8086K overheating :(
8086K overheating :(
Chaingunchris needs assistance with their overheating 8086K system. They mention constant temperatures despite overclocking, frequent bluescreen issues due to one core reaching 100°C, and inconsistent temperatures across all cores. They also want confirmation that the AIO is properly seated and functioning. The machine runs at 5.0 GHz with temperatures between 75-77°C on Prime 95, using an NH D15 cooler.
The 8086k is a modified and overclocked version of the 8700k, already a powerful chip. You definitely need improved cooling, and if you plan to push the processor beyond Intel's limits, you might have to remove the lid, which would void the warranty and potentially harm the device. The 8086K is a high-performance CPU that operates at higher speeds with lower power consumption compared to most 8700K models. This results in better thermal management, not increased heat.
The NZXT x61 is available for 125 W TDP. The 8086k has 95W TDP but can increase with turbo-boost, which only turns on when the CPU is under heavy load and the temperature is low. My 8700k can run at 4.3 GHz across all cores for a very long time, using Bequiet Dark Rock 3, but it's listed as supporting up to 195 W TDP. I believe your NZXT setup should work fine, though the connection to the CPU might be problematic. Consider reinstalling with high-quality thermal paste (ultra thin).
To everyone: stop calling the 8700k a "hot" CPU. It only reaches 95W TDP. It's not comparable to a Core i7 920 (130W TDP - 65°C at idle) or a Core i9. However, it does exceed an i7 3400 (65W TDP).
It seems the AIO might be malfunctioning, possibly affecting my Corsair H100i CPU which has been overheating recently.
Updated the bios, which slightly lowered the temperatures. I'm searching for ways to compute the wattage for various water coolers since my existing one isn't sufficient.
Check if overclocking is needed.
Take off the cooler, clean the thermal paste, apply fresh paste, and reattach the cooler.
Adjust the tubes slightly to avoid them being bent too much or overly packed.
Re-test everything.
That cooler should suffice—don’t waste time on unnecessary steps.
Extra tip: position the radiator in front as an intake, letting the remaining fans expel hot air from the case. This isn’t essential, but it helps if you’re unsure about exhausting heat properly.
To everyone: please refrain from labeling the 8700k as a "hot" CPU. Its power delivery is only 95W TDP. It doesn’t resemble a Core i7 920 (130W TDP - 65°C at idle) or an i9. However, it does surpass the 1,700 series i7 3400 (65W TDP). Unless you have a specific reference point, I’ll focus on whether a chip is considered hot based on personal opinion, and emphasize that’s what I intended when I said it was "hot". I still regard it as a hot processor, even with the TDP Intel lists.
Intel indicates the 8700k requires a 130-watt cooler for optimal performance. This applies before any overclocking attempts.
Additionally, if you’re not familiar, the TDP listed for an Intel CPU isn’t its maximum power draw, but rather the upper limit it can consume during meaningful operation while using practical software.
The 8700k can function well with a 212 Evo or similar air cooler, though significant overclocking will only be possible with advanced cooling solutions like mid/high-tier AIO coolers or custom adjustments. Buying an overclockable chip and not using it doesn’t seem logical. With multi-core support, you’ll notice thermal throttling with standard cooling options. High-end solutions are necessary for better results, or you may need to tweak BIOS settings manually. While manual overclocking might offer some gains, it won’t be remarkable.
In Tom’s assessment of the 8700k, temperatures were recorded between 65–70°C during gaming on a 420mm AIO water cooler at stock settings and 22°C ambient. At 4.9 GHz clocked, they reached 85–90°C under identical conditions. His high-stress tests at 4.9 GHz were quite amusing. Even with a 1500-watt chiller, Paul managed to throttle the CPU.
I view that as a fairly hot processor.
Gaidax:
See you there, buddy. Let's clarify a few points.
1. Skip the overclock.
2. Take out the cooler, clean the thermal paste, apply fresh paste, reattach cooler.
3. Adjust the tubes slightly, ensuring they aren't excessively bent or overly packed.
4. Re-test.
This cooler should suffice; don’t waste effort on irrelevant details.
Extra tip: Position the radiator in front as an intake, let the remaining fans expel hot air from the case. It’s not essential, but if you’re unsure, confirm your fan exhausts are properly directing heat out.
bigpinkdragon286 :
closs.sebastien :
Hey everyone: stop calling the 8700k a "hot" CPU. Its TDP is just 95W. It's not comparable to a Core i7 920 (130W TDP, 65°C idle) or an i9. But it definitely exceeds an i7 3400 (65W TDP).
Unless you have a specific benchmark in mind, I’ll focus on whether the chip is genuinely hot rather than just subjective. I still think it’s a hot CPU regardless of the listed TDP.
Intel lists the 8700k SKU as needing a 130W cooler for normal operation. That’s before any overclocking.
Also, if you’re not familiar with that, I’ll stress that calling it "hot" is my interpretation. I still regard it as hot, even with the TDP Intel provides.
Intel’s specs say the 8700k needs a cooler for proper function. That’s not just raw power consumption—it’s about sustained performance under load.
While it can run fine with an 212 Evo or similar cooler, overclocking won’t be effective unless you upgrade to better cooling (mid/high tier, AIO, etc.). Paying extra for an overclockable CPU that isn’t used for it doesn’t make much sense. With multi-core support, you’ll likely see thermal throttling with standard coolers.
High-end coolers are necessary for this level of performance. Manual BIOS voltage tweaks won’t help much. Overclocking by hand might give marginal gains, but nothing remarkable.
In Tom’s review, the CPU ran between 65-70°C during gaming on a 420mm AIO cooler at stock settings, with 22°C outside. At 4.9 GHz, temps spiked to 85-90°C under the same conditions. Tom even pushed it to 1500W chiller and still got throttling.
I find that pretty intense.
jankerson :
The 8086K is a high-end CPU that can handle higher clock speeds with lower voltage than most 8700K models.
So it should run cooler, not hotter.
It’s designed to run at top speeds, not necessarily at low voltages. Even if documentation suggests otherwise, stock performance usually matches expectations unless you’re adjusting settings.
I’m curious—what motherboard and UEFI settings is the user using? Some boards have multi-core enhancement enabled, which can cause unexpected voltage spikes. These can push CPUs to higher temperatures.
What’s the ambient temperature? Is the cooler set to silent mode? The case type matters: water coolers affect performance based on placement and airflow.
We don’t know for sure, but if the cooler is installed correctly, functioning well, and settings are reasonable, it might not be hot enough. Unless you want to lower CPU temps, a better cooler would help.
The NZXT x61 should handle this well with proper tuning. Jankerson’s results with an NH-D15 suggest it can run at high temps, but that doesn’t mean it’s consistently hot under all conditions.
What about the case? Is it ventilated enough? Mounting orientation and cooling efficiency vary widely.
It’s possible the cooler is fine, but unless you’re experiencing overheating, a more robust solution might be needed.
When operating at standard configurations, the CPU functions normally. If it operates hot only after adjustments, the settings in use may require closer attention.