Temp sensor on Athlon XP

[foxmulder]

I heard they were building a temp sensor into the Athlon XP chip as overposed to the crappy ones on the mobos. Is this true? If they finally managed to build a reliable thermal probe that alone would be a reason for me to buy it.

[Tobes]

I wouldn't get too exited about the XP's thermal diode.

Check out this article (http://www6.tomshardware.com/cpu/01q3/010917/index.html ) at Toms Hardware.

The video is a hoot to watch but it is a 9MB download for a 2min flick.

It really highlights the superiority of the P4's thermal design.
They yank the HS of the CPU while running Quake and the game slows but continues to run!!! Amazing stuff.
In contrast the AMD's go up in smoke.
Even the Palimino with the thermal diode! Apparently it can't react quickly enough if the heatsink comes off. Its probably only usefull for a fan failure where CPU heat would rise much more slowly. AMD has alot of catching up to do in this area.

[foxmulder]

I've seen the video:)

I really didn't mean the protection function as much as an active temerature measurement. The Temp probe on my Asus A7V133 is absolute B.S. and I was hoping the sensor on the Athlon XP would give me accurate readings.

[Tobes]

Yes, it would have to be more accurate than the board mounted probes.
I agree this will be an improvement. Pity about the lack of protection, particularly as Intel have had a better system for over two years.

[foxmulder]

True, I'm praying that it'll be somewhat accurate. Doesn't the P4 have something similar built in?

[Thelemac]

*Moved to "Cooling"*