Have trouble with the reboot loop? Let me know how I can assist.
Have trouble with the reboot loop? Let me know how I can assist.
This. If you bought it second hand, there's a VERY good chance that thermal paste is crustier then that 18-year-old slice of bread behind your fridge. If this is the case, you'll want to replace it. I have a feeling you'll find that the previous owner didn't clean it properly at all and all you need is a pea sized dot of thermal goo and you'll be good to go (after cleaning the previous stuff off with alcohol of course).
It depends on what you're using. Rubbing alcohol can work, but thermal paste is generally better for long-term performance. Some people use the same CPU without issues even at high temps, but it’s still smart to check reviews or ask experienced users. If your system stays stable at 98–100°C, it might just be a matter of tolerance or cooling setup. Don’t worry, you’re not crazy—just keep an eye on things!
Rubbing alcohol might help, but isopropyl alcohol works better for cleaning. A thermal paste that fits CPU coolers is fine. Overheating can lead to shutdowns to protect the hardware, which is typically handled by the BIOS. Old thermal paste often causes overheating. I remember seeing an i7-2600 in the original post—was it changed or did I misremember? Edited March 2, 2023 by An0maly_76 Updated with more details
I'll give it another shot then, and I'll have thermal paste ready just in case. Must be a joke about the 2600, but I'm ready!
Three points forming a triangle on the CPU lid will handle the task. Make sure to remove any extra material while securing the cooler brackets. Updated March 2, 2023 by An0maly_76 Added further details
It might work, but you should replace it. You can try using 93% denatured ethanol for cleaning, but make sure to use a microfiber cloth for removal.
It seems this was early in the drying process. Likely there wasn’t enough material. I cleaned any remaining sticky residue using a paper towel or tissue. Only solvents are needed for tough dried areas—handle them carefully to avoid contact with the board or socket. Soak the cloth first, then apply it to the surface. If possible, increase your cooler fan speed to maximum, though that may not be essential. For a new upgrade, a Cooler Master i70 works well. I installed one on an i7-2600 (4 cores / 8 threads) and it handles gaming at 60-65°C with a GTX1050. Edited March 2, 2023 by An0maly_76 Updated, more info
It didn’t behave as expected—it jumped from 80 to 95°C right after starting the BIOS, and the fans stopped working immediately. I’m sure they were connected properly since they did spin at first.