CPU i7 4790K reaching 100c on less than 100% load
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Last response: in CPUs
retched
September 23, 2014 9:39:59 AM
This may be a case of me not having a strong enough CPU cooler but I'm out of ideas besides installing a well over $100 fan and even more paste.
I'm currently running an i7-4790K CPU on a Z97X-Gaming 7 Motherboard. I used the stock Intel fan and the Deep Cool "Theta 7" and in either instance I get similar results in regards to temperature. If the load of my PC approaches 50% or more, the temperature skyrockets beyond anything I'm reasonably comfortable with. During the installation of the fan/heatsink each time, I made sure that I cleaned my CPU and heatsink with alcohol and remove all the grease from the old application before putting on the new one.
My question is: are these temps acceptable for the CPU? Before I run down to the store and spend even more money on a new heatsink and case, I'd like to get an opinion on this:
Photos of Core Temp measuring my CPU. (Using the Stock fan)
At rest:
![]()
While running "The Secret World" Game + Broadcasting via OBS:
![]()
And after shutting down the game and stream software:
![]()
I'd appreciate any suggestions.
I'm currently running an i7-4790K CPU on a Z97X-Gaming 7 Motherboard. I used the stock Intel fan and the Deep Cool "Theta 7" and in either instance I get similar results in regards to temperature. If the load of my PC approaches 50% or more, the temperature skyrockets beyond anything I'm reasonably comfortable with. During the installation of the fan/heatsink each time, I made sure that I cleaned my CPU and heatsink with alcohol and remove all the grease from the old application before putting on the new one.
My question is: are these temps acceptable for the CPU? Before I run down to the store and spend even more money on a new heatsink and case, I'd like to get an opinion on this:
Photos of Core Temp measuring my CPU. (Using the Stock fan)
At rest:

While running "The Secret World" Game + Broadcasting via OBS:

And after shutting down the game and stream software:

I'd appreciate any suggestions.
More about : cpu 4790k reaching 100c 100 load
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retched
September 23, 2014 9:49:00 AM
Karsten75 said:
heck no. Somethings seriously wrong.I figured as much but am lost as to how should I even remotely start trying to correct this. Someone mentioned the CPU could be faulty. Is that a possibility or should I stick with replacing the fan and paste again. I'm currently using Arctic Silver 5.
Also I made sure that the I applied the paste using a fair amount using the "pea" method and that the heatsink is tightly against the CPU.
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ABagOfFritos
September 23, 2014 9:49:29 AM
I see two options:
1) Fan not spinning, or
2) Heatsink not properly mounted thus a GAP between the CPU and the heatsink.
Other:
a) My recommendations for a cooler are the Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S. I've used both of these, as well as the stock and others like the CM Hyper 212 EVO.
The main reason for the Noctua is that it's dead silent in idle and barely audible at 100% load. Again though, there's something wrong with your current setup.
b) FYI, my i7-3770K shows a current max of 39degC in a room that is 20degC during basic usage using a good Noctua cooler.
c) I'm not sure how you setup your CPU but I suggest just enabling "XMP" in the BIOS and save that setting for now. If you haven't already. I doubt that will make much difference if you haven't overclocked though.
1) Fan not spinning, or
2) Heatsink not properly mounted thus a GAP between the CPU and the heatsink.
Other:
a) My recommendations for a cooler are the Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S. I've used both of these, as well as the stock and others like the CM Hyper 212 EVO.
The main reason for the Noctua is that it's dead silent in idle and barely audible at 100% load. Again though, there's something wrong with your current setup.
b) FYI, my i7-3770K shows a current max of 39degC in a room that is 20degC during basic usage using a good Noctua cooler.
c) I'm not sure how you setup your CPU but I suggest just enabling "XMP" in the BIOS and save that setting for now. If you haven't already. I doubt that will make much difference if you haven't overclocked though.
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Reply to photonboy
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retched
September 23, 2014 9:51:47 AM
ABagOfFritos said:
Both of those fans are absolute garbage. Intel stock fans can't handle the slightest OC, and your chip is running at 4.4GHz which is .4 above stock. You need a proper aftermarket cooling solution.I noticed that too. It was not my intention to overclock my system in anyway shape or form. Did I change a setting or something to make the BIOS think I wanted to OC my system? I know Intel has the IntelBoost (or whatever its called) that runs but I didn't want to OC my CPU.
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retched
September 23, 2014 9:53:45 AM
photonboy said:
I see two options:1) Fan not spinning, or
2) Heatsink not properly mounted thus a GAP between the CPU and the heatsink.
Other:
My recommendations for a cooler are the Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S. I've used both of these, as well as the stock and others like the CM Hyper 212 EVO.
The main reason for the Noctua is that it's dead silent in idle and barely audible at 100% load. Again though, there's something wrong with your current setup.
That's the funny thing though, the CPU is spinning as I can see it through the window in my case and I made sure the heatsink is well against the core unless there's something I missed. I could try removing everything from the tower and install the cpu and heatsink outside the tower.
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ABagOfFritos
September 23, 2014 9:56:16 AM
retched said:
ABagOfFritos said:
Both of those fans are absolute garbage. Intel stock fans can't handle the slightest OC, and your chip is running at 4.4GHz which is .4 above stock. You need a proper aftermarket cooling solution.I noticed that too. It was not my intention to overclock my system in anyway shape or form. Did I change a setting or something to make the BIOS think I wanted to OC my system? I know Intel has the IntelBoost (or whatever its called) that runs but I didn't want to OC my CPU.
It's probably the stock TurboBoost, but even that seems to be too much for some of the stock Intel coolers. photonboy above makes some good recommendations for alternative coolers. Another good option is Cooler Master's V8, though it's a bit louder than what photonboy is recommending.
As mentioned as well, the fans themselves might not be spinning, which would explain the temps, either that or cooling block is not making full contact with the CPU, which could be one or more of the 4 locking pins not being pushed down fully.
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Reply to ABagOfFritos
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retched
September 23, 2014 10:00:51 AM
kapitalistas said:
you wanna downclock you hardware(whatever your overclock cpu,gpu,memmory)and get better cooler for your cpu,or lower settings in the game.That's the odd thing, nothing is overclocked. 4.4 is from Intel's boost running by default it seems. everything is stock except technically the GPU which came as "Overclocked" model.
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retched
September 23, 2014 10:03:55 AM
ABagOfFritos said:
retched said:
ABagOfFritos said:
Both of those fans are absolute garbage. Intel stock fans can't handle the slightest OC, and your chip is running at 4.4GHz which is .4 above stock. You need a proper aftermarket cooling solution.I noticed that too. It was not my intention to overclock my system in anyway shape or form. Did I change a setting or something to make the BIOS think I wanted to OC my system? I know Intel has the IntelBoost (or whatever its called) that runs but I didn't want to OC my CPU.
It's probably the stock TurboBoost, but even that seems to be too much for some of the stock Intel coolers. photonboy above makes some good recommendations for alternative coolers. Another good option is Cooler Master's V8, though it's a bit louder than what photonboy is recommending.
As mentioned as well, the fans themselves might not be spinning, which would explain the temps, either that or cooling block is not making full contact with the CPU, which could be one or more of the 4 locking pins not being pushed down fully.
All fans are running in the case. the GPU, CPU, and the three tower fans all powered and running. I can attempt to re-tighten the stock cooling unit to the motherboard but I know I heard the pins click in as I applied them.
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retched said:
kapitalistas said:
you wanna downclock you hardware(whatever your overclock cpu,gpu,memmory)and get better cooler for your cpu,or lower settings in the game.That's the odd thing, nothing is overclocked. 4.4 is from Intel's boost running by default it seems. everything is stock except technically the GPU which came as "Overclocked" model.
It's possible your case cooling isn't sufficient and/or your ambient room temperature is fairly warm but regardless I think you should just get one of the Noctua's I recommend (make sure they fit your case). So:
1) Get a better cooler and install it
2) Setup fan control software for the CPU (and case fans if they can plug into the motherboard). I suggest about 30% of maximum until about 40degC and then ramp up but it will depend on your case and room temp. Basically keep the CPU fan low for idle temps and ramp up as needed (motherboard fan control software).
3) Recommend at least one front fan as INTAKE and a top/rear fan as EXHAUST. I personally have FOUR (two front, two top) and they are variable PWM fans and spin about 500RPM in idle and rarely go much higher.
You may have case fans you can't even control but if they aren't too noisy I wouldn't worry about it. The main thing is to have at least some air flow from the front/bottom to top/rear.
My case fans and Noctua CPU fan make almost zero noise.
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Reply to photonboy
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retched
September 23, 2014 10:15:21 AM
photonboy said:
retched said:
kapitalistas said:
you wanna downclock you hardware(whatever your overclock cpu,gpu,memmory)and get better cooler for your cpu,or lower settings in the game.That's the odd thing, nothing is overclocked. 4.4 is from Intel's boost running by default it seems. everything is stock except technically the GPU which came as "Overclocked" model.
It's possible your case cooling isn't sufficient and/or your ambient room temperature is fairly warm but regardless I think you should just get one of the Noctua's I recommend (make sure they fit your case). So:
1) Get a better cooler and install it
2) Setup fan control software for the CPU (and case fans if they can plug into the motherboard). I suggest about 30% of maximum until about 40degC and then ramp up but it will depend on your case and room temp. Basically keep the CPU fan low for idle temps and ramp up as needed (motherboard fan control software).
3) Recommend at least one front fan as INTAKE and a top/rear fan as EXHAUST. I personally have FOUR (two front, two top) and they are variable PWM fans and spin about 500RPM in idle and rarely go much higher.
You may have case fans you can't even control but if they aren't too noisy I wouldn't worry about it. The main thing is to have at least some air flow from the front/bottom to top/rear.
My case fans and Noctua CPU fan make almost zero noise.
Any recommendations on cases? Not sure if my current case can hold that fan. Currently using a mid-tower case: Thermaltake Commander Mid Tower ATX Computer Case
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ABagOfFritos
September 23, 2014 10:29:28 AM
retched said:
photonboy said:
retched said:
kapitalistas said:
you wanna downclock you hardware(whatever your overclock cpu,gpu,memmory)and get better cooler for your cpu,or lower settings in the game.That's the odd thing, nothing is overclocked. 4.4 is from Intel's boost running by default it seems. everything is stock except technically the GPU which came as "Overclocked" model.
It's possible your case cooling isn't sufficient and/or your ambient room temperature is fairly warm but regardless I think you should just get one of the Noctua's I recommend (make sure they fit your case). So:
1) Get a better cooler and install it
2) Setup fan control software for the CPU (and case fans if they can plug into the motherboard). I suggest about 30% of maximum until about 40degC and then ramp up but it will depend on your case and room temp. Basically keep the CPU fan low for idle temps and ramp up as needed (motherboard fan control software).
3) Recommend at least one front fan as INTAKE and a top/rear fan as EXHAUST. I personally have FOUR (two front, two top) and they are variable PWM fans and spin about 500RPM in idle and rarely go much higher.
You may have case fans you can't even control but if they aren't too noisy I wouldn't worry about it. The main thing is to have at least some air flow from the front/bottom to top/rear.
My case fans and Noctua CPU fan make almost zero noise.
Any recommendations on cases? Not sure if my current case can hold that fan. Currently using a mid-tower case: Thermaltake Commander Mid Tower ATX Computer Case
If you want to change the case out as well, I'd recommend Fractal Design's Define R4. Dead silent and incredible cooling possibilities.
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Farapon
September 23, 2014 11:04:54 AM
clueless77
September 23, 2014 12:37:29 PM
Farapon said:
It is because of your voltage, 1.4 is too much try 1.25 - 1.30Err yeah, this. Your voltage is probably set at auto or adaptive, and your motherboard is going crazy with the applied voltage. I would think that a stock heatsink would be capable of managing the heat generated from your CPU at stock frequencies and voltages, turbo boost or not. Higher voltages and overclocking, not so much.
1.20 is my stock voltage for 4.4 turbo, for some 790k chips it's higher but if it's unstable you'll know soon enough. Also, maybe see if there's a bios update for your motherboard that would sync the voltage with turbo boost at realistic applications if you're not into manually adjusting, I have a Z97 but even it had a bios update optimizing for Devil's Canyon.
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retched
September 24, 2014 7:13:52 AM
clueless77 said:
Farapon said:
It is because of your voltage, 1.4 is too much try 1.25 - 1.30Err yeah, this. Your voltage is probably set at auto or adaptive, and your motherboard is going crazy with the applied voltage. I would think that a stock heatsink would be capable of managing the heat generated from your CPU at stock frequencies and voltages, turbo boost or not. Higher voltages and overclocking, not so much.
1.20 is my stock voltage for 4.4 turbo, for some 790k chips it's higher but if it's unstable you'll know soon enough. Also, maybe see if there's a bios update for your motherboard that would sync the voltage with turbo boost at realistic applications if you're not into manually adjusting, I have a Z97 but even it had a bios update optimizing for Devil's Canyon.
I'll give this a try under the bios. What option specifically should I change?
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clueless77
September 24, 2014 12:29:12 PM
Points:
1) Your BIOS is probably fine since it doesn't even support your CPU until the latest release which is F6. If it didn't support it, it shouldn't even be running.
2) Don't manually mess with your settings, and forcing your voltage to 1.20V could easily make your system unstable. Again, just use the "XMP" setting if you haven't already since they are designed for optimal performance.
If optimal performance means it runs too hot then so be it. I still think you should get a better cooler anyway if only because the stock one gets very loud.
3) I still recommend a Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S.
1) Your BIOS is probably fine since it doesn't even support your CPU until the latest release which is F6. If it didn't support it, it shouldn't even be running.
2) Don't manually mess with your settings, and forcing your voltage to 1.20V could easily make your system unstable. Again, just use the "XMP" setting if you haven't already since they are designed for optimal performance.
If optimal performance means it runs too hot then so be it. I still think you should get a better cooler anyway if only because the stock one gets very loud.
3) I still recommend a Noctua NH-U12S or NH-U14S.
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clueless77
September 25, 2014 12:45:40 AM
How's 1.20 going to make it unstable when 1.19-1.20 is most people's max voltage at Turbo Boost for the 4790k? Even if it were unstable, I can't imagine it needing anything above 1.22 and that would be with a pretty bad chip. If at auto or XMP (Turbo optimized) settings the motherboard is applying a voltage of 1.40, there's something terribly wrong with how the bios is adjusting the vcore and it's no wonder they're having heat issues with normal usage. Bios updates are updates, if there's updates for my gpu should I presume that it doesn't work because there's an update with new drivers optimizing for it?
1.40 is way too much for long term usage, even for an overclock. No offense and not to be argumentative, but you're giving bad advice about this specific issue that could end up frying this person's chip or having them spend more money than what they need to. Would a Noctua be better? Yes. Lower that voltage ASAP and problem solved? Yes. Should they run let auto settings run 1.40 with a Noctua? No.
1.40 is way too much for long term usage, even for an overclock. No offense and not to be argumentative, but you're giving bad advice about this specific issue that could end up frying this person's chip or having them spend more money than what they need to. Would a Noctua be better? Yes. Lower that voltage ASAP and problem solved? Yes. Should they run let auto settings run 1.40 with a Noctua? No.
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Reply to clueless77
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retched
October 7, 2014 9:05:27 AM
UPDATE:
I'm down to the following temperatures now using Arctic Silver 5 and the NH-U12S:
![]()
In a moment, I'm about to disassemble and reassemble everything using the NT-T1. Just to see if I can get the 20° like some others are getting.
My next question I suppose is I see a lot of people talking about lowering the voltage to 1.2. My current VID is reading as 1.3922V. Anyone familiar with what I should lower this to or how? I'm currently using an MSI Z97-Gaming 7 motherboard with the stock BIOS version.
I'm down to the following temperatures now using Arctic Silver 5 and the NH-U12S:

In a moment, I'm about to disassemble and reassemble everything using the NT-T1. Just to see if I can get the 20° like some others are getting.
My next question I suppose is I see a lot of people talking about lowering the voltage to 1.2. My current VID is reading as 1.3922V. Anyone familiar with what I should lower this to or how? I'm currently using an MSI Z97-Gaming 7 motherboard with the stock BIOS version.
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clueless77
October 7, 2014 9:45:03 AM
retched said:
UPDATE:I'm down to the following temperatures now using Arctic Silver 5 and the NH-U12S:

In a moment, I'm about to disassemble and reassemble everything using the NT-T1. Just to see if I can get the 20° like some others are getting.
My next question I suppose is I see a lot of people talking about lowering the voltage to 1.2. My current VID is reading as 1.3922V. Anyone familiar with what I should lower this to or how? I'm currently using an MSI Z97-Gaming 7 motherboard with the stock BIOS version.
Yeah, 1.20 for a manually adjusted override voltage if you want to keep the stock clocks with Turbo Boost enabled set, do it from within your bios under "cpu core voltage" and tick the "override" setting on, which should be somewhere near the cpu core voltage. 1.40 volts is too much for these cpus in the long term, and by not having sufficient cooling it ran hot under the more demanding processes outside of near idle. Also, set your baseclock (bclk) multiplier to 100.0 in your bios, that should be the default but if you're running that board at auto settings for some reason it isn't being very accurate in its application of anything. You could just manually overclock now while you're at it if you wanted to.
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retched
October 7, 2014 9:50:04 AM
RobCrezz said:
Bear in mind that you will only get it as low as your ambient temp + 5-10'c (roughly). if you have a warm ambient temp 25'c+ then it will affect your temps by that amount.So some people might be able to get 25'c idle temps, but their ambient temp might be like 18'c.
So can I assume that my ~38°C that I'm getting is essentially in the range of my ambient temperature? I don't have a way to test it. A few components within the case show temperatures a lot lower: (Namely the GPU and hard disk...)
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