i7-3770k Sudden High Idle Temperature

Rworwin · Oct 2, 2014

I have an i7-3770k that has, until recently been running at about 30C idle, up to mid 70s under load. Today, noticeably after a restart, my idle temp skyrocketed to mid 70s, peaking in the mid 80s under load.

After reseating the heatsink, my idle temps went down to the 70s, but this is still nowhere near normal. The case is well ventilated and has been recently cleaned, and I am using Arctic Silver 5 thermal compound (which was last applied about 4 months ago). I'm stumped on what is causing these high temperatures.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 2, 2014

Check the thermal compound and then reply back to me.

Shane501 · Oct 2, 2014

Newbbuilder11 :

Agreed, check the paste, but also check the fan speeds.

Rworwin · Oct 2, 2014

Looking at the thermal compound, it looks like the heat sink was originally incorrectly mounted. Only about half of the heat sink has thermal compound on it. I'm guessing I should clean and then reapply thermal compound.

Also, the fan speeds look relatively normal considering the CPU is running hot.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

Alright, I applied new thermal compound, but it doesn't seem to have changed much. The overall temperature does seem to be a few degrees lower (mid 60s to 70), but that's still way above normal idle. The CPU fan is currently running at around 1800 RPM. I don't have a great baseline to compare that to, though.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

Alrighty then, just reapply and your good to go

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

Hmmm.. Odd check your fan when your PC turns on(look at it when your boot it) and see if it runs slow or fast. It could be your heatsink is messed up... Try using a different heatsink(Like stock) to see if it goes down or higher. If higher then your CPU is the thing giving heat.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

The fan seems to be starting fine. That said, I'm not hearing the volume from it I'd expect given the CPU is about 70C.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

I'm using the stock heat sink, by the way, so unfortunately I don't have anything to test it against.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

There must be a problem... I suggest going to your local computer store and buying a heatsink(not an expensive one) and test it.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

I've installed an Arctic Pro 7 Evo 2 on there, and I'm definitely getting closer to normal readings. Prime95 test is peaking at low-mid 70s, which is actually better than I was getting normally on my previous heatsink. However, my idle is still in the 50s, compared to the 30s-40s.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

Turn up the fan RPMS by a little bit to improve cooling. Also are you adding in a pea sized drop of thermal paste? To little won't get the best cooling.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

I'm pretty sure I'm using the right amount of thermal compound. Perhaps a bit less than a pea, but a good amount. The Arctic Pro 7 Evo 2 comes with pre-applied Arctic MX-2 compound. Regarding the fan speed, I'm not sure how to go about adjusting that. SpeedFan doesn't seem to do much, and I'm not sure how to go about editing the speed in BIOS (Sabertooth z77).

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

Another update. I was able to adjust the CPU fan speed from normal to turbo. However, SpeedFan now causes a DRIVER_IRQL_NOT_LESS_OR_EQUAL BSOD whenever I try to run it. I'm using Open Hardware monitor, and apparently the CPU fan is hovering around 1800 RPM at roughly 55%, which is pretty much exactly what it was running at before the BIOS change.

Idle temp is still hovering between 50s and low 60s, so it doesn't seem the BIOS settings had any effect. Perhaps a manual edit might work, but I don't really know where to start there.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

I think i figured out the problem. Perhaps the DIE on your CPU is messed up now. Im probably thinking of just getting a new CPU since even an aftermarket cooler isn't helping your temps. I didn't want to see it come down to this, but this is most likely the logical explanation.

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

That's unfortunate, although not completely surprising. I've been running some more stress tests, and I really have to push my processor to get it above 72 (and I'm not noticing any reduction in performance). Is the processor at least usable for now until I can afford a replacement?

Thanks for all your help.

Newbbuilder11 · Oct 3, 2014

Rworwin :

Yes, although I could be wrong, maybe the sensor is busted. Maybe it's the DIE? Either-Or I would recommend getting a new one in a couple months

Rworwin · Oct 3, 2014

Alright, thanks again for all your help.

i7-3770k Sudden High Idle Temperature

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