Check your existing cooling setup and see if it can handle higher temperatures during intense gaming sessions.
Check your existing cooling setup and see if it can handle higher temperatures during intense gaming sessions.
I’m currently using the same setup: 9600x, Zotac AMP 5060ti 16GB Deepcool AG400 CPU cooler with Deepcool CC360 cabinet (1300 RPM fans). I added three extra PWM fans—1800RPM black non-RGB ones. My CPU idles at 50°C, GPU at under 40°C. In Cinebench, CPU temps peak at 76°C, which is fine for me, but during gaming they reach 82°C and even 85°C before the new fans arrived. I was puzzled about why this happened and noticed others suggesting poor airflow might be the issue. I confirmed it by running Cinebench and FurMark together, seeing CPU temps rise as GPU got hotter. What should I do to improve cooling? Also, how does the GPU push CPU temperatures up by over 6°C? Your advice would be greatly appreciated.
Regarding the GPU hitting CPU temps by that margin—this usually points to insufficient airflow or poor thermal management. Checking the front intake and ensuring it’s clear of debris could help. Removing the HDD enclosure might also make a difference, depending on its impact on airflow.
Your airflow is sufficient with plenty of fans. The AG400 is a compact cooler, and reaching 82°C to 85°C on an AM5 CPU is typical even during gaming. Your 7700X and 9800X3D perform similarly, even with more powerful cooling solutions. AM5 tends to run warm, limiting only clocks and power at 95°C. Below that temperature range, you achieve full performance safely. No concerns here—just relax and keep gaming. For lower temps, a Curve Optimizer adjustment of -20 to -30 is an option.
I believed the AG400 could manage up to 150W of heat. However, my CPU is currently at -35 Curve optimizer. Of course, living in a hot climate, but is this typical? This is my first PC build, so I’m still learning about internal temperatures.
During gameplay this setup works well with an AG400 on a 9600x, particularly in warm environments. Your temps are normal and there’s no chance of harming the CPU. It can comfortably run at 85°C all day.
You can always aim higher. What more could you ask for? Consider upgrading to a 5070, a 9700x CPU, or a premium cooler. A larger 2TB M.2 slot is also worth thinking about. Eventually, spending more becomes necessary, and some players get caught in this cycle, spending months without making progress. Others settle for mediocre setups while others enjoy their current performance with the 9600x and 5060 Ti 16GB.