ASUS N55SF-EH71 CPU heat levels

Ok so I recently bought this system:

ASUS N55SF-EH71
Intel Core i7-2670QM 2.2GHz
8GB DDR3
2GB Nvidia GT 555M
15.6" Display (1920x1200)
Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit

It runs great, no performance problems at all, but the cpu runs really hot according to CPUID; typically in the mid 70s (with spikes to the high 80s) while gaming (nothing real intensive mostly SWTOR and a couple other MMOs and arena games). The GPU stays cool though, highs in the upper 60s. I have it on an aluminum cool master, which stays cool also. These temps are the exact opposite of any other rig I've ever owned.

I know these quad cores run hot in laptops, but that seems awful close to the thermal threshold. Is it common on this model?

By chance I had second one to test, since the first is getting RMAed (for a bad audio port) and the tempatures seem identical. This makes me less inclined to believe it is simply a bad paste job as both systems run at the same temps.

I've searched the forum here and the internet but I can't find much info on this model.

Any one have any advice?

Thanks.

 

Check what the max temps are by running something like wprime, intel burn test or prime95. The CPU's Tjmax is 100C so you are still below it by a fair margin.

 

Thanks for the reply Tijo.

I'm used to stressing the GPU (furmark, futuremark, etc.) Haven't done a whole lot on CPUs thoough.

I ran wprime, and the individual cores ranged from 72-77 (package max was 78) after it was done, mostly staying in the low 70s. Intel burn test, I ran twice, once at standard and once at high. Max temps there 77-81 for the cores and 82 for the package. I watched it and listened for the fan to come on, once it hot the max temps, the fan kicked up and kept everything in the mid to high 70s, so the cooling system seems to be doing its adequately.

Maybe there is something particularly taxing in the SWTOR coding? I know my older rig (running a p8400) has a tough time with it at times especially on closing (takes it a good minute or two to close it out).

Maybe the thermal paste hasn't cured completely yet either.

It just really threw me that GPU was much cooler than the CPU. I haven't seen a layout for the build, but it seems like the GPU is right next to the vent and the CPU is more central (somewhere under the touchpad/spacebar area).

 

A short update...

I monkeyed around with throttling the CPU back with the ASUS software and am getting more acceptable temps while gaming. I have it set at 90% max and it has cut the max temps spikes to 81 or so. Typical temps under load are in the low 70s, so a bit better. At these temps, I think major wear will be unlikely, but I'm still not sure as I've never had a CPU run that hot.

I am considering returning this one and moving back to a 17" platform (G74SX-XT1) as they seem to handle the heat much better. I'm a grad student so this is a pretty big investment and I need it to last a couple of years, so it is probably safer to go with the big rig and deal with the weight.