CPU overheating
CPU overheating
I believe I might need a replacement cooler. When I first built it, I assumed I wasn't gaming, so the stock air cooler should suffice—after all, they tested it and it should perform adequately under normal load without overclocking. Should I upgrade to a newer model or just attempt to reattach the existing one? Thanks.
Thank you for your reply. You're asking whether placing thermal paste under the lid makes it permanent and unchangeable. I also want to know if the leftover Arctic Silver 5 High-Density Polysynthetic Thermal Compound AS5-3.5G from November 2022 is still usable, especially since you used BeQuiet Air Cooler paste at the same time. Additionally, I need guidance on whether it's necessary to remove the CPU for cleaning or if it can be done while the CPU is in place. Any specific recommendations would be appreciated.
It would always be preferable (lower temperatures, reduced fan speeds, less noise) to buy a higher-quality third-party cooler.
However, if this is mainly for browsing and light tasks, it might not be essential.
If you chose that route:
you could simply swap the existing cooler’s fan for a better model, though finding an exact replacement later could be difficult.
Search Amazon and other online stores for the specific fan size in millimeters; the heatsink’s included screws or clips should usually fit to secure it.
Review images and check comments from users who have used similar products to confirm compatibility.
For reinstalling the original cooler as-is:
remove the heatsink/fan, clean thoroughly with isopropyl alcohol (leave paste if still usable), then reattach following the original orientation.
Often, applying just a few thin layers of thermal paste—about the size of a grain of rice—sufficiently covers the CPU.
Clear any dust from the old heatsink and fan before putting it back.
Applying new paste often requires only a couple light applications evenly spaced.
The force of fitting the heatsink usually spreads the paste evenly across the CPU.
Some prefer to spread the paste themselves first to guarantee uniform coverage.
It might be under the lid or simply because the old paste has dried completely. On top of that, this is what caused the issue. If it’s under the lid, it can be fixed, though the process is long and involves some risks. Therefore, I’d try applying the paste on the IHS first before attempting to remove it with a delid tool (deliding could damage the CPU, so it’s a last resort). Keep the CPU in the socket and secure it to the motherboard. Use cotton buds, 99 percent isopropyl alcohol, a plastic tub, or a microfibre cloth—never reuse these items. Protect yourself with a face mask or open a window for ventilation. Apply the isopropyl solution to the plastic tub, then rub the cotton bud through it and clean the entire CPU until no black spots remain, indicating all debris has been removed from the micro-pores of the IHS. For the CPU cooler, you can use a microfibre cloth with isopropyl alcohol and continue cleaning with cotton swabs until nothing is left on the swabs. The recommended paste for ease of use is available here: https://www.amazon.co.uk/ARCTIC-MX-...-1-spons&spc=1. Avoid using Arctic Silver as it’s conductive; dropping it onto a component could cause damage if it hits an unshielded part. Spread the paste evenly with a vinyl glove that isn’t powdered, using your index finger until you can no longer see the IHS (the CPU heat spreader). Once cleaned, attach the CPU cooler. The spread method is preferred because it reduces the chance of hot spots forming. You can use an MX6, but I find it tends to be thicker. Alternatively, the T9 Thermal Right works well as it’s a bit thicker and performs better. If you have any questions or need further advice, feel free to message me.