After upgrading your power supply and graphics card, CPU temperatures remain high.
After upgrading your power supply and graphics card, CPU temperatures remain high.
I upgraded my components recently. The motherboard is MSI PRO Z690-A, the CPU is Intel Core i7-12700K, and the power supply is Corsair RM1000x SHIFT. I switched to an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT graphics card. Previously, I used a 550W Corsair CP-9020097 PSU. Yesterday I changed both the GPU and power supply. While connecting cables, I connected both CPU power headers. After removing the old cooler, I installed the new graphics card and reattached the cooler. I adjusted the CPU settings to 1.25V with a -0.1V offset, which kept temperatures stable at around 25-30°C during idle and never went above 60-65°C while gaming. Now it stays between 35-40°C, often reaching the mid-50s, and during intense sessions like playing Darktide it hit over 85°C until my PC shut down—this happened while playing Destiny 2. While typing, the internal temp is high at about 59°C, peaking at 59°F. I’ve attached photos of the intake fans and the inside of my case for reference. Any advice would be appreciated; otherwise I’m considering a third cooler replacement.
The only thing visible right away is that you should reverse the radiator orientation. While the peak performance remains in the radiator, pumps are more efficient pushing than pulling water. Water should flow into the pump or CPU area. You won’t be routing tubes around the GPU in this setup either. Consider relocating the fans inside the radiator; the heat from your new GPU might be affecting it. Since your new GPU is likely larger than your 2060, that could be the issue. Lastly, the second set of power pins to the CPU provide more power, so that’s probably the cause. You might try unplugging one again. Besides that, reinstalling the cooler is a good move—it helps verify contact quality and thermal paste application.
Besides what MrSimplicity mentioned, it's wise to verify the pump in your AIO is functioning properly or ensuring it moves water efficiently.
Are you certain your voltage drop is consistent? It looked steady when the perf was unstable. -0.1 seems significant; I use -0.01. That second cable should be fine if genuine, as it only draws what it needs. (Or maybe it was throttling before due to insufficient power) I question the orientation of the radiator. You might want a contact frame like Thermal Grizzly's. The pump and fans push max RPM? You already mentioned checking that, correct? Your GPU handles more load, so it generates extra heat. Edited July 30, 2023 by leclod
The 7900 XT uses roughly double the energy compared to the RTX 2060. I’d assume the setup would generate a bit more heat, but the AIO is designed to draw in ambient air through the front of the case, which should help keep CPU temps stable. The airflow from the radiator will likely clear any hot air generated by the graphics card. It’s possible the issue lies with the mounting—try repositioning it and tightening all screws evenly. Verify the AIO is powered on and functioning correctly; you might have forgotten to connect it during the PSU swap or cooler removal. Air trapped in the pump or block could be the culprit. Tilting the PC sideways often resolves this, allowing bubbles to escape more easily. The CPU’s power draw remains consistent regardless of how many cables are connected, though a second cable can cause overheating if it exceeds safe limits. A 240mm AIO should handle typical workloads without reaching maximum temperatures, but extreme overclocking or poor cooling could trigger throttling. For sustained performance, ensure the system stays within safe thermal boundaries.
Thanks for sharing all this! It seems like Corsair had some specific instructions about how to install the cooler. I followed their advice and checked the setup carefully. When the system started up or the pump began, I noticed the liquid flowing smoothly inside. Everything felt stable and there were no performance issues. I didn’t see any slowdowns. Maybe my setup was just lucky? I also changed the radiator orientation so the tubes face upward, and I’m planning to adjust it further if needed. My temperatures are now much better—thanks for all the tips!