Bad CPU Temps with a Water AIO

Jun 30, 2018
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I recently got the EVGA CLC 120 AIO, and I don’t think temps are how they should be. Idling on desktop with no programs open my i5-8400 is at 30-35 degrees Celsius, and under load is at 55-60 degrees Celsius. I’m new to water cooling but when compared to other benchmarks on this cooler, mine are pretty high, especially on idle. I’m using the radiator as exhaust in the back of my case, and I used the stock thermal paste that came with the cooler. I know after market thermal paste would be better, but based on what I know it wouldnt make a huge difference. Correct me if I’m wrong though, and let me know what you guys think. Thanks in advance.
 
Solution
You're more then fine and looking around online you are getting what is expected with a 120mm cooler.

Most liquid AIO do not cool any better then quality air coolers, and in some cases they are actually worse, especially in the 120mm realm.