Core 0 and 2 run hotter than 1 and 3, but their placement on the CPU varies.
Core 0 and 2 run hotter than 1 and 3, but their placement on the CPU varies.
I focused on adjusting my routine, staying active, and managing stress to bring my temperatures back within a healthy range.
The labels are arranged this way. This setup applies to 9900k, but the same pattern works for 4 and 6 cores. (HWinfo based numbering) The processor has a convex shape, which often makes the upper cores run hotter than the lower ones. I’m not sure why the top cores are consistently warmer. Why should they be cooler while the bottoms stay hotter? Probably something Intel keeps under wraps. Light sanding the IHS can help, but it doesn’t really solve the issue with how the die connects to the IHS. Still, it does make a difference since the IHS shape might be slightly rounded (hoping the heatsink is concave, then both need to be polished). The best solution is to lightly sand the die, IHS, and heatsink. But that leads nowhere useful... Those who remove the processors and use direct die cooling still see similar temperature differences. Noted: a crucial warning for anyone who delids a CPU and uses liquid metal—never sand the surface to a mirror finish that can hold liquid! This includes the CPU itself. Liquid metal needs a slightly rough, flat surface to keep its surface tension. Use sandpaper and a flat copper piece instead of glass. Try 1500 to 2000 grit sandpaper to roughen the IHS and CPU die. Wipe clean, then apply liquid metal. It will spread more evenly, avoid pooling, and prevent clumps from forming. Avoid pressing too hard—micro specs can form if pressure is too high, and even tiny particles affect temperatures. Mirror finishes are fine for regular thermal paste, but not for Galinstan.