i7-13700K overheats and Cinebech R23-200 runs at 15k instead of the expected 27-32k according to online reports.
i7-13700K overheats and Cinebech R23-200 runs at 15k instead of the expected 27-32k according to online reports.
Cinebench and HWinfo only reached 15k during R23 standard scoring. The setup used included a Mobo - MSI Z690 A Pro DDR4 cooler, Coolermaster ML240 mirror GPU, RTX 3080, and RAM with BIOS 2x16GB at 3600Mhz. RAM was not active in the test. CPU operated in Lite Mode with 5 CPU max power consumed (197W). Windows 11 23H2 was installed. The cooling system had a H7 flow with the radiator positioned as an intake on the front (2x140mm BeQuiet), two units above (2x140mm) and one at the back (1x120mm).
You already know the issue: the P cores are throttling and some E-cores are nearing it. This points to cooling concerns—240mm is too low for their heat output, though the score suggests a bigger problem with the cooler’s mounting or thermal paste. The main factors likely causing throttling are: power delivery (PSU needs 250-300W headroom), thermal interface performance, and memory bandwidth (compare to other DDR4 boards). Aim for around 30k Cinebench R23 using standard DDR4 RAM. Target around 25-28k with stock XMP settings.
If a power supply can't provide enough voltage, the system will simply shut down the computer. This doesn't affect the CPU speed at all. In fact, it's completely normal. Some good high-speed RAM like the Opera model is almost as fast as the standard 6000MHz Cl36, most users settle for this. The main problem here is the thermal performance. I'm not surprised that the ML240 is considered a low-end AIO—it's just a weak cooling solution. Upgrading it and using a CPU contact frame would make a huge difference. Since the H7 flow supports 360mm radial mounting, you don't really need a contact frame, though it's nice to have. For better results, consider an Arctic Liquid Freezer 360 or a ThermalRight Prism 360. There are also plenty of air cooler options available. Also, make sure your BIOS is current so the CPU isn't running outdated drivers.
Is the intake and exhaust configuration correct? Is the AIO a newer model or an older one? The 240mm size suits Intel's i7, but is the pump running at full capacity?
Typical benchmarks on YouTube show mixed results. Most users focus on DDR5 8000, often paired with very high latency due to the 13th generation's bandwidth advantages over low-latency DDR4 setups. Some also experiment with DDR4 at 3600 MHz using AMD CL14, aiming for higher speeds around 6000 CL30. If memory supports XMP or manual tuning, targeting 28 kHz is reasonable. I recall thinking the system was under 253W, but the i7 could exceed 300W if the power supply and cooling are adequate. Probably the issue isn't just insufficient RAM or VRM—it's likely a cooling problem, possibly poor mounting or an AIO with a failing fan or pump.
Oh no, the ML240 is really struggling to handle the heat. It’s been tested many times and still can’t keep up with a high-performance 7950X while a top-tier dual fan model easily manages it—plus plenty of other fans too.
I own a 280mm AIO that matches roughly the surface area of a 360mm AIO. Regarding the P cores, I believe two of them handle heat without throttling easily, while the other six do so immediately. I suspect my back plate might be loose. I’ve ordered an LGA1700 mounting bracket that should arrive tonight, so I’ll verify the backplate during installation. I’m using Noctua thermal paste and have built over 30 PCs before—this has been a recurring problem on my personal machine for six months, but I’m trying it again now.
I included the contact frame and the temperatures improved significantly, reaching almost optimal levels. The CPU only experienced minor thermal throttling, but my Cinebench R24 score remains at 771. I’m confused because the performance seems decent despite the low score—only one P core (core 5) was active for about 2.5 minutes during the test.
Apologies for the confusion. I own an ML280, not a 240. The contact frame was installed and temperatures are quite good—only one core throttled (core 5) briefly in the final two minutes of the ten-minute test. The R24 score remained extremely low at 774 points versus the expected 1600+. I’m unsure what to do since the temperatures aren’t indicating issues, but the cores still show a steady 5.2GHz on all P cores and 4.0Ghz on all E cores. It’s confusing, especially because I bought it off Woot and received a 13700K instead of the advertised 13700KF. Any other way to confirm the CPU’s health? The system runs smoothly overall.