CPU overheating
CPU overheating
Hi, I recently installed some new fans for my PC to combat the summer heat and reduce overheating. But instead of seeing any improvement, the situation has actually worsened. I’ve owned this system since 2023, so it’s not too old.
Here are my specifications:
- Case: NZXT H9 Flow dual chamber
- CPU: i9 12900K
- CPU cooler: NZXT Kraken 360 KR360-W1
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG Strix Z690A
- GPU: 4070TI super Windforce (with NZXT vertical stand)
- Latest fan model: NZXT F360 single frame
Currently, at idle my PC runs between 40°-50°, but when I start a game the temperature spikes to around 92° and can reach up to 100°, which causes stuttering.
I’ve attached photos of my current fan setup and temperature readings before and after launching games:
https://imgur.com/a/DvY4L99
View: https://imgur.com/a/DvY4L99
Any advice would be greatly appreciated, especially if you recommend rearranging the fans or reapplying thermal paste.
Yeah, when was the last time you applied paste? I won't ask about your system's dusting history since it's clear you've been using it for two years. That's something you should confirm if you want. I've been using an ROG Maximus Z690 Hero for almost two years with the same CPU and GPU as yours, but it's a ROG 4070 Ti Super OC. It had similar issues until I updated the BIOS. The best part is I haven't updated it in two years, which really boosted my stability to the highest level...
Your photo indicates a video signal exceeding 1.5V, which is quite high but doesn't necessarily mean the CPU is receiving that much voltage—it could still be possible. Check the BIOS and upload a picture of your CPU settings. High voltage levels are present, yet none of your cores exceed 5.1 even though the 12900k should reach up to 5.2. It's possible your motherboard has an all-core overclock enabled.
I updated the bios and received a notification stating "pcie x16 link speed has been modified to gen3." It's unclear if this was during the update or not. Also, here is the CPU information as requested—no changes were made to this part, so it seems the issue lies with the motherboard.
to adjust the fans, you should turn them upside down so the back panel points toward the radiator. also, flip the fan unit at the bottom to make the back panel face downward. i wasn't sure if that was the correct method for nxt fans.
Also you are heat soaking that pump with the vertical GPU. That's already inefficient for cooling the GPU, now that heat is rising right into the pump/CPU