Hot CPU and Loud Fans
Hot CPU and Loud Fans
Hi everyone,
I recently upgraded my system to include both a 5600X and a 6800XT. Everything appears to function properly. But when I play intense games like Warzone, BFV, or Cyberpunk 2077, my PC becomes very noisy and the CPU gets quite hot.
Here’s how my current configuration looks:
- 5600X
- NH-D15S
- B450-F Strix
- Two 8GB 3200MHz Trident Z RGB GPUs
- 6800XT Nitro+ with an OC setup
- SX8200 Pro, plus a SATA SSD and a couple of 3.5" drives
- Leadex III 850W Gold
- Meshify C Dark TG
The GPU temperatures are normal—around 40-45°C when idle and 60-65°C during gameplay. However, the CPU is running quite hot, and the fans are working overtime. I’ve tried several adjustments so far:
I initially set the CPU to Auto mode, which showed 40°C at idle and about 80°C under load. Using HWMonitor confirmed the clock speeds stayed steady around 4.7GHz while playing. The noise level wasn’t extreme, but noticeable.
Next, I attempted a full overclock to 4.6GHz at 1.4v. This brought temperatures down to 50°C at idle and 90°C under load, though the fans were extremely loud—like an oven fan in operation.
I then re-seated and repasted the CPU. Added an NF-A12x25 as a second fan on the NH-D15S (couldn’t fit another NF-A15 due to space). On Auto mode, I got under 35°C and around 75°C under load. Still quite noisy, though.
Fans spike even more when opening the side panel or launching applications like Steam or Afterburner. I have two NF-A12x25 intakes at the front (top and bottom), one NF-A12x15 in the middle (because of the GPU size), two NZXT AER 140mm fans at the top, and a 120mm Fractal fan at the back.
Despite these efforts, the temperatures remain high enough that fans are running at full speed to maintain the CPU around 80°C. I’m unsure if my motherboard is handling the overclocking well. Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated.
The cause of the CPU overheating involves several factors: the chassis ambient temperature affecting the CPU cooler, the Ryzen 5000's more intense boost response compared to the Ryzen 3000, and the fact that despite good power efficiency, the increased thermal density of the 7nm chips beneath the IHS makes it hard for the heatspreader to efficiently move heat upward. Some heat is lost before it can be transferred effectively. Also: https://www.pcgamer.com/amd-views-ryzen-...by-design/ This might not be the most useful reference, but AMD would likely not consider this a major issue. You need to accept a higher RPM fan curve. Attempting to keep it low only causes more aggressive revving. The gentler curve will...
The cause of the CPU overheating involves several factors:
- The chassis ambient temperature affecting the CPU cooler.
- The Ryzen 5000 model exhibits more intense boost behavior compared to the Ryzen 3000.
- Despite Ryzen's excellent power efficiency, the increased thermal density of the 7nm chips beneath the IHS makes it hard for the heatspreader to efficiently move heat upward; some warmth escapes before reaching its destination.
Additionally:
https://www.pcgamer.com/amd-views-ryzen-...by-design/
This might not be the most useful reference, but AMD would likely not consider your current setup a concern.
You need to accept a higher RPM fan curve. Attempting to keep it low only results in more aggressive revving.
The steeper yet smoother curve will be more comfortable for you than constant high revs.
I’m aware that my H500P Mesh doesn’t reflect everyone’s cooling needs, but I’ve conducted several cooling tests using it and an NH-D15S with dual fans. If you aim to optimize CPU cooling with the D15, here are some suggestions:
1) You’ll need to remove the two top fans—they help with GPU cooling but are harmful for most CPU air coolers. Without them, the D15 will pull air from both sides.
Of course, this means slightly reduced GPU cooling, but if your cooler was already performing well, it shouldn’t be a major issue.
2) The side folds on the finstacks encourage better front-to-back airflow and lessen the impact of fans above the cooler. Another valid reason to eliminate the top fans.
3) If the rear fan’s specifications are lower than the NF-A15, it might be obstructing airflow. If so, it’s actually counterproductive. But if it meets or exceeds the NF-A15 specs, you can keep it in place.
It's actually quite comforting to know this is within the expected range. If it had affected my 2700X before, I would have been very concerned.
I plan to buy a better fan for the exhaust and remove the top fans as you recommended. I'll also adjust the fan settings to be more aggressive.
Currently, I've kept the Core Multiplier at auto since, aside from Cyberpunk 2077, I'm seeing frame rates that are more than sufficient in all other games.
Thanks a lot for your response. It has really helped me focus on the right solutions.
-sadly, but it's accurate: many believe "cool" looks the same as "cold".
@julienruc
You own one of the top air coolers globally with just 65W TDP CPU and still struggle with heat or noise?
There are only two possible explanations: your airflow is very weak, or your overclocking exceeds acceptable limits.
For reference: I use a 60$ cooler on my 5900X, equipped with two 140mm intake fans, one 120mm fan at the back, and a solid top panel in my PC case—no temperature or noise issues at all.
Occasionally, less is indeed more.
I just wanted to give an update on the current status.
I removed the two top exhaust fans and installed a Noctua 120mm fan in place of them. I was surprised by how much better the noise levels and temperatures became. It's still audible but now at acceptable, non-intrusive volumes, especially when using a headset.
Later, I upgraded my motherboard to a B550, which made a noticeable difference—my system is now extremely quiet, even under heavy use.
Thank you all again for your support. Appreciate it.