GVP ACCELERATOR / SCSI card: CPU RUNNING HOT!!!

[barney]

I own an Accelerator card for my Amiga 2000: G-Force 030 (33Mhz PLCC) .  The CPU is a little different than others I have seen.  The cpu is actually built onto the motherboard as opposed to the Commodore A2630, where the chips can be removed.  

I noticed than when my computer is running, the 68030 cpu on this card gets EXTREMELY!! hot.  If I put my finger on it, it burns me.  Is this normal?  Will this heat destroy my Accelerator card over time or is this heat harmless?  I included a link to the particular model I am talking about.  Also, is there a way to cool it?  Is there a heat sink that can be attached in some way?  Thanks.

http://www.amiga-hardware.com/download_photos/gforce030_1_big.jpg

Barney

[tone007]

I've never had an 030 that would actually cause a burn if I touched it (even while playing MP3s,) but I suppose the type of chip (surface mount) doesn't have as much built-in heatsink as the larger socketed chips do.  A heatsink couldn't hurt, though I'm not up on what adhesive to use for best heat transferrence.

[Tumbleweed]

There are quite few options for attaching a heat sink, thermal adhesive paste etc. Google it. http://www.maplin.co.uk/searchtemplate.asp?criteria=THERMAL%20HEAT%20SINK%20PASTE

Just had a thought, overheating could be caused by too high a voltage. I burned a 486 by setting the voltage too high once. You don't have the option to set the voltage on the board, but a fault somewhere (faulty voltage regulator) could be the cause.

Weed

[Damion]

Those seem to run hot. A small heatsink can't hurt... I usually use Ceramique, with a small dab of AS adhesive in two of the corners, and place a bit of weight (not too much) on top while it cures.

A little airflow in the case doesn't hurt, either. I use a Nexus WaveAir, with the PCI bracket modified to attach to the empty slot between the CPU card and the first Zorro slot. Undervolted 40mm fans come in handy, too.

[barney]

I found on ebay an "adhesive thermal tape".  It states that it isn't to be used on CPU's, but I assume they are talking about modern CPU's with extremely high temps.  My 68030 runs hot, probably around 125 or more degrees.  would this be too hot for this thermal tape?  Is there a glue that can also withstand high temps?  Thanks.

Barney

[Damion]

Personally, I would stay away from thermal pads. If you want to attach it easily and permanently, this or this is the way to go IMHO. But I still prefer using adhesive only in a few corners, and covering the rest with regular thermal compound.

[barney]

Ok, thanks for the info.  Now with this arctic silvers, it states to keep it away from electrical traces.  This cpu on this particular accelerator is quite small (about the size of a quarter.  I know how cpu paste tends to squeeze out and get all over the place.  Is this going to be the case with this stuff?  Does this stuff tend to creep after it has been applied?  Also, the space between the CPU and my DF1: floppy drive is approx 1.5".  Do you know of a place to purchase good heat discipating, think heatsinks that will fit between this space?  Thanks.  Also, between these two artic silvers you listed, which do you prefer,the Arctic adhesive or the Arctic Ceramic Adhesive?
Barney

[nishtek]

Precisely, why I don't recommend any paste (it won't hold it in place without brackets).  use thermal tape.  The 68030 is just like 386 doesn't require a ton of cooling.  the arctic stuff is an overkill.  PM if you want thermal tape plus heatsink plus fan (low profile). make an offer.  I had this GVP 030 10 years ago.  The fan alone will do more than enough.  This isn't a Pentium CPU that requires a heatsink the size of a fridge and fan. ;-)  The notes about thermal tape are for the new CPUs.
Check your jumper settings and crystal clock (hope no one overclocked it.)

Ok, thanks for the info.  Now with this arctic silvers, it states to keep it away from electrical traces.  
Barney

[Damion]

Hi Barney,

Ok, thanks for the info.  Now with this arctic silvers, it states to keep it away from electrical traces.  This cpu on this particular accelerator is quite small (about the size of a quarter.  I know how cpu paste tends to squeeze out and get all over the place.  Is this going to be the case with this stuff?  Does this stuff tend to creep after it has been applied?  Also, the space between the CPU and my DF1: floppy drive is approx 1.5".  Do you know of a place to purchase good heat discipating, think heatsinks that will fit between this space?  Thanks.  Also, between these two artic silvers you listed, which do you prefer,the Arctic adhesive or the Arctic Ceramic Adhesive?
Barney

This is what I do:

1. Clean both surfaces (using ArtiClean, or just regular ISO is OK)

2. "Tint" the heatsink surface with a small dab of Ceramique (described in the online docs)

3. Place a very small dab of Ceramique on the processor surface

4. Place two tiny dabs of the ceramic adhesive in two corners (pre-mixing is not really necessary, just a small bit from each tube on top of each other)

5. Fit the heatsink, applying a small amount of pressure, and some twisting to help work out any trapped air, spread the compounds evenly, etc

6. Place a bit of weight, perhaps something like a small glass with a medium-size paperback book on top, and let set for at least an hour

It won't ooze much if you take your time and don't get too crazy with the compound. Cotton swabs soaked in ISO easily clean anything that might seep out.
 
All that said, I agree that doing all this (while it works well) might be a bit excessive. For me it's simply a hobby and fun, plus I already have all the compounds/thermal glues/heatsinks/etc laying around. Thermal tape and a small fan will also work good enough, if you'd rather take an less time-consuming route.

[Damion]

double post

[delshay]

it's best to get any chip that runs **very hot** to get it as cool as possible even if its a overkill,as you may have not taken into account change in air temperture.

[rkauer]

  My 68030 runs hot, probably around 125 or more degrees.

 THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!

 The typical CPU heat is around the 50°C range, even in very heavy software load. Check the +5V line. Undervoltages are a common cause to malfunction, too.

 The +5V rail must be in the 4.85 to 5.25V range and steady (no variation).

 Other than that you must replace the Amiga PSU or it will die in a very near future. Also replace electrolytic capacitors in the accelerator board and motherboard.

 Dry capacitors will decrease the necessary capacitance required to filter electrical noise and make semiconductor chips to overheat, too.

[tone007]

I imagine he's talking Fahrenheit, which is still used here in the US.

Works out to about 51°C.

 THIS IS NOT NORMAL!!!

 The typical CPU heat is around the 50°C range, even in very heavy software load. Check the +5V line. Undervoltages are a common cause to malfunction, too.

 The +5V rail must be in the 4.85 to 5.25V range and steady (no variation).

 Other than that you must replace the Amiga PSU or it will die in a very near future. Also replace electrolytic capacitors in the accelerator board and motherboard.

 Dry capacitors will decrease the necessary capacitance required to filter electrical noise and make semiconductor chips to overheat, too.

[rkauer]

~50°C is quite normal for the 030 range of CPUs. Just a heatsink over the cpu (a low-profile one, of course) with a weak thermal pad will suffice.

[nishtek]

~50°C is quite normal for the 030 range of CPUs. Just a heatsink over the cpu (a low-profile one, of course) with a weak thermal pad will suffice.

as I said earlier, its an overkill doing anything fancy.
Range is 0 to 70 Celsius as far as operating temperature.
@barney I send you a reply.