Hi all,
I'm currently using a quite powerful gaming rig using an Intel 3960X (Extreme) processor (NON-overclocked, aside from the stock Turbo mode built in by Intel) and have just begun folding with World Community Grid, a project that works on various disease research and humanitarian projects. I would like to allow the computer to work as much as possible 24/7 to benefit this project (aside from when I'm gaming, etc.) but am concerned about a few things, so I wanted some input.
I've had 0 problems during real world use or gaming; this thing is solid as a rock, has plenty of fans as well as liquid cooling to the processor, but the tower itself isn't huge even though it is efficient (midtower). When folding at 100% capability (on the stock liquid cooling provided by the manufacturer), I've noticed my individual core temperatures approach the TJMax of 91C (most cores in the high 80-90 range, once in a while one of them going over 90 but never above 91 - it throttles if it gets to that point). I have noticed only very minor throttling (below the turbo speed of 3900 MHz...I've seen it briefly hit 3800 but it never stays throttled for long), and the processor maintains these temperatures without any crashes. I realize higher temperatures may impact processor life to a small degree, but are these temperatures and this workload (100%) safe for 24/7 (or close to it) operation? If not, is there a recommended temperature I should NOT go over for a 24/7 load?
I've also played with the default (60%) and even a bit lower (50%) which makes temperatures more variable and lower overall, but it still gets fairly warm (never really throttles at these settings though).
Additionally, the utility I'm using to monitor (Core Temp) reports TDP as 130 Watts, but I notice Power is reporting ~165W. Is this a concern? Again, the processor is NOT overclocked; I can't explain this unless it is a function of the Turbo mode.
I realize heavy use can affect processor life, but that's only a concern if it's going to greatly reduce expected useful lifetime. For example, if folding would reduce lifespan from, say, 7 years to 6 and a half, that's fine, as I won't be using the architecture for 7 years. But if it would reduce it to 2, obviously that would be silly to do.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice! I've heard everything from these are made to hit max temps 24/7 and you'll be fine to never go above 60% and everything in between, and I just want to know the real story.
I'm currently using a quite powerful gaming rig using an Intel 3960X (Extreme) processor (NON-overclocked, aside from the stock Turbo mode built in by Intel) and have just begun folding with World Community Grid, a project that works on various disease research and humanitarian projects. I would like to allow the computer to work as much as possible 24/7 to benefit this project (aside from when I'm gaming, etc.) but am concerned about a few things, so I wanted some input.
I've had 0 problems during real world use or gaming; this thing is solid as a rock, has plenty of fans as well as liquid cooling to the processor, but the tower itself isn't huge even though it is efficient (midtower). When folding at 100% capability (on the stock liquid cooling provided by the manufacturer), I've noticed my individual core temperatures approach the TJMax of 91C (most cores in the high 80-90 range, once in a while one of them going over 90 but never above 91 - it throttles if it gets to that point). I have noticed only very minor throttling (below the turbo speed of 3900 MHz...I've seen it briefly hit 3800 but it never stays throttled for long), and the processor maintains these temperatures without any crashes. I realize higher temperatures may impact processor life to a small degree, but are these temperatures and this workload (100%) safe for 24/7 (or close to it) operation? If not, is there a recommended temperature I should NOT go over for a 24/7 load?
I've also played with the default (60%) and even a bit lower (50%) which makes temperatures more variable and lower overall, but it still gets fairly warm (never really throttles at these settings though).
Additionally, the utility I'm using to monitor (Core Temp) reports TDP as 130 Watts, but I notice Power is reporting ~165W. Is this a concern? Again, the processor is NOT overclocked; I can't explain this unless it is a function of the Turbo mode.
I realize heavy use can affect processor life, but that's only a concern if it's going to greatly reduce expected useful lifetime. For example, if folding would reduce lifespan from, say, 7 years to 6 and a half, that's fine, as I won't be using the architecture for 7 years. But if it would reduce it to 2, obviously that would be silly to do.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice! I've heard everything from these are made to hit max temps 24/7 and you'll be fine to never go above 60% and everything in between, and I just want to know the real story.