CPU overheating
CPU overheating
Someone shared their experience with a Ryzen 5 3600 PC running under Arctic Freezer 7x. Temperatures were consistently high, reaching 50-60°C on the desktop and up to 90-96°C during gaming. Others are seeking advice or solutions for this issue.
He is using a basic thermal paste for an AIO cooler. After realizing it wasn't suitable, he switched to Kingpin Cooling KPx and found it much more effective. Most modern coolers come with pre-applied paste, but some models may not cover the CPU completely. The traditional method involved applying a small drop, whereas now using a thermal paste spatula ensures even distribution.
Thermal paste serves a different purpose compared to an air cooler and an AIO. While both aim to improve heat transfer, a thermal paste fills microscopic gaps between the CPU and cooler for better contact, whereas an air cooler relies on forced airflow and a cold plate design. An AIO integrates the cooling system into the water pump, simplifying installation. Your observation about runout and mounting is valid—proper alignment matters. When applying fresh paste, it’s best to ensure the cooler is securely seated. Using pre-applied paste works well for most components, but if you need more precision, a product like ThermalGrizzly Kyronaut is recommended.
Cooler isn't ideal, installation issues exist, or the fan runs slowly. Consider reinstalling/replacing it, adjusting fan speeds, or upgrading to a better model (TR PA120 costs around $30).
Consider thoroughly checking the setup. It's likely the cooling system wasn't fully covered, leading to potential overheating. He should take out the cooler, wipe it down with an alcohol pad, ensuring it's completely dry—paper towel works well. Then apply Kryonaut Thermal Grizzly paste (or a similar product) if desired. Different coolers require specific pastes; fan coolers are suitable, but AIO and block coolers aren't.
You might be right. I'm still getting familiar with this topic. I was looking into various thermal paste options while upgrading my system, and there was a note suggesting not all paste is the same. Some are designed for fan stock coolers, while others suit AIOs better. They mention that paste meant for AIOs shouldn't be used on stock coolers, and vice versa. I don’t recall exactly which site I read this from—maybe PC Build or something similar. Still, I remember hearing Jayz recommend Kingpin because it doesn’t dry out or crack and keeps thermal regulation stable over time. He noted that some pastes are great but can lose effectiveness if they dry or crack.