[SOLVED] i7-8700k odd(?) temperatures after repaste

Asheroc,

All processors "spike", which is normal. However, for 6th through 9th Generation processors, rapid spiking is inherent. Reapplying TIM will have no effect on thermal spiking. The best way to visualize thermal behavior is by observing Core temperatures on a graph, such as under the Performance tab in Windows Task Manager.

Core temperatures respond instantly to changes in load.

Intel’s specification for DTS response time is 256 milliseconds, or about 1/4th of a second. Since Windows has dozens of Processes and Services running in the background, it’s normal to see rapid and random Core temperature “spikes” or fluctuations, especially during the first few minutes after startup. Any software activity will show some percentage of CPU Utilization in Windows Task Manager, where unnecessary Tray items, Startups, Processes and Services that contribute to excessive spiking can be disabled. Spiking can be reduced, but not eliminated.

6th Generation processors introduced "Speed Shift" technology in Windows 10, which responds much faster to changes in workload than "SpeedStep" due to having many more Core speed and Core voltage transition levels.

Since 7th through 9th Generation Speed Shift is twice as fast as 6th Generation, some users complain of Core temperature spikes which can also cause fluctuations in fan RPM at idle. Motherboard manufacturers are implementing BIOS updates that include separate SpeedStep and Speed Shift settings with more flexible fan curves and time delay options.

Intel's specification for Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) accuracy is +/- 5°C. Although sensors are factory calibrated, deviations between the highest and lowest Cores can be up to 10°C. Sensors tend to be more accurate at higher temperatures, but due to calibration issues such as linearity, slope and range, idle temperatures may be as accurate.

Here's the nominal operating range for Core temperature:

Core temperatures above 85°C are not recommended.

Core temperatures below 80°C are ideal.

Core temperatures increase and decrease with Ambient temperature.

Idle temperatures below 25°C are generally due to Ambient temperatures below 22°C.

Highest Core temperatures occur during stress tests or heavy rendering and transcoding, but are lower during less processor intensive applications. Gaming generally averages around 55°C, yet can range from 40°C to 70°C or more, depending on how a particular gaming title allocates CPU / GPU workloads, as well as differences in cooling performance and Ambient temperature.

You might want to read this Sticky: Intel Temperature Guide - http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-1800828/intel-temperature-guide.html

CT