HP Z420 high cpu temps problem - solved!
The CPU heatsink and fan in my recently acquired HP Z420 desktop workstation weren't up to the job of cooling its Xeon E5-1650 6-core processor, as evidenced by CPU temps well above the 65 degree max operating temperature when running at 25% capacity or higher for any length of time. Max CPU temps for heavy processing jobs maxed out at 80+ degrees.
I'd investigated and followed up on all the usual suspects, i.e. accumulated dust, dried out thermal compound, fans' operation and internal airflow without any significant change. I saw that others online had run into similar problems and saw lots of frustration but no solutions. Then I realized that HP had redesigned the CPU heatsink and fan for the newer Z440 workstation and it all made sense: their solution was increasing the size and efficiency of this unit.
I checked the internals - height, existing obstructions on the motherboard, etc. and all looked fine. The one concern I had was with the new unit's fan connector with 6 pins instead of the 5-pins used on the Z420 motherboard. Looking closely at the wiring and how the connector attached I determined that I could use it without needing to rewire the 6-pin connector or exchange it for the connector on the Z420.
When this unit arrived I had no trouble at all installing it, and my CPU temps have remained in the normal range no matter the load. I ran some tests which stressed both the CPU and GPU processors and was pleased to hear the CPU fan speed up under heavy loads, so no worries about the 6-pin connector wiring or ability to work with the Z420 motherboard.
Idle temps are now 10+ degrees lower (40 vs 50-55) and typical processing temps, i.e. for normal loads, stay under 50 degrees on all cores. Problem solved!
Verified purchase: YesCondition: Pre-owned