don't have any background apps running?

 

Yes that is the first thing I checked. I thought perhaps it was my antivirus doing a scan. That is the only think I know of that would run it so high. But there is nothing noteworthy running!

 

check that you fan/cooling system is not blocked by dust , buy a can of air duster.

 

Quite a big temp increase in such a short space of time, i'm guessing that the vents are fine and this is entirely software related.

 

The vents are fine. I checked them, checked the fan which is runs fine and I have no software running, I looked in the device manager, that is why I am mystified. The only thing left is perhaps a Processor problem I am thinking.

 

have you tried using msconfig to disable and unnecessary startup items.

 

What happens when you run in safe mode? Do you still get the relatively high CPU usage at idle?

 

Yeah, it just smells like some program is using it. I don't trust Windows Task manager, I am using Process Explorer instead:

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sysinternals/bb896653.aspx

as far as I know it's very accurate in showing what's using your CPU.

 

+1 for process explorer although i've never seen a case where task manager did not report a process that consumes cpu cycles.

also, please explain this line :

 

Thank you everyone for taking the time to help me out!

I forgot to mention I am running Windows 7 64 bit.

I tried msconfig and killed all unnecessary processes without any benefit.

I tried safe mode but I couldn't run my temp programs in safe mode. RealTemp and CPUID HWMonitor.

I ran antivirus software and Spybot and MalwareBytes.

The 15%-20% CPU load, per the task manager, was at idle without any extra software running and after I killed unnecessary processes. I don't seem to be running that load level now though.

I tried Process Manger without discovering any processes running are unnecessary!

I am stumped here!

 

Could you verify there are no errors in the event log. (application and system)

 

mfractal's question got me wondering.... First, let's make sure we're on the same page. Are you saying Task manager/Process Explorer reports CPU is being used but it doesn't show what is using it?

So your "System Idle Process" is not at 99% like on thie pic below, but is at ~80% ?

 

Which AV program? I had a very similar experience running McAfee. I'd note 20 to sometimes 30% CPU usage, but I couldn't find the responsible process either via task manager or resource monitor. Once I dumped McAffe and switched to Norton, the problem magically resolved itself.

 

So what about that eventlog? I suspect it's drivers issue of sorts..

 

Hi Guys,

I apologize for my tardiness in replying. I haven't found anything significant in the event log.

I am using AVG Internet security. I have not had any significant problems with it in the past, but I don't really like it. I am thinking of going back to Zonealarm when it expires in the next month.

Concerning the task manager reading the CPU process percentage, it seems to have been just the day I originally posted my query. I am no longer running at 20% CPU usage at idle.

At the time I went to the CPU Graphical Monitor in the Win7 Task Manager and the graph showed the CPU was running between 15%-20% with no extra processes running. I have not had any further reading that high at idle though.

I figure I must have some background process running, but I just can't find it. It isn't a virus scan, because I have looked and the higher temps have been consistent every time I use the computer for nearly a month.

The increased temps are not associated with any new program installations because I have not installed anything new.

Here is a thought though. I wonder if the ambient temps in the room have anything to do with it. I just got up this morning and I am running at 41 degrees while typing this which is closer to my historical temps, but I didn't have the heater on last night so it is in the lower 60's in the room.

Could it be something as simple as a change in the seasons increasing the ambient temps in the room?

 

Yes it could, plus some dust build-up or an obstruction of the vents. Even the thermal paste needs to be re-applied once in a while.

 

I cleaned the vents. I even opened the case to be sure I got as much of the dust out as I could.

I was wondering about the thermal paste, so thank you for that suggestion!

 

You can try AS-5/MX-3/OCZ-Freeze/ICD7/24 etc. Any of those should work fine.
Also, do you still have the idle CPU utilisation?
If yes, you could try removing the AW Command Centre and see if it's the culprit.

 

That was a good idea to uninstall Command Center, I was hoping that might be it, unfortunately i just uninstalled it and there is no difference. I am still running about 10 degrees higher than my baseline.

Thank you for the idea.

I will try more thermal paste even though my computer is only 6 months old or so.

 

Try a power drain:
unplug the power cord, remove the battery, press&hold the power button for 20 sec, bring everything back and see what happens.
If it doesn't solve the problem, you may need to re-flash the BIOS.

 

Thank you for the advice. I'll try it tomorrow and let you know how it goes.

 

Well the power drain seems to have done it.

Thank you Aikimox! Do you have any guess as to what was going on?

I may go ahead and reflash the bios anyway, but I'll wait a week or so to see what happens first.

Thank you to everyone for their time and advice!

 

Glad to hear it worked!
An additional static charge gathering on the inner hardware components can not only cause a malfunctioning but also kill the mobo.
What are your temps now?

 

I'm running at 42C at idle, so not as cool as the 38 baseline, but acceptable to me now. Thanks again.

 

You're welcome. Enjoy the system!

 

i am getting similar temps, 42@idle sounds about right..

 

I'd say, anything from below 50C idle (depending on the ambient temp and the services/apps running in the background) is fine for the CPU and below 55C for the GPUs.