Vantec temp probes reporting way off temps: Why?

[RSV_Ecosse]

For a few days, my systems internal speaker had been making the ocassional beeping sound, which corresponded, in online games, with a split second "lag" type effect.

I've turned it off in the BIOS and it seems to have cured the problem.

However, the BIOS was reporting CPU temp as anything between 50-60 deg C.

My Vantec Nexus 101 panel, was reporting via the thermal probe, around 32-37 deg C, which was why I wasn't aware the rig's temps were that high, certainly not as high as the BIOS was reading it.

Now, I fitted the thermal probe under the HS, as close as possible to the CPU core ( an Athlon 3000XP ).

I would have thought that this was a much more accurate method of reading temp? Speedfan also reported my CPU temp in a similar range as the BIOS did.

I'm puzzled. Why such a discrepancy in temp ranges between the two methods? Also, I would have expected much lower temps, I fitted the Vantec Nexus 101 Multi function panel at the same time I fitted my new ThermalRight SLK-900A HS, using AS-5 and slotted an 80mm Tt Smartfan II on it. Fired the system up and read the "32 deg" temp on the Vantec and felt chuffed with myself, but all along, its been reading wayyyy off??!!

[Sharky]

The BIOS reads from a diode, either in or just below the CPU core. This gives a much more accurate temp reading. Even though you have the probe near the core, the reading will never be as accurate. You should be careful though, as you don't want the HSF to be raised from the core in anyway, otherwise thermal transfer away from the core will be very inefficient. However, the BIOS reading seems to be about right, so you needn't worry

[RSV_Ecosse]

Cheers for the info, Sharky.

The bottom of the HS isn't raised from the core, no.....I made sure that the tip of the thermal probe simply ran alongside it.

Ok, I can deal with a temp reading thats inaccurate, but what about those temps in the first place??!!

As you say, they are within "tolerances", however, I would have thought with my cooling set up, I would have got substantially lower temps than this. I just cant figure it out. I'll try cleaning and reapplying AS-5 to it again, see if that makes any difference. Previously, before I got the Vantec panel, I used Speedfan to monitor my temps, and it usually reported around 38-42. Then I got the Vantec panel and Thermalright HS at the same time, like I said, put it all together, fired up the PC and thought "Great.......nice HS, temps are now reading 32!!". And all along I've been wrong.

Any suggestions?