Corsair H100i v2 features a powerful CPU paired with efficient cooling liquid.
Corsair H100i v2 features a powerful CPU paired with efficient cooling liquid.
You cannot drop below ambient temperature in air, and using water as a medium is the only feasible option—unless you're operating a chiller. AMD processors aren't accurate when idle; they might falsely indicate lower temperatures, which isn't reliable. It's often said that AMD's readings at idle and near-idle speeds are extremely misleading.
I discovered this while browsing forums yesterday. Most discussions focused on temperatures in OC with FX chips. Many mentioned that no standard air or water cooler can reach below ambient. A lot of advice was given to disregard AMD's temperature data.
"Wow, I learned how to quote 😉"
As I went through several articles, I found the same conclusion. I was investigating the temperature sensors on my board. Most comments were about high temperatures with FX chips. I read: "No normal air/water cooler can cool below ambient." A significant number of users suggested ignoring AMD's readings.
"Bruh, the AMD readings under 40°C are shiat."
My cooling solution was the Scythe Grand Kama Cross 2, which directs air directly onto the CPU rather than expelling it from the back. Skip the jargon for now.
Once, during idle mode, I examined the cooler behind the heat pipes connected to the CPU. They were noticeably cooler than anything else I could touch, like the case. This made me think the 15°C reading was accurate—normal room temperature. I was surprised by how cold the pipes actually were. As you pointed out, AMD's readings are clearly wrong.
This morning, I attempted to improve things by unscrewing the Corsair pump. I noticed part of the CPU wasn't adequately coated with thermal paste. I possibly tightened the lower bracket screws too much. I removed the old paste from the copper plate and reapplied it, adding a thin layer to ensure proper cooling without obstructing the chip. This was for the Arctic MX2 model—affordable but still effective.
After reapplying the paste, I repositioned my case. The radiator was at the top, and the pump hung down. I shook it gently for a few minutes. It didn't seem to make much difference. I then reattached the pump more carefully, tightening only slightly with a finger. The result? Temperatures dropped significantly—likely due to better thermal paste and a more secure fit.
Now I'm seeing temperatures around 57°C at 4.7GHz and 1.475vcore. That's a big improvement! Still under the 61°C thermal margin for the FX-8350, but definitely closer.
I'll keep trying with higher-quality paste and hope to switch to a quieter Corsair model like the Noctua NF-F12 if I stick with this cooler. I'm also curious about whether the Noctua would be silent enough for my needs. University deadlines are looming, so I'll have to wait a bit before returning here. Take care.