Core i7- 4770K + Corsair H100i High Temps

reachground · Feb 26, 2014

About a week ago I finished building my rig (specs in signature). I fired it up and everything looked good. Finally I got to the point where I was going to overclock. I did it with my previous build and it was smooth sailing. Got an i7-920 up to 3,8GHz without a problem. I'm not a hardcore overclocker and I would be satisfied if my current build would at least run 4,4GHz. At the moment I can't even go for 4,2 without it going nuts.

On stock, these are my results:
Idle: ~34 degrees celsius (everything celsius after this)
Prime95 Small FFTs: 78 degrees
Aida64, Stress CPU/Stress FPU/Stress Cache/Stress system memory: 66 degrees
Aida64, Stress FPU only: 83 degrees

Fine, I thought, it's high but let's try it anyway. Careful OC to 4,2 via the automagical Maximius IV Bios. Even though I know it's not optimal to do it on auto I still wanted to see what happens. Results:

Prime95, Small FFTs: 90+ degrees
Aida64, Stress CPU/Stress FPU/Stress Cache/Stress system memory: 75 degrees

Very well. That's way too hot. I looked for solutions basically the whole day. Most of which I spent on Tom's Hardware. The consensus seemed to be to remount the cooler. A few hours ago I did just that. Was hoping that I'd installed it wrong and that the paste would be off somehow. Nope, everything looked great. Cleaned the cpu and cooler carefully. Applied Arctic Silver 5 (pea in the middle) and let it run for a few hours.

Tried Prime95 and Aida 64 again and getting almost exactly the same readings. I'm not sure where to go from here. Is the H100i pump b0rken or did I do something wrong?

I've taken a few pictures if that helps. Check out this album. All the images after the Memtest is just my process. I've put the images important for this issue first.

Looking forward to your suggestions.

Thanks!

//Reach

Drew010 · Feb 26, 2014

What voltage are you using for those clocks?

Dom_79 · Feb 26, 2014

Using the automatic OC prog is probably where the problem is. Try setting the bios back to stock and manually set the core multiplier and the vcore (both in small increments) until you have a stable 4.4.

The i7-920 used less total watts and ran significantly cooler than the 4770. Not to mention the fact that the CPU die was soldered to the lid unlike the 4770.

Reducing voltage is going to be the key to reducing your temps.

I also use the H100i and found that using the fans as exhaust rather than intake helped with temps quite a bit. Also make sure you've set a proper fan curve to ramp up the rpms when stress testing, the default "quiet" profile is not enough under stress tests.

reachground · Feb 26, 2014

Dom_79 :

I've been using the fans as exhaust from the start. Intake sounds like a dust nightmare

I ran another Prime95 Small FFTs for about 30 seconds, both fans on maximum. 79 degrees. Still on stock clocks. If I get these temps on stock I'm terrified of overclocking no matter how little.

Volts are at 1.136 according to CPU-Z.

Dom_79 · Feb 26, 2014

If you've reset the bios to default (or didn't change this option in the first place) then you're probably using adaptive voltage. Check CPU-Z during a quick Prime95 run to see what the volts max out at.

These Haswells run hot but at stock that seems excessive. If you have CorsairLink installed check to make sure the pump is running at the proper speed (should be about 2200 RPM you can't change it so if not RMA it). You probably did this (but I just have to mention it because, hey, I don't know everything you've done and I wanna help

) make sure the block it seated properly and as tight as possible - without breaking anything of course.

It probably wouldn't make that much of a difference but Arctic Silver 5 does require 200+hours to "cure". I'd be surprised if the curing factor would bring temps down more than a couple degrees though.

One possibility, after we've made sure the voltages aren't spiking unusually and the H100i is working properly is that you've got a bad chip. It does happen due to Intel using TIM under the lid instead of soldering to it. I'm not 100% but if this is the case, then the stock cooler wouldn't even be enough at stock speeds and you can get another shot at the silicon lottery RMA the CPU and hope for a golden chip

)

reachground · Feb 26, 2014

Dom_79 :

Hey!

Just wanted to start off by thanking you for taking your time. It's much appreciated by a somewhat noob pc builder as myself.

Instead of me telling you I though I might screenshot the result for you:
Hot hot hot

1.184 doesn't feel like it should be getting this temp. Am I right in assuming this is a crappy cpu? If so, FML

I'm happy to provide more test results if needed.

Late here in Sweden and I'm heading to bed. Will get back to you in the morning if you reply while I'm counting sheep.

Dom_79 · Feb 26, 2014

You're welcome for the time (I don't do much with it anyways :lol: )

If that screenshot is during the test then your fans aren't spinning at max, they can go about 1000RPM faster (unless you replaced the stock ones with SP120 Quiet editions)

Your pump seems to be running a little bit slow (52 RPMs could make a difference, maybe not this much of a difference though)
I though 1.184 seemed a little high for stock 3.5GHz but I notice your CPU-Z shot says 3.9. You've got "Turbo Mode" enabled.

I noticed your GPU and HDD temps seem a little high. What are your ambient temps and is your rig near a heat source? Also is your case getting enough air intake (those fans on the H100i push a lot of air out). What case are you using and what are the fan specs/orientation (exhaust or intake)?

Hope all the sheep you count are running cool, talk to ya tomorrow.

Powerbolt · Feb 26, 2014

Might check your fan profiles on CorsairLink. I have my H80i fans set to performance mode, and they can cope with a 4.2GHz OC relatively well. They're currently spinning at just over 1600 RPM idling. Like what others have suggested, I wouldn't use the auto overclocking utility. Those voltages are designed for a one size fits all overclock. Your best bet is to maybe look at a few 4770K OC guides and try to personalize your overclock.

reachground · Feb 27, 2014

Dom_79 :

I should have known better than to stay up that late. I'm paying for it today. Anyway, I'll try to give you straight answers. Unfortunately without further testing which I'm too tired to do.

I've tried having the fans run at maximum and didn't even get a 1 degree difference. From my understand the speed of the pump is set by Corsair and can't be changed. Looking at Corsair Link atm and it's at 2150. Ran a quick Prime95 FFT, still 70 degrees with the pump switching between 2149-2150. Yeah Turbo Mode is enabled. It's what the board sets it to when I put it back to its original state. Should I disable it to go on true stock speed? Think it would make a huge difference?

Unfortunately I don't have an exact ambient temp indoors but I can give you an idea. It's 2 degrees outside and I'm in front of the computer in a thick sweater since it's too cold inside. I would guess perhaps 19-22 degrees. There's no heat source near the computer. It's several metres from the radiator and I've moved away most things around it.

My specs are in the signature but it's not always the best overview. I bought the Fractal Design Define R4 Black Pearl. Best case I ever worked with. I haven't changed anything so I suppose it pulls air from the front and moves it out the back. I put the H100i fans on top and that's close to where the case pushes air. I've been thinking about trying both pull and push/pull on the H100i to see if that makes a difference. Everytime I change the hardware I let the computer run with the case open in case something goes wrong. After that I shut it down and close it. Never seen much difference either way.

Thanks again my man.

Powerbolt :

Hey Powerbolt! Welcome to the conversation

Like I said to Dom_79 I've had the fans set to maximum without even 1 degree change in temperature. The auto clocking was just to test it out and see how it went. I will overclock manually when the time comes, but should I even start with it since I'm getting 70+ degrees on stock (with turbo)?

Powerbolt · Feb 27, 2014

Hey! Thanks for the welcome.

I wouldn't try it until you at least locate the problem. It's hard to say exactly what it is at this point given that you've tried so many things. That being said I'd probably write off the pump as being faulty before the processor. When the pump is supposedly spooling up, does it feel like it's moving a good amount of water through the tubes? Do you have another cooler on hand you could try with the processor, even if it's just the stock cooler?

reachground · Feb 27, 2014

Powerbolt :

I agree. There is definitely something wrong that I need to figure out first. I've never actually tried touching the pipes to see if there's any movement. Another thing to try then. Plenty of times I've put my hand over the airflow to see if it gets hotter when the CPU is running hot. There's not much difference in heat but perhaps that's how it's supposed to be.

Today I also tested everything on true stock without turbo. 1.056 V at 3,5GHz.
Aida64, Stress FPU only: 55 degrees
Prime 95, Small FFT's: 56 degrees
That's fine of course but with it feels like waste of money to run it at this speed :/.

I'll try the stock cooler tomorrow or sometime during the weekend.

As a side note, the sound that the H100i makes at low RPM's is truly annoying. Not a thing to dive into in this thread but something I'll need to adress when this is done.

Thanks Powerbolt, much appreciated.

Powerbolt · Feb 27, 2014

I suppose if it's possible to actually RMA the processor and get a new one at no cost, that might be a good thing to keep in mind. In case it is the processor causing you problems, it would be an easy fix (somewhat). Probably also something to consider with your H100i as well if all else fails. Your build is brand spanking new I'm sure you're still within the RMA/Return time constraints.

reachground · Feb 27, 2014

Powerbolt :

I've invested far more than I originally wanted to, and the main reason was to make it easier. This has been such a headache since the build was complete.

When I install the stock cooler, what temperatures should I expect?

Powerbolt · Feb 27, 2014

I can't say exactly, but if they're consistent and noticeably lower than or equal to that of your H100i; it's likely a problem with your H100i.

The only other problem with the processor I can think of, given it's heat problem, is perhaps the dye or paste inside the chip is bad (Provided these unusual temperatures are present at stock clocks). However, very unlikely.

Hopefully this will help shed some light on your situation so you can patch it up and enjoy your new machine. I can understand the headaches, mine's imploded a few times as well.

EDIT: Also as an after thought, what does the BIOS report your temperatures at when you boot the machine up?

reachground · Feb 27, 2014

Powerbolt :

Thanks a lot. You've been very helpful. I'm planning to call support tomorrow to see what they suggest. I don't want to mess around too much if I'm going to return it (CPU and/or cooler).

Will keep you guys updated on the progress.

Dom_79 · Feb 28, 2014

I was just thinking. My H100i (pump) always operates at a constant speed and literally makes no noise (all case fans off, GPU fan off, rad fans off). If you're pump is changing speeds and making noise then it is definitely the problem.

Are you sure it isn't the fans making noise and dropping RPMs?

reachground · Feb 28, 2014

Dom_79 :

You have perfect timing! As you sent this I was beginning to write my thank you's and tell you I'm returning the cpu and cooler. Talked to the store today and it looks good. Since the cpu is under 90 degrees on turbo I can't get it tested but I can of course return it. Alright, I'll get right on with switching to the stock cooler to see what happens.

Never been this unlucky with a build before. Murphy's Law I suppose.

Dom_79 · Feb 28, 2014

I just finished building my first rig around New Years. I anticipated having these problems and more so I bought everything from a nearby store that I had a good report with the staff so that when I needed to return stuff, no problems. Somehow I got REALLY lucky and everything came together without any problems (other than me thinking that the H100i would keep things cooler than a high end air cooler

)

Just trying to say, at least you didn't buy it online and have to pay shipping!

reachground · Feb 28, 2014

Dom_79 :

Haha! Unfortunately I bought everything online (komplett.se - Trusted by geeks since 1996) so I'll have to pay for shipping. Not a big deal. Just a bit nervous about their return police. It has to be good enough to sell again. Well I've been careful but it's not going to be perfect of course. I'll put on the stock cooler now. At the same time I'll remount the cpu and see if that makes a difference. Will be back with temps.

Dom_79 · Feb 28, 2014

Good idea. Don't return things you don't have to when paying for shipping. Sorry to hear about that (the bought online shipping thing), I misunderstood - my bad - didn't mean to rub salt in the wound so to speak.

Yeah Intel and retailers covered their butt pretty good on these Haswells. "If It's not over 90C at stock+turbo..."
and Intel rates the chips to "work fine for an expected lifetime" at +/- 85C

I've said it before in another thread. I don't think it's the worst idea of theirs to cheap out on using TIM under the lid instead of soldering. But we pay a premium (or at least used to...) for the "K" versions of these CPUs to have the ability to OC. That's all the difference there is in the Ks. Why they wouldn't take different steps in what TIM and how it was applied to the Ks (or outright soldering the die to the lid) is beyond me.

I hope all goes well with the testing and returning. BTW when you spoke to the people at the store/online, did you mention that the lower than 90C temps were NOT with the stock cooler? I guess it won't matter since you are gonna test it now with that anyways but... whatever, just thought that might make a difference to them taking it back or not.

reachground · Mar 1, 2014

Haha! Don't worry about that. I don't mind, the shipping won't be too bad.

Recorded the sound of my H100i. I wouldn't mind the air audio but that buzzing is annoying. I have tinnitus and oversensitivity to sounds so it's a bit worse because of that.
http://audiour.com/art23ftw

I tried connecting both H100i fans straight to the motherboard with no difference in sound.

Switched the H100i for the stock fan. W.T.F. This can't be right. Have a listen:
http://audiour.com/playlist/y5svlofw
Something is seriously wrong with that one. It's like having a jet flying around in my living room.

Here are the results from having the stock fan installed:
3,5GHz, no turbo
Idle: 53 degrees
Prime95, Small FFTs: 81 degrees (stopped there, took about 30 seconds to reach)

3,9GHz, turbo to 3,9GHz
Idle: 53 degrees
Prime 95, Small FFTs: 92 degrees, stopped there since it was going up.
Battlefield 4, 20 minutes: 75 degrees.

*sigh*. Send the CPU back I suppose. Any other ideas? I'm so tired of this I've almost given up on the OC. Perhaps I'll try one CPU switch and if it doesn't work then just leave it as it is.

Powerbolt · Mar 1, 2014

Wow. That's no joke, the stock cooler is especially annoying.

I'd try connecting up to a different CPU header on the board. I can see why one cooler might be having a problem, but not so much when problem seems to reflect on both coolers in that respect.

Either way those temps aren't normal. A CPU switch could do you some good. Hopefully the new processor + stock fan won't buzz so horridly.

Dom_79 · Mar 1, 2014

Ouch! Neither of those fans sounds are normal. The fan on the stock cooler sounds like it's hitting something. Just a heads-up on the stock fans for the H100i - they can get very annoying. I switched mine out for SP120 High performance due to the stock ones coil whine and slight grinding sounds at mid-high RPM (didn't hear anything from them at low RPM i.e: quite profile)

Just thought I'd mention that since you have tinnitus.

I agree with powerbolt, you've gotta' switch out the CPU. It's a bad chip. Too bad you sent away for it. If you had gotten it from a store you could maybe check the next one to make sure it's not from the same batch.

reachground · Mar 2, 2014

Dom_79 and Powerbolt!

You'll be disappointed in hearing that I'm going to be the perfect customer and do nothing. Since I've been lucky with my parts in the past I threw it all together and got it running. That means I got my important hard drives from the other computer and it's basically stripped to be able to sell as it is. My computer is the tool I use for work and if I return the CPU I'd have to move the drives again as well as reinstall a lot of software. When I sell it I'll have to clear the computer again. Too much guys, too much. Only realized that as I planned to return the CPU.

This week I'll try to overclock anyway and see how far I can get it. Perhaps I'll manage a stable 4.0GHz at least. Who knows.

You've both been very helpful and I wish I could pick you both as the man with the plan. Unfortunately there shall be only one and since Dom_79 was here from the start I pick him. Just know that I appreciate your time and efforts to help this lazy swede that, after days of fighting, just give up

.

Will try to be back with OC results but not sure.

Cheers!

//Reach

Dom_79 · Mar 2, 2014

Thanks Reach!

Hope you are able to get the kind of performance that will make you happy with your new system.

Best of luck! Cheers!

Core i7- 4770K + Corsair H100i High Temps

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