Just built my first gaming p.c and need some help with CPU temps

Brentl345

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Nov 27, 2015
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So i just bought and put together my first gaming computer. The build is as follows:

CPU: Intel I5 4690k 3.5 GHz
MOBO: ASUS Sabertooth Z97 Mark 2
GPU: MSI GTX 970 4GB
SSD: Samsung 850 EVO 2.5" 250GB
HD: WD 1TB 7200 RPM
RAM: 16GB (2 x 8) Corsair Vengeance Pro 1866 DDR3
PSU: Rosewill ARC-750W 80 PLUS Bronze
Case: NZXT Phantom 410 Series
Monitor: ASUS VG248QE 24" 144Hz 1ms

My problem is I have everything put together and wanted to run some stress tests on it to make sure all of my parts are working correctly. Let me start by saying I am running this stock at the moment, when I plan to start overclocking I would upgrade some of my cooling options first.
I am worried though because my CPU temps seem to be really high and I don't quite understand why. I have used both Prime95 and OCCT and my CPU temps hit 80C in less than 90 seconds and seem like they would continue to rise at which point I stop the tests. When I test my GPU using both Furmark and Heaven benchmark my CPU stays at around 62-63C.

I just don't understand why my CPU is having such a hard time with the stress test and its not even overclocked. Is something wrong with my CPU. The only relevant information I can think to add is I believe all my drivers have the newest updates. My Bios is version 2501.

I did go out and buy a tube of thermal compound I havn't applied it yet but I was thinking maybe taking off the thermal compound from the stock cooler and replacing it with better stuff might help.

I would like to thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and help me.
 
Aug 11, 2015
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Ok then, this really sounds like the stock coolers fault. There is nothing wrong with your cpu, it is just too good for the stock cooler. That miserable excuse for a cooler is junk. Buy a 212 Evo at least, maybe (hopefully) something better if you want some great overclocks. Anyway, If you're gonna change thermal paste, be sure to clean the old stuff off very thoroughly with isopropal alcohol. (At least 75%, but the higher the better). Your temps are fine until 90°C and I reckon they would have stabilized just below there, that is because prime95 will absolutely max out your processor. Do not even run it with a high TDP CPU and the stock cooler, you are asking for trouble. Stress your gpu all you like, but don't max out your cpu until you get a proper aftermarket cooler, you will get thermal throttling. Anyway, good luck and I hope this helped.
 

Brentl345

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Nov 27, 2015
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Thank you very much for your quick response, I tried to go get a 212 Evo yesterday, I don't have much to spend at the moment and for the price range that seemed like the best choice, but none of my local computer stores carry any. They had some overpriced off brand junk cpu cooler, I think I will have to order one from Newegg. I will just wait to change the thermal compound when that comes in. I have never done it before but i did look up how to and picked up a bottle of 99% alchohol for the job. Hopefully when I get a little more spending money I can pick up a few of the stuff I need to complete my build but couldnt afford from the start. Like a nice CPU cooler, replace my stock case fans, and get a fan controller.
Thank you
 
Aug 11, 2015
601
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11,060
No prob. man, you will really be glad about that cpu cooler, it's decent, and VERY good value. Definitely get alcohol as well, you will need it. Also stay away from off brand junk, thats a recipe for disaster, good job.
A side note:
Extra fans will not really improve performance, especially when you add more than what the case came with. I would advise waiting for when you are happy with your hardware and want to make the pc quieter. Look at corsair or noctua for quality fans. Anyway, good luck and have fun.