MCP: What is it?

Everest Ultimate is reporting that my MCP is running at a temperature of 84 C. I have a couple of questions:

1. What is the/a MCP?
2. Is this temperature safe?
3. How do I lower this temperature?

 

possibly:
Definition: MCP: Multiport / Multiprotocol Communication Processor

 

This is an example I find:

I might guess it is a readout for the onboard graphics.

Graphics chips tend to run at a higher temperature, whether that is overly high might depend on how you are using it. You might have to do some research and decide for yourself. Me, I would take steps to try and reduce it.

I had to get a new graphics card last weekend and I saw it was running at 82*C, so far I have turned off the graphics features in Vista and now have 75*C. I will look also look at improving the air cooling around the card.

Matt

 

If it is onboard graphics, then why the hell is it running that high, when nothing is actually connected to the onboard graphics card? For the record, the next warmest thing is the GeForce 8600 GTS Diode, at 67 Celsius, and that's after finishing a reasonably graphics-intensive game about 5 minutes ago.

EDIT: Could it be a stupid sensor? Because in a short period of time, it goes from 85 up to 87, then suddenly back down to 80...

 

How can it though, the GPU has 3 sensors of its own... And all of those are a good 20 degrees cooler.

I'll repeat, "Could it be a stupid sensor? Because in a short period of time, it goes from 85 up to 87, then suddenly back down to 80... "

 

You ran onboard graphics, then installed a card? Did you uninstall any software for the onboard graphics before you mounted the add-in card? There can be all sorts of utilities associated with graphics, supplied by the adapter's manufacturer (nVidia only supply the chipset). If you had software installed for the onboard graphics, it's unlikely to be compatible with the add-in card. Check the programs listed in Add or Remove Programs or what programs were supplied on the motherboard drivers/software CD. If you think the software could be the problem, I would look at uninstalling everything related to the graphics (not just those for the onboard) and carefully reinstalling.

When you get a high temperature, restart the computer and check the temperatures in the BIOS.

From all the hits in Pete's search, it looks like quite a concern.

Problem here:
http://www.goodgearguide.com.au/article/251680/nvidia_reports_problem_laptop_chips
I would expect similar chipsets in desktop machines as well.

Reading through the hits, one website says the MCP is the Northbridge another says it is the Southbridge. The Northbridge will be the second largest chip on the motherboard after the CPU, the Southbridge the third. If the chip has a heatsink, I would consider attaching a small fan to it.

Matt

 

I've never, ever run that onboard card: When I initially ordered this PC, it came with a GeForce 8300 GS, which I then replaced with the current 8600 GTS. So if there are any drivers installed, it's Dell's fault, not mine. I'm currently looking at buying a tertiary hard drive, so I don't see why I can't buy a fan as well.

EDIT: Everest tells me that the MCP is on the southbridge. And you cannot see the temperatures in Dell's BIOS, annoyingly.

 

If you could get a fan, that would be good. It really seems like it needs extra cooling. In the meantime investigate how you would attach it.

Drivers may be one factor, as I said, also consider any software/utilities, for example, an overclocking utility. If any utilities were left over, even from the 8300GS, they could be causing a problem, that's why I suggested looking through the installed programs.

Drivers...if the 8300GS drivers were not uninstalled (there should be an uninstaller for GeForce in Add or Remove Programs, nForce is the chipset driver uninstaller) they may predate the 8600GTS drivers and cause version problems.

I might check any information about BIOS upgrades at Dell and see if they may relate to the chipset. Also get any chipset driver updates at Dell, I always check for updated chipset drivers before installing a new graphics card.

An "all in one" motherboard is not meant to take high-end hardware. You can upgrade modestly, but if you want to run "heavier" programs, you need to start with a motherboard that is dedicated to running that sort of hardware. I expect you can imagine that the onboard graphics would be fine for business-type programs, the board might be able to run the 8300GS, but it might be really struggling with the 8600GTS. Gamers don't use all-in-one motherboards. The graphics card might not have a problem, but the chipset (MCP) might be having a problem running with the graphics card.

Cooling might help, but if it is constantly running at high temps, the lifespan will be reduced.

You might want to consider turning down the visual and audio features in the game.

Matt

 

I didn't uninstall the 8300 GS drivers, as they were the latest version from NVidia anyway, and thus as the 8600 GTS uses identical drivers, I really didn't see the point.

Fan attaching shouldn't be a problem - if the worst happens, I'll rip out the stock 1050-1100 rpm chassis fan and replace it with the 5000 rpm one I'm looking at.

 

Chassis fan? You want to attach a "chipset" fan directly to the heatsink over the Southbridge chip.

Drivers, I've had my say.

Matt