CPU temperatures dangerously high even when idle

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lukeb3456

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May 15, 2017
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Hi guys, this is my first post on Tom's Hardware and am not the most experienced with computers! Basically I've noticed my CPU has been running rather heavily; for while i figured it was just the brand, but I downloaded HWMonitor to check my sensors and my CPU temperatures are 70+, reaching 85 while playing less demanding games such as League of Legends. My CPU isn't overclocked, I have tried basic cooling methods such as dusting around the case/fan/CPU, ran the computer without the side panel (to test), all with minimal changes. A close friend of mine has offered to sell me his Corsair H60 for a very reasonable price, as I'm feeling upgrading from a stock HSF should be beneficial regardless, Any suggestions to what I should do? I would idealistically want to be able to run higher demanding games, but one step at a time!
My specs are: CPU: AMD A8 5600K
GPU: AMD Radeon R9 200 series
RAM: 8GB
Stock Cooler

Please let me know any further information you require!
 
Solution
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Several solutions would be physically check if contact between heat sink and CPU is sturdy, replacing thermal paste, or replacing the fan. Another one you could check is whether your computer is running heavily at idle like background tasks, just open up Task manager to find out :)

H60 is decent, nothing fancy or amazing, but it will do the job fine.
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lukeb3456

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May 15, 2017
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I haven't tried reapplying thermal paste, do you think it could make a big enough difference compared to buying a new cooler?
 
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lukeb3456

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May 15, 2017
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Thanks for the quick replies by the way! Is the CPU cooler listed in my description a good choice? (Corsair H60) I am aware that probably anything is better than stock! I think it uses liquid cooling, are there any maintenance problems with this?
 
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zLukez

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Oct 31, 2015
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Several solutions would be physically check if contact between heat sink and CPU is sturdy, replacing thermal paste, or replacing the fan. Another one you could check is whether your computer is running heavily at idle like background tasks, just open up Task manager to find out :)

H60 is decent, nothing fancy or amazing, but it will do the job fine.
 
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c4s2k3

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Sep 17, 2015
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It could. May also be a case of a poorly fitted cooler, meaning the screws are not evenly tightened, not tight enough, or too tight. The liquid cooler should perform much better than a stock cooler, but you may want to explore the fit of your current cooler anyway.
 
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lukeb3456

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May 15, 2017
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I have opened task manager and my CPU is running average at 30%, with occasional spikes up to 35/40% This is with google browser and HWMonitor open, I am tempted to just buy new as I feel its overdue!
 
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zLukez

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Oct 31, 2015
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Well it's up to you, if you feel that's the best decision then go for it. My CPU runs at like 2% with Google Chrome and some tabs open and at 32c. I personally have a NZXT X62, but that's way out there.
 
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lukeb3456

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May 15, 2017
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510

Thanks for all the help guys! I will try reapplying thermal paste, and if that isn't a significant enough change I will buy the new cooler. Appreciate the time!

 
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