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**Robert[_14_]** · January 28th 20, 01:52 AM posted to alt.comp.hardware.pc-homebuilt

wrote in part:
I have an old HP business desktop that seems to have a
problem with overheating. One has to keep the heatsink
dust-free in order to survive. Now this is an aluminium
heat sink and the CPU is TDP 95 W.

Looking at some Intel stock coolers, they seem to use
aliminium for 65 W CPU, but a copper core for the higher
powered products. So were HP cutting corners?

Paul has discussed design factors side-thread.
Permit me to add some practical factors:

1) Old is generally a good thing -- at least it has survived.
The design is quite likely adequate or it would not. However,
there is aging. Presumably you've checked all fans are running
and all vents are clear of dust and debris. Follow the
air-path in from the CPU fan 'til it comes out the PSU.

2) HP generally does fully integrated airpath designs
(vs white-box slap-togethers). Make sure shrouds are in
place -- there usually is a black plastic shroud between the
CPU case fan up front forcing flow across the CPU heatsink.
If it is missing, an overheat is likely under ~1h full load.
The heatsink will be unusually warm (check IR).

3) If all this is correct, then check the heatsink (usually
Torx screws). Carefully see if any are loose, then remove
the heatsink and inspect the grease. It can dry out or be
pumped out by thermal cycling. Or the heatsink can become
dislodged by transport. Clean and install your favorite
thermal grease. A bad (dry, cocked) joint generally causes
overheat quickly (minutes) with a cold heatsink.

Hopefully this will fix the problem. But you should be aware
there may be unusual loads (optimized code) that might exceed
TDP if the PSU can provide the current.

-- Robert in Houston