What is the best way to monitor computer temperature?

**rustam** · 08-10-2005, 01:35 PM

Hi,

I have recorded a DVD recently and when I took it out the edges were burnt. Could that be caused by me changing the graphics card to geForce6 (from 4) while having an underpowered power supply (I think it is 200W but I am not sure, if anyone knows how to check it would be appreciated, as there are no relevant labels on the drive itself)?

I thought the disk burnt because the inside was hot. The burns were relatively light, strongest at the edges, getting weaker towards the centre, but the data was unrecoverable. I have observed that other disks are quite hot when I take them out. I need to make sure that my computer is not too hot, and that it is in no danger from a meltdown. Your help in achieving this objective would be hugely appreciated. My specs are as follows:

2.4 GHz Pentium 4 (Originally made by HP Hewlett Packard)
Power Supply (200W suspected, not sure)
geForce6 6600 256MB 77.72 Driver Version
768MB DDR RAM
40GB Hard Disk Drive 7200 RPM
DVD-RW Drive
CD-RW Drive
Floppy Drive
Cordless mouse drawing power from PC
Broadband modem drawing power from PC

Thanks in advance,

Rustam

kurtvoss · 08-10-2005, 02:01 PM

wow that is really bad news! Although it might not be, because when i burn a disc it is always warm when it comes out but not burning, perhaps thats the reason its called burning a disc lol, Is your computer getting a good air supply? Is your fan any good? It wont be te fact that you changed graphics cards thats for sure, i dont really know, you sure its not friction with the disc and the drive?

**Qballbandit** · 08-10-2005, 02:30 PM

To monitor, the bios is a little iffy..not the most reliable. ASUS motherboards have some nice monitoring tools, check your mobo sight. Also look up everesthome (used to be aida) they have a nice utillity that shows everything you ever wanted to know about your pc. Also, you could install a temeperature sensor for cpu, case, hdd.
I have a display on my case giving me readouts for cpu, case, hdd. It's made by Vantec. I run an ASUS A7N8X2.0 by the way...

Neil :7

***loki*** · 08-10-2005, 03:16 PM

I'd be looking at the DVD drive to make sure it isn't malfunctioning. Changing the video card shouldn't be causing CDs or DVDs to actually be burnt when burning them. If your case was that hot, then something else, likely the processor, would have given out long before.

Maybe try burning a disc with a different program to make sure the program wasn't telling the drive to do something it shouldn't.

loki

**cianpars** · 08-10-2005, 04:40 PM

Could this simply be a case of burning the DVD at too high a speed?

IAN

***loki*** · 08-10-2005, 04:43 PM

Might be I guess. Usually too high a speed just means the burn fails and the disc is unreadable. Although if you spin CDs and DVDs too fast, they will literally disintegrate.

loki

**rustam** · 08-10-2005, 06:27 PM

The speed was "4x". This is the first time this happens - hopefully the only, but the drive is made by Phillips, and I have the manufacturers guarantee, and will be able to get a replacement if the problem persists. I am just concerned about my computer getting so hot it will melt through the floor of my apartment and fall down on the person living beneath me, and melt through that and many more things... :-)

The disk is smooth, no scratches nothing, but the edges have a brown colouring (ie signs of burning) which get lighter as you go towards the center.

Rustam

**RyanbATC** · 08-11-2005, 01:00 AM

Putting them in the microwave for a few seconds is always good fun too ;-)

**Shep** · 08-11-2005, 09:57 AM

I have used SpeedFan for some years and can't fault it. Download from - http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

It will monitor all your fans, CPU, case and HDD with temps display.

Ray