CPU VRM temp question
CPU VRM temp question
I own an MSI A78M-E35 with an Athlon x4 860k processor. I was trying to overclock it, reaching 4.2 ghz. The socket temperature was 43°C and the thermal margin was at 44°C during a Prime95 stress test. I checked the VRM temperature using a FLIR thermal imager; most voltage regulators were around 155°F (68°C). When I downclocked to stock speed, the regulators dropped to 145-148°C under load. Is it safe to keep the CPU at 4.2 GHz, or are the VRMs too hot? Thanks!
VRMs are capable of managing elevated temperatures compared to CPUs or GPUs. The 68C model works perfectly fine.
Poprin:
The VRM temperatures are actually quite manageable, especially since the board seems to lack heatsinks on the voltage regulators. I’d start worrying around 90°C. Yes, there are no heatsinks on the VRMs, and adding them could help improve overclocking. Would these small heatsinks make a difference?