High CPU temps (4770)

Toggle sidebar Toggle sidebar
C

cthleung

Honorable
Apr 8, 2013
12
0
10,510
I'm running an i7 4770 on my build that I've been using since 2014. I've never had any issues with it, no noticeable slowdown etc. I've got a pure fan cooling setup, with 4 120mm intakes (2 front, 2 side) and 3 (2 top, 1 back) exhausts. I'm also using the stock Intel cooler. I was incidentally checking my GPU temps one day with GPU-Z when I noticed my CPU temps were a constant 100 C (I wouldn't have known otherwise, as it didn't show any signs of throttling.)

I took the cooler out and found that the thermal paste had caked long ago, so I had it replaced it with a thermal cooling pad I got from Amazon, since I didn't want to bother with replacing the paste in the future. The problem is, my CPU is still idling at around 60-70 degrees on around 50% load, and when pushed, it jumps all the way to 90 (though it doesn't hit 100 anymore.) Is that normal? Should I be concerned that these temps will damage my aging CPU? Should I use proper thermal paste instead? And how else can I reduce these temps if necessary?
 
Solution
azaran
The reviews of that pad are both terrifying (users reporting their CPUs running cool at 100c) and some clearly full of crap (20-30c degree change from using paste).

With the Intel stock coolers, a slight misalignment means not having full pressure on the CPU and getting horrid temperatures. It's one of the reasons I despise push pin systems. I'd recommend trying a good paste, I'm partial to the Noctua NT-H1, and see if your temps get better. If the temps don't get better, then it may be time to try out an after market cooler. Also make sure your system has adequate airflow so it's not just cooking in it's own heat.
Sort by date Sort by votes
azaran

azaran

Splendid
Feb 17, 2010
3,594
0
26,960


^ this is a big one with the stock coolers. Despite the push pin system being very simple, it's constantly prone to not being done right. The stock cooler can look like it's on right and still be fouled up.

The Haswell CPU series tends to run hot, so going with thermal compound instead of a pad may help a few degrees. If you intend on using the CPU for the foreseeable future it may be worth picking up an aftermarket cooler. Depending on your computer case, something like a Cryorig H7 may not be a bad idea. It's inexpensive, small foot print, a much better cooler than the stock Intel and has a MUCH better mounting system so you won't have to second guess if it's on right.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
C

cthleung

Honorable
Apr 8, 2013
12
0
10,510
Hey everyone, thanks for the replies. The pad I got is linked here: https://www.amazon.ca/gp/product/B07CKVW18G/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I got it because it had quite a few decent reviews.

I did make sure the cooler was back on tightly, in fact, the first few times I ran the PC after installing the pad I was still getting 100 degrees constant, possibly due to poor alignment, and the temperature magically went down after I uninstalled and reinstalled the cooler a few times, and I'm pretty sure the pins are in the correct position. It's possible that build quality or aging has caused something to deform and create some misalignment between the heat sink contact and the CPU lid, but I want to be sure before I replace the cooler altogether.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
azaran

azaran

Splendid
Feb 17, 2010
3,594
0
26,960
The reviews of that pad are both terrifying (users reporting their CPUs running cool at 100c) and some clearly full of crap (20-30c degree change from using paste).

With the Intel stock coolers, a slight misalignment means not having full pressure on the CPU and getting horrid temperatures. It's one of the reasons I despise push pin systems. I'd recommend trying a good paste, I'm partial to the Noctua NT-H1, and see if your temps get better. If the temps don't get better, then it may be time to try out an after market cooler. Also make sure your system has adequate airflow so it's not just cooking in it's own heat.
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
Solution
C

cthleung

Honorable
Apr 8, 2013
12
0
10,510


Yeah, that makes sense. I believe my case gets pretty good airflow, made sure to dust it thoroughly as well but that didn't seem to make too much of a difference. I did notice pressing on it helped with some force helped decrease temps by about 10 degrees, but I couldn't get the push pins to hold the cooler any tighter (not to mention those push pins were a pain in the ass to force into the mounting holes in the mobo!) That said, I will try to apply some thermal paste soon, and thanks for your help!
 
Upvote 0 Downvote
You must log in or register to reply here.

TRENDING THREADS

Latest posts

Moderators online

Share this page

COMPANY
RESOURCES
FOLLOW
Top Bottom