Data for 13900k is not available.
Data for 13900k is not available.
Yesterday I acquired a Z790 board along with a 13900k processor. I was curious about alternatives to the standard 360mm AIO setup—whether custom water cooling would be more effective than it is now, or if the temperatures were already manageable. Under heavy stress tests like Prime95 and Cinebench, temperatures quickly reach around 100°C, while under normal use they stay below 80°C. This is still hotter than I’m used to with previous generations, even though this newer generation consumes more power.
You're managing multiple cores at full speed, which means significant heat production. Some 360mm AIOs handle it better than others, prompting questions about your choice. Temperatures remain acceptable—just above 100°C—unless you notice throttling, which would indicate a problem. You can adjust BIOS settings or set tighter power limits to maximize performance without overheating. Der8auer has a helpful video on optimizing efficiency and explains the ideal balance between power usage and performance.
I checked available options and found some Corsair AIOs that offer noticeable improvements over the H150i.
I didn’t realize yesterday I purchased one that had a 420mm version of the same cooler—like Corsair H150i versus H170i. Microcenter offers a solid return policy, which makes it worth considering.
The selection of the fan also plays a role. Use the h170i together with Phanteks T30s to reduce temperatures slightly (you can install 120mm fans on the h170i even though it only supports 3x140mm).
AM5 aims for maximum performance until it reaches 95°C, while the 13900k targets sustained operation at 100°C. If your BIOS allows unlocking CL1/CL2 limits, the CPU will draw up to 300 watts and maintain high boost levels, reaching around 250W overall power usage. Adjust settings in the BIOS and experiment with limits for optimal results.