I5-7400 overheating during idle?
I5-7400 overheating during idle?
Hi, everyone. I've shared several posts about my PC problems, mainly related to the GPU. As I continue testing and analyzing what I experience, I've gathered more insights. Previously, I suspected my GPU was faulty due to low FPS. However, after running various tests—3DMark, Task Manager with games open, UserBenchmark—I realized my GPU is performing adequately. In Forza Horizon 4, for example, it only reached 70% usage and maintained a solid 25% minimum, achieving above-average results. During Task Manager checks with the game running, both CPU and RAM stayed at full capacity without dropping even slightly. Another concern was the RAM usage: despite having 8GB, only 7GB was usable, with 3GB cached and 0.7GB free during games. After performing MemTest86 and Windows Memory Diagnostic, everything checked out. A CPU stress test showed the screen flickering frequently while the CPU hit 100% at high temperatures. Interestingly, my CPU didn’t require thermal paste, though I haven’t purchased it yet since the temperature increase was minimal. Playing Forza Horizon 4 for about 15 minutes caused a 10-minute freeze, followed by a crash to the desktop and eventual shutdown. UserBenchmark revealed performance drops from expected to actual, and 3DMark Time Spy Extreme recorded 15775. On the desktop, memory usage stayed around 45% with no apps running, while CPU usage fluctuated between 15-55%. With all this information, I’m hoping someone can assist with resolving these issues. Please keep your feedback in mind.
PC Specifications:
Intel Core i5-7400 MSI Radeon RX 570 8GB
Armor OC Corsair Vengeance 2x4GB DDR4-2400 CAS
16 Seagate ST1000 HDD
Samsung 850 Evo 250GB MSI B250M
Gaming Pro Motherboard
Windows 10 Home Build 18362
Samsung 1080p Freesync Monitor
LG Flatron Wide 1680x1050
It's unusual to build a system without thermal paste, but some designs skip it for performance reasons. Your question highlights concerns about stability—system crashes and shutdowns often point to cooling issues, making thermal paste a common fix.
Addressing the thermal throttling issue first. Also, scanning for potential malware, such as mining software, is recommended. Run the provided link to assess the situation.
I initially applied thermal paste but accidentally took it out when I stopped the fan to clear debris. I could have purchased more whenever needed.
I was working on this subject while having YouTube and a few empty tabs ready. I used a web browser to demonstrate how any open app contributes significantly to this high usage, even simple programs like Notepad or Paint.
Apply thermal paste to your CPU. You're experiencing thermal throttling, which helps keep your overall CPU temperatures in check. There are additional sensors on the die that can trigger throttling, but these aren't visible.