8600K 4 cores at 5GHz, thermal limits apply. Could be worth saving without the LM.
8600K 4 cores at 5GHz, thermal limits apply. Could be worth saving without the LM.
It performs well at 4.8Ghz across all cores, or you can boost to 5Ghz with four cores for an extra 0.4Ghz—but even then it gets too hot. It runs under an ND-D14 with just one 140mm fan, yet it stays cool enough to the touch, suggesting heat isn’t being managed well. I’m not keen on dealing with delamination, especially if I avoid using LM and go with MX4 instead. Is this worth it? Can it maintain under 80°C when running at 5Ghz with all cores active?
Why not try another method? I used it about two years ago and my thermal readings fell by around 15°C during LM application. It still works fine over time, so I don’t think reapplying it with regular paste is necessary. Also, why would you turn off two cores? Performance will drop noticeably compared to just adjusting the clocks.
I suspect the issue lies more with your cooler's design than the CPU's cooling capacity. This model lacks PWM fan control, which is unusual for an $80 unit. It’s hard to believe a high-end cooler without PWM fans would be the main culprit. Considering newer air coolers have improved over the last few years, it might be worth looking into better options. Right now, your fan runs at a fixed speed no matter the workload—this is problematic when overclocking. Still, here are some possibilities: 1) Purchase two smaller PWM fans and adjust their curves for better performance. 2) Switch to a liquid cooler with a HEATKILLER water block; a 280mm model should work well. 3) Consider removing the lid, though this carries some risk and could lower your future value.