CPU temperature reached extremely high levels.
CPU temperature reached extremely high levels.
Poor airflow situation. Not a suitable CPU cooler either. Likely uses cheaper fans if it's a prebuilt unit. Avoid replacing the whole case unless you prefer a better AIO and upgraded case fans. Another choice is lowering clock speeds or similar—many prebuilt cases push high-end CPUs and GPUs into low-end builds with inadequate cooling, then add poor-quality fans on top.
I believe the problem might be related to the cooling system startup. The cooler could have an issue where the pump doesn’t activate properly each time. Have you considered checking the fan or power supply connections?
I'm not an expert, but I've only encountered one. I recommend turning off fast startup via the system settings and adjusting what power buttons do. Edit: It's possible the AIO is connected to a bad port—don't know if all headers are compatible.
Do you have any intake fans? Are you using the front or top exhaust on your AIO? What are your temperatures without the side panel on? You might need three front intake fans to achieve sufficient airflow, but expect temperatures to remain below ideal levels. Switching to a rear fan as an intake with the AIO as a top exhaust could help, though you won’t have dust filters installed. Connect the pump to the CPU header and set it to 100% in BIOS. Attach the radiator fans to the system fan headers and set them to full speed. Test your temperatures—if they’re good, adjust fan speeds for acceptable noise and performance. You can also lower the pump speed if needed, ensuring it starts quickly. A consistent pump speed is ideal. A new mesh case might be a worthwhile upgrade.
People are focusing heavily on inadequate case airflow and assuming it’s the main cause of overheating. The tools you’re using to track temperatures vary, so comparing results across different programs can help clarify what’s happening. If your CPU feels unusually cold according to HWmonitor, consider opening the side panel for better ventilation and using the PC normally. If temperatures remain high, try placing a desk fan inside. Persist if that doesn’t help—other factors may be at play.
Consider which software you’re running: are the readings consistent? Are there discrepancies? Possible issues include incorrect temperature reporting, an active overclock, insufficient thermal paste, improper mounting pressure, or improper placement of fans and coolers. Also check the orientation of fans and coolers, ensuring intake and exhaust paths are clear. Verify fan types—static vs high-flow models—and confirm BIOS settings match your motherboard manual. Look for any conflicting fan control software that might override the BIOS settings.