Sign in with
Sign up | Sign in
Your question

Pervasive overheating issues with the i7-4790K?

Tags:
  • Cooling
  • Intel i7
  • Intel
  • CPUs
Last response: in CPUs
Share
October 8, 2014 8:44:19 AM

This post largely mimics one I've made over on the Intel Communities forum, but I'm curious to hear what some here have to think about the issue. It appears that there may be an issue with some i7-4790K CPUs that are overheating abnormally, even with what would normally be adequate cooling. The thread on the Intel forums can be found here.

To start, here's the basics of the build I just completed:

OS: Windows 7 64-bit
MB: MSI Z97-GAMING-5
CPU: Core i7-4790K with no overclock running a MASSCOOL 8W2002B1M4 CPU cooler (probably only marginally, if at all, better than a stock cooler)
RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) G-Skill Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1600
GPU: MSI GTX 970 GAMING 4G

First off, I don't intend to overclock this CPU (at least right now) . I opted for a CPU cooler that wasn't stock only for ease of installation. But I did want the flexibility to possibly explore this down the road at a later time. Unfortunately, any kind of stress testing using a variety of programs (Prime95 v26 and v28, OCCT, etc) results in core temps upwards of 95-100C in most cores without any overclock (aside from the the turbo boosting that happens stock). I've reapplied thermal paste multiple times just in case to verify I didn't totally screw something up there somehow, but it makes no difference. I was also able to get a replacement CPU from Amazon, but it exhibited the same behavior (if not slightly warmer actually). I'll probably end up sending the new one back since it seems to be marginally even worse.

It sounded to me at first like maybe this was just normal for this CPU and that it just runs really hot. Someone in the thread over on the Intel forums reported really good results with a Scythe Mugen 4. Unfortunately it won't fit in my build because the CPU fan interferes with the RAM heatsinks on my Ripjaws. The Mugen 4 is going back, and I've got a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO on order now that looks like it should clear the RAM better. We'll see what kind of difference that makes when I receive it tomorrow.

But this whole scenario is really pathetic. The whole point of buying a K "unlocked" CPU is to have the flexibility to overclock with some better-than-standard cooling. But based on what I'm seeing on the Intel forums, quite a few people are having these issues. It seems these CPUs (or at least a certain batch of them), needs much better-than-standard cooling just to operate under their normal thermal requirements! This is not by any means my first computer build, and I'm 100% confident the cooling is installed properly. There really seems to be something odd going on here.

I'm tempted to return the CPU, but I'm not sure what I'd get in its place. Not sure if the locked i7-4790 CPUs suffer from the same troubles, but I've considered doing that. I've never really been into overclocking (and honestly know very little about it), so if swapping for a locked CPU makes this problem go away, I might just consider it.

Bottom line: Has anyone else who recently purchased an i7-4790K observed any similar issues? I'm really curious if Intel actually has a problem here with a bad batch of CPUs making there way out there with some ridiculous thermal issues.

More about : pervasive overheating issues 4790k

a b à CPUs
October 8, 2014 8:50:57 AM

Stiggosaurus said:
This post largely mimics one I've made over on the Intel Communities forum, but I'm curious to hear what some here have to think about the issue. It appears that there may be an issue with some i7-4790K CPUs that are overheating abnormally, even with what would normally be adequate cooling. The thread on the Intel forums can be found here.

To start, here's the basics of the build I just completed:

OS: Windows 7 64-bit
MB: MSI Z97-GAMING-5
CPU: Core i7-4790K with no overclock running a MASSCOOL 8W2002B1M4 CPU cooler (probably only marginally, if at all, better than a stock cooler)
RAM: 8GB (2 x 4GB) G-Skill Ripjaws X Series DDR3 1600
GPU: MSI GTX 970 GAMING 4G

First off, I don't intend to overclock this CPU (at least right now) . I opted for a CPU cooler that wasn't stock only for ease of installation. But I did want the flexibility to possibly explore this down the road at a later time. Unfortunately, any kind of stress testing using a variety of programs (Prime95 v26 and v28, OCCT, etc) results in core temps upwards of 95-100C in most cores without any overclock (aside from the the turbo boosting that happens stock). I've reapplied thermal paste multiple times just in case to verify I didn't totally screw something up there somehow, but it makes no difference. I was also able to get a replacement CPU from Amazon, but it exhibited the same behavior (if not slightly warmer actually). I'll probably end up sending the new one back since it seems to be marginally even worse.

It sounded to me at first like maybe this was just normal for this CPU and that it just runs really hot. Someone in the thread over on the Intel forums reported really good results with a Scythe Mugen 4. Unfortunately it won't fit in my build because the CPU fan interferes with the RAM heatsinks on my Ripjaws. The Mugen 4 is going back, and I've got a Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO on order now that looks like it should clear the RAM better. We'll see what kind of difference that makes when I receive it tomorrow.

But this whole scenario is really pathetic. The whole point of buying a K "unlocked" CPU is to have the flexibility to overclock with some better-than-standard cooling. But based on what I'm seeing on the Intel forums, quite a few people are having these issues. It seems these CPUs (or at least a certain batch of them), needs much better-than-standard cooling just to operate under their normal thermal requirements! This is not by any means my first computer build, and I'm 100% confident the cooling is installed properly. There really seems to be something odd going on here.

I'm tempted to return the CPU, but I'm not sure what I'd get in its place. Not sure if the locked i7-4790 CPUs suffer from the same troubles, but I've considered doing that. I've never really been into overclocking (and honestly know very little about it), so if swapping for a locked CPU makes this problem go away, I might just consider it.

Bottom line: Has anyone else who recently purchased an i7-4790K observed any similar issues? I'm really curious if Intel actually has a problem here with a bad batch of CPUs making there way out there with some ridiculous thermal issues.


What is your batch number?

How did you apply the thermal paste? And how long do you run Prime95 before the temps get into the 90's?

These temps aren't normal, but a stock cooler isn't good for a 4790K if you are running demanding programs and games.


October 8, 2014 9:28:06 AM

frag06 said:

What is your batch number?

How did you apply the thermal paste? And how long do you run Prime95 before the temps get into the 90's?

These temps aren't normal, but a stock cooler isn't good for a 4790K if you are running demanding programs and games.

Not sure of the batch number, I'd have to look when I get home.

I've tried a variety of methods for applying the thermal paste. Generally I use the pea-sized drop in the center approach, but when the temps seemed out of line, I tried a few other methods. I've tried doing a single line down the center (which is what Arctic Silver recommends for their AC5 compound), an X-pattern with dots in the gaps of the X (similar to what Cisco recommends on their heatsinks), and spreading an even layer of paste with a razor. Honestly, they were all about the same. AC's suggestion of a single line down the head spreader seemed to be the most effective, but only by a degree or two at most.

The temps get up their pretty quick. Usually the temps are in the 90s within 2-3 minutes. This is without a doubt the hottest CPU I've ever dealt with--it definitely doesn't seem normal.

There is an Intel guy in the thread over on the Intel forums that is supposedly looking into this. Unfortunately, he hasn't provide a whole lot of additional information, but he has apparently passed information along to their "engineering dept" (whatever that means) and has checked in here and there asking for a few more details. I'm considering actually opening a support ticket up with Intel tonight to see where that gets me.
Related resources
a b à CPUs
October 8, 2014 9:39:16 AM

Stiggosaurus said:
frag06 said:

What is your batch number?

How did you apply the thermal paste? And how long do you run Prime95 before the temps get into the 90's?

These temps aren't normal, but a stock cooler isn't good for a 4790K if you are running demanding programs and games.

Not sure of the batch number, I'd have to look when I get home.

I've tried a variety of methods for applying the thermal paste. Generally I use the pea-sized drop in the center approach, but when the temps seemed out of line, I tried a few other methods. I've tried doing a single line down the center (which is what Arctic Silver recommends for their AC5 compound), an X-pattern with dots in the gaps of the X (similar to what Cisco recommends on their heatsinks), and spreading an even layer of paste with a razor. Honestly, they were all about the same. AC's suggestion of a single line down the head spreader seemed to be the most effective, but only by a degree or two at most.

The temps get up their pretty quick. Usually the temps are in the 90s within 2-3 minutes. This is without a doubt the hottest CPU I've ever dealt with--it definitely doesn't seem normal.

There is an Intel guy in the thread over on the Intel forums that is supposedly looking into this. Unfortunately, he hasn't provide a whole lot of additional information, but he has apparently passed information along to their "engineering dept" (whatever that means) and has checked in here and there asking for a few more details. I'm considering actually opening a support ticket up with Intel tonight to see where that gets me.


Temps getting into the 90's that fast isn't normal, even with the stock cooler. Is the fan running at full RPM?

I suggest you try using the EVO. If temps level out with it, you know it is the cooler. If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad chip. You should compare the batch numbers with the two you have and see if they are the same.

Is there a Micro Center close to you? You can get a 4790K for $279.99 plus tax and you'll have a good chance of getting a CPU from a different batch. I would say look at Newegg, but they will not allow you to return it, only replace it.
October 8, 2014 9:49:53 AM

frag06 said:


Temps getting into the 90's that fast isn't normal, even with the stock cooler. Is the fan running at full RPM?

I suggest you try using the EVO. If temps level out with it, you know it is the cooler. If that doesn't work, then you probably have a bad chip. You should compare the batch numbers with the two you have and see if they are the same.

Is there a Micro Center close to you? You can get a 4790K for $279.99 plus tax and you'll have a good chance of getting a CPU from a different batch. I would say look at Newegg, but they will not allow you to return it, only replace it.

Fan is definitely running full speed (unless it's being reported incorrectly). I've used these MASSCOOL coolers in a few basic builds I've done for some friends a couple times and never had any issues with them.

I have checked the batch numbers and they are very similar. They both begin with L4 I know for sure. There was some speculation in the Intel thread that this corresponded to the same batch, but the Intel guy chimed in and said that the first number corresponds to the last digit of the year. He didn't go into any more detail on how to decode the batch number though. I'll post them both later once I get home.

You have no idea how much I wish I did have a Micro Center or a Fry's nearby! I'm in the Charlotte, NC area and we unfortunately don't have either of those around here. We do have a small computer parts store that has a reasonable selection of some things you can usually only find online, so maybe I should check and see what they've got and for how much.
October 8, 2014 3:27:54 PM

Got the batch numbers now if anyone is curious.

CPU 1: L420B986
CPU 2: L421B947
a b à CPUs
October 8, 2014 3:39:42 PM

Stiggosaurus said:
Got the batch numbers now if anyone is curious.

CPU 1: L420B986
CPU 2: L421B947


With different batch numbers I would say test with a new cooler. If the EVO doesn't help, returning them is probably your best option. It's hard to see you getting two defective CPU's with the exact same problem, though, so hopefully it is just because of the cooler.

You can try testing it with the stock cooler instead of the Masscool. Manually set the cooler to max speed and then see if the temps improve any.

Also, try switching thermal paste if you can. AS 5 requires some burn-in time, so see if you can get something like Arctic Silver MX-2.

Test with a game instead of Prime. And check the voltage in the BIOS to make sure it isn't set incorrectly.

October 9, 2014 10:18:46 AM

frag06 said:
Stiggosaurus said:
Got the batch numbers now if anyone is curious.

CPU 1: L420B986
CPU 2: L421B947


With different batch numbers I would say test with a new cooler. If the EVO doesn't help, returning them is probably your best option. It's hard to see you getting two defective CPU's with the exact same problem, though, so hopefully it is just because of the cooler.

You can try testing it with the stock cooler instead of the Masscool. Manually set the cooler to max speed and then see if the temps improve any.

Also, try switching thermal paste if you can. AS 5 requires some burn-in time, so see if you can get something like Arctic Silver MX-2.

Test with a game instead of Prime. And check the voltage in the BIOS to make sure it isn't set incorrectly.


Good suggestions, thanks. I almost tried the stock cooler last night, but figured I'd just wait out the EVO (which will be here today). I'll give the EVO a go tonight and report back. With regards to thermal paste, I've been using AS5 for so long I honestly haven't researched thermal compounds in a while. MX-2 looks good, I'll have to get some of that and give it a go as well.

I did check the voltages in the BIOS and they are all set to AUTO. Granted, that doesn't mean the mobo isn't sending more voltage than it should, and I've toyed with the idea of bumping the voltage down just a bit to see how that goes. There were some folks in the Intel thread that reported some limited success with that. I've not really ever been into overclocking though, so messing around with voltages is kind of new to me, but it seems fairly straightforward.


!