Curse

MyInnerChaos · Sep 21, 2008, 12:56 AM // 00:56

While finding a way to fix a problem I had very recently I found a piece of info that I had overlooked and I am wondering if I should be worried about this. My processor runs at 95W and my motherboard is designed to handle up to 89W. Is this something I should be fixing immediately or should I just let it ride considering that in a few months I will be building my own computer? (Note that my computer isn't having any type of errors and guild wars is running just fine).

Any and all help is much appreciated. Thank you.

Evil Genius · Sep 21, 2008, 01:18 AM // 01:18

What model name/number for the motherboard and CPU/processor?

Admael · Sep 21, 2008, 02:06 AM // 02:06

If you can replace it now, you should.

But it depends on your type of work. If you run applications that requires the processor to run at full speed (or multiple applications causing the same result), of course the workload will increase which will lead to slow downs or even instabilities.

MyInnerChaos · Sep 21, 2008, 03:13 AM // 03:13

Processor is an AMD Phenom X3 8400 and the motherboard an: ECS MCP61PM-GM AM2 mATX

Most of what I do on this computer is play guild wars, and every once in a while Hellgate: London. A little myspacing and net surfing.

Lord Sojar · Sep 21, 2008, 03:30 AM // 03:30

You are slowly damaging your CPU, but more or less, not enough to worry about. Your best bet is to replace the motherboard to a more recent, AM2+ socket enabled board. You are mainly losing a significant amount of performance because you are not able to bring the CPU up to full charge parameters.

If you don't mind the performance hit, it is fine. You will wear out your CPU/motherboard faster than normal, but not as fast as say overclocking it. You won't miss the extra time it might have survived under a perfect situation.

Quaker · Sep 21, 2008, 03:40 PM // 15:40

If I'm not mistaken (which is a possibility

) the power ratings of both the motherboard and the processor are basically "maximum" ratings. That is, the processor, running at 100% continuously, under normal conditions, can dissipate up to 95watts - however, when it's running at less than 100%, it will dissipate less than the max. The motherboard is rated to provide "up to" 89watts - limited mostly by the onboard voltage regulators, capacitors, and trace widths.
As long as the CPU is normally running less than 100% the motherboard should be OK to supply it (it's only 6 watts in the difference). GW would typically require much less than 100% of the cpu, so you should be OK for a few months as long as you are aware of the power mismatch and don't go doing intensive benchmarking or whatever. (and make sure all cooling is working.)(and no downloading porn in the background either

)
And, of course, should you decide to keep the mobo/cpu longer, you should consider either a new motherboard or a lesser cpu.

MyInnerChaos · Sep 22, 2008, 03:30 AM // 03:30

I don't do any benchmarking so that won't be a problem and after pricing parts I will be in the process of building my own comp within a week or so. Thanks again for the help.

Lord Sojar · Sep 22, 2008, 05:36 AM // 05:36

Quote:

Originally Posted by Quaker

If I'm not mistaken (which is a possibility

) the power ratings of both the motherboard and the processor are basically "maximum" ratings. That is, the processor, running at 100% continuously, under normal conditions, can dissipate up to 95watts - however, when it's running at less than 100%, it will dissipate less than the max. The motherboard is rated to provide "up to" 89watts - limited mostly by the onboard voltage regulators, capacitors, and trace widths.
As long as the CPU is normally running less than 100% the motherboard should be OK to supply it (it's only 6 watts in the difference). GW would typically require much less than 100% of the cpu, so you should be OK for a few months as long as you are aware of the power mismatch and don't go doing intensive benchmarking or whatever. (and make sure all cooling is working.)(and no downloading porn in the background either

)
And, of course, should you decide to keep the mobo/cpu longer, you should consider either a new motherboard or a lesser cpu.

This is pretty sound advice. But, with one correction. A CPU doesn't need to be at 100% load to be at full wattage. 90% and above is all it takes. Minor correction, so your advice still stands Quaker.