My i5 6400 is running around 80-90 degrees while idle. I can't play a game long enough to measure that number while it's under stress. I've had a problem with my computer for a long time where playing a game (or running other applications) would cause the computer to immediately restart. No BSOD, no error, nothing. Just a restart. I originally thought the GPU was the issue, but after 3 different GPU's, the crashes persisted. Afterwards, I thought the problem was possibly the PSU, so I replaced it as well, just to find out the problem was still there. Finally, I decided to play a game while monitoring any statistic I could and noticed the CPU was running at a min. of 80. I'm assuming due to the googling I've done, that this is not a good thing. The usage of the CPU also seems to be all over the place, but consistently maxing out while idle (chrome is running). Could this be what is causing my crashes, or have I just added on to the laundry list of things wrong?
Overheating CPU causing crashes?
- Thread starter Xephyr117
- Start date
Solution
Without knowing your hardware, most people here wont be able to give you a proper solution. With that said, whats the cpu temp when in your mobos UEFI? Did you load a "Clean Boot", and were the results replicated? Maybe your cooler/pump isn't seated properly, or maybe your thermal paste is bad. Are you using HWMonitor or CPUZID to monitor temps?
My basic specs are:
GTX 745
i5 6400 (stock cooler)
EVGA 600w 80+ Bronze certified PSU
Honestly, I'm not sure what the motherboard is. I'd have to check later.
I'm not familiar with a mobos UEFI. I monitored the temps with MSI afterburner. I'm fairly sure the cooler is seated correctly, however, I will double check. I'm thinking it's the thermal paste, so I've ordered some new paste to replace it with. Only used a pea originally. It has been a couple years since building it though. What I'm still concerned about, is if the CPU could be what is causing the problem, or if it's only a facet of it.
GTX 745
i5 6400 (stock cooler)
EVGA 600w 80+ Bronze certified PSU
Honestly, I'm not sure what the motherboard is. I'd have to check later.
I'm not familiar with a mobos UEFI. I monitored the temps with MSI afterburner. I'm fairly sure the cooler is seated correctly, however, I will double check. I'm thinking it's the thermal paste, so I've ordered some new paste to replace it with. Only used a pea originally. It has been a couple years since building it though. What I'm still concerned about, is if the CPU could be what is causing the problem, or if it's only a facet of it.
jimthenagual
Splendid
- Apr 8, 2012
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If you're 80-90 idle, I would bet my jack russel terrier (I hate the dog anyways) that this is your problem. Computers WILL throttle and/or shut off if the CPU gets too hot to prevent permanent damage. This is actually common. And I wouldn't recommend checking temps in the UEFI. Most computers will run BIOS with one core of the CPU running at 100% usage, showing slightly higher temps than you get if monitored in windows.
I think you're on the right path by ordering thermal paste, and reseating. Let us know how it goes!
I think you're on the right path by ordering thermal paste, and reseating. Let us know how it goes!
The UEFI temp is to see what a rough idle temp is without running windows or any programs. Clean Boot was also intended to see if the CPU temp rose because programs started running on start up. Clean boot would eliminate any background apps from running on startup without your permission. The UEFI temp and clean boot is merely a step in the troubleshooting process.
I hope its just thermal paste or poor seating, however if its not, you will need to troubleshoot. I was simply trying to help you.
I hope its just thermal paste or poor seating, however if its not, you will need to troubleshoot. I was simply trying to help you.
- Dec 26, 2012
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Download Realtemp. It's as accurate as software can get for measuring Intel cpu temps. It also has a readout that can be seen in the Taskbar, so you can play in windowed mode and still see temps.
Your cpu will start throttling down cpu speeds somewhere after @90°C in attempt to control cpu temps. It'll also clamp down on vcore voltage, which will be in direct conflict with the cpu trying desperately to run the game. End result is crashing, sometimes freezing, and occasionally bsod or reboots.
Either way, you need to get control of your temps, find the source of the issue, dirty heatsink/fan, fan not working right/bad etc. Paste, maybe. Generally paste/tim should last the life of the cpu unless messed with or the oddball paste like Arctic Silver 5 which has heat cycle limits.
Your cpu will start throttling down cpu speeds somewhere after @90°C in attempt to control cpu temps. It'll also clamp down on vcore voltage, which will be in direct conflict with the cpu trying desperately to run the game. End result is crashing, sometimes freezing, and occasionally bsod or reboots.
Either way, you need to get control of your temps, find the source of the issue, dirty heatsink/fan, fan not working right/bad etc. Paste, maybe. Generally paste/tim should last the life of the cpu unless messed with or the oddball paste like Arctic Silver 5 which has heat cycle limits.
The cooler didn't seem to be as well seated as I originally thought. I (hopefully) put it back on as well as it can go on there, but would I need to use another layer of thermal paste (after removing the 1st I suppose) or would it be fine without it?
jimthenagual
Splendid
- Apr 8, 2012
- 4,005
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I'd highly recommend cleaning off the old paste using alcohol and something like a coffee filter. Use a tiny amount of alcohol so it doesn't drip anywhere. Then reapply a pea sized amount of paste in the center of the CPU. The heatsink will naturally spread the paste for you from it's weight and the heat.
If you don't have the paste yet, you can TRY without reapplying until it arrives. But likely it'll get too hot and shut down.
If you don't have the paste yet, you can TRY without reapplying until it arrives. But likely it'll get too hot and shut down.
jr9
Estimable
- Dec 6, 2017
- 2,212
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Remove all old thermal paste with isoprobl alcohol and a lint free cloth from the CPU cap and cooler surface. Apply a small vertical line of new paste and then reinstall the cooler. Without new paste the cooler will not work and it will overheat worst.
On a better note, it seems to temps have gone down significantly. MSI:A now reads temps down in the 20's. While playing games, it sits in the 30s. (at least the small game I'm trying). This is a vast improvement over the past 2 years of using this. Thanks for all of your suggestions. Unless I get more crashes, I would consider this question answered.
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