Help! CPU backplate is stuck in the middle - high temperatures.
Help! CPU backplate is stuck in the middle - high temperatures.
It's definitely an improvement. I checked the temperatures during regular tasks, and Prime95 applies significantly more strain on the CPU compared to real-world use. If you're using a certain version of Prime96—it's hard to recall which one—it shows much higher temps than before. I'm using the latest Prime95 version (26.6 or similar), and the temperatures in Realbench match what I expect. Benchmarks from others with the same cooler and CPU consistently report much lower temps, especially when running at higher coverclock speeds. I suspect I might have missed something while adjusting the backplate or standoffs (the hole on the backplate was stripped).
In any case, my pump seems to be a problem. I expected it to run quietly, but it's surprisingly silent. My liquid temperatures in CAM never go above 32°C—whether I'm idle or under load, they stay at that level. Watching others stress-test with CAM on is confusing.
Regarding the pump speed, I can't hear it or feel much vibration in the tubes from moving liquid (I think any sensation comes from it being pressed against the fans). Newegg has sent a replacement, expected by next Tuesday or Wednesday. For now, it's still functional but barely keeping my CPU cool, even without a working pump.
I'll update you once I know what happens. I hope this leads to a straightforward installation of a new unit that works. Thanks for your help—this has given me some valuable insights on properly setting up AIOs for the future.
I hope the new replacement helps sort things out for you. At least you managed to get that tip when setting up the AIO, even though everything was a hassle for you. I just completed the installation, and my temperatures stayed steady. When the pump is on silent and the fans are off—or both at full speed—I’m reading 74-80 on my 4.5 GHz overclock. I haven’t received any calls from NZXT in nearly two weeks. The only possible reason seems to be that the backplate isn’t aligning properly, even though the screws were tight and there were no issues fitting.
Additionally, the cutout isn’t large enough on the backside, and my MOBO has these small silver pin-like protrusions that I noticed while swapping backplates. They rise about a quarter inch and push into the top and bottom sections of the backplate where it connects. From what I understand, the backplate should have enough space so these shouldn’t be a problem, but it’s hard to say for sure—maybe something is off now.
I won’t accept these temperatures anymore. They’re way too high compared to my old 120mm Corsair AIOs. They’re much hotter than they should be, based on other people’s benchmarks. With the same CPU at a 4.7 GHz overclock running at 1.35v, I expect around 63 under load, but mine is reaching 80 at 4.5—definitely not normal.
Until I can get in touch with NZXT to troubleshoot further beyond just increasing fan speed, I’m stuck.