Right now at idle, there's a 12 degree difference between core 0 (39C) and core 3 (27C). I have no clue as to why the first core is the warmest--other than that it runs most of the processes at idle, by default. But if that's the case, wouldn't it be nice to have the OS alternate the cores in terms of assigning the basic tasks?

In other words, maybe the OS would assign core 0 as the "default" core on this run, but core 1 is default after the next POST sequence...and then core 2 after next boot sequence, and then core 3. Something like that. It would seem that this would expose the cores to fairly uniform amounts of heat over the long run, if indeed running basic processes as the default core is the cause for the disparity on temps between cores.

I hope that makes sense...

TB

EDIT: Just had a thought--when one of these quad core CPUs goes ka-put, why is it? Does the whole thing go, or just one core? What happens? I really do not consider 59 degrees C (the highest I have ever seen my OC'd Q9450 core 0 temp go) to be that hot mind you, so I seriously doubt there'll ever be an issue. But it's an interesting question--is one of the cores more likely to take a dive before the others, and if so...is it the one that always runs hottest?

Hey Tom,

I've got a Q6600, and Core tems range about 10 degrees C from Core 0 to Core 3. when at full load. I've got a Blue Orb II and during the summer I run about 46 on the high end to 36-38 on the low end using a simple app OCCT (if I use Prime95 to stress the cores, I can get them hotter, but if I OC from 2.4 to 2.8, I'll get around 55-60 on the high end and usually not more than 45-48 on the bottom end ( assuming it's under 70 deg. F in the room ). if it's under 50 F in the room ( i'm wearing thick wooly socks :) ) and I get it to run a little cooler, but the difference stays about the same.

Dave

Thanks Dave. I used Prime95 to check my OC config as well--and that's when I saw the 59C reading. Otherwise, rendering a Vegas project will take the cores to about 90% load (maybe slightly more) and about 56C on Core 0.

TB

....if it's under 50 F in the room ,,,, wow!! I get the web name

I don't even consider temp much of an issue unless I break 65 because while I can lower the life expectancy of my quad core, I know how to swap the proc ( and I'm guessing you do to even though these LGA775 socket procs have terrible fan connectors if you use the clip deals ( what a pain )), Unless you can't drop a couple hundred in 3 years on a new proc that fits in the same slot ( though likely you'll possibly be updating a MOBO at the same time, at that point, and just be looking for an excuse to get a new more powerful machine:) ). - the bigger better mentality gets to me sometimes, just ask my wife when she sees me looking at some of the specs on new laptops ( my current one is getting up to nearly 2 years, but still runs dual 100GB HDD's and a core 2 duo 1.83 Ghz proc, so I can't quite justify a new one yet :) ).

Dave