F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Is the issue with your CPU cooler or another component?

Is the issue with your CPU cooler or another component?

Is the issue with your CPU cooler or another component?

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StreetHobo
Senior Member
568
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#1
There are concerns about high CPU temperatures and I want to be clear about what I suspect is the cause.
This gaming PC has been in use for 4 to 5 years with almost no problems. Recently, my internet connection dropped out on the PC while it was online, but the PC remained functional. The next day, the computer shut down unexpectedly.
During startup, a red light appears on the motherboard, and I’m not entirely sure what it’s indicating beyond “issue with a component.”
After restarting, I checked several programs to monitor system metrics like core temperature.
At startup, the CPU temperature rises to around 70–80°C and gradually increases to 95°C before attempting to stay below that, but it drops to 0.55GHz when the base speed is 4.70GHz, suggesting thermal throttling.
I re-applied thermal paste, but it had no effect. I then considered the cooler; fans are running and the radiator looks clean, so that doesn’t seem to be the main problem.
The pump appears to be the next suspect, but I’m limited by budget and uncertainty about whether it’s the root cause.
I’m unsure if the pump issue would be more likely given the current situation.
I want to confirm whether the pump problem seems plausible based on what I’ve observed.
S
StreetHobo
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #1

There are concerns about high CPU temperatures and I want to be clear about what I suspect is the cause.
This gaming PC has been in use for 4 to 5 years with almost no problems. Recently, my internet connection dropped out on the PC while it was online, but the PC remained functional. The next day, the computer shut down unexpectedly.
During startup, a red light appears on the motherboard, and I’m not entirely sure what it’s indicating beyond “issue with a component.”
After restarting, I checked several programs to monitor system metrics like core temperature.
At startup, the CPU temperature rises to around 70–80°C and gradually increases to 95°C before attempting to stay below that, but it drops to 0.55GHz when the base speed is 4.70GHz, suggesting thermal throttling.
I re-applied thermal paste, but it had no effect. I then considered the cooler; fans are running and the radiator looks clean, so that doesn’t seem to be the main problem.
The pump appears to be the next suspect, but I’m limited by budget and uncertainty about whether it’s the root cause.
I’m unsure if the pump issue would be more likely given the current situation.
I want to confirm whether the pump problem seems plausible based on what I’ve observed.

B
BrackzAU
Member
50
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#2
Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
What BIOS version are you currently using?
1250W can’t remember the make
Remove the side panels from your case and examine the labeled sides of the PSU. How old is this unit?
A red light appears on your motherboard during startup, not fully sure what it means beyond a general warning about a component issue.
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileL...13...31eed5e808
Page 0 doesn’t specify what the LED indicates, but since you’re looking at the system, you can either read the label and explain what it means or provide a photo of the LED area for verification.
My CPU starts at around 70-80°C and gradually rises to 95°C, eventually dropping to 0.55Ghz when its base speed is 4.70Ghz, which suggests thermal throttling.
This could mean your AIO isn’t performing well or the CPU isn’t properly mounted.
You’ve had this gaming PC for 4-5 years with almost no problems.
The CPU model released in Q3 2022...could you clarify which components were replaced from your previous build?
Please also mention the make and model of your case.
B
BrackzAU
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #2

Welcome to the forums, newcomer!
What BIOS version are you currently using?
1250W can’t remember the make
Remove the side panels from your case and examine the labeled sides of the PSU. How old is this unit?
A red light appears on your motherboard during startup, not fully sure what it means beyond a general warning about a component issue.
https://download.gigabyte.com/FileL...13...31eed5e808
Page 0 doesn’t specify what the LED indicates, but since you’re looking at the system, you can either read the label and explain what it means or provide a photo of the LED area for verification.
My CPU starts at around 70-80°C and gradually rises to 95°C, eventually dropping to 0.55Ghz when its base speed is 4.70Ghz, which suggests thermal throttling.
This could mean your AIO isn’t performing well or the CPU isn’t properly mounted.
You’ve had this gaming PC for 4-5 years with almost no problems.
The CPU model released in Q3 2022...could you clarify which components were replaced from your previous build?
Please also mention the make and model of your case.

T
tobuscis7
Member
170
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#3
Sorry for the delay! I’m checking for new replacement components.
PC case - Cooler Master
Regrets the delay, as I’m struggling to locate a suitable cooler replacement in stock.
Bios Version - Gigabyte F2
Power Supply - CoolerMaster 1250W MWE GOLD V2 - ATX 3.0 PSU
Case - Difficulty finding the exact model; closest match is Elite 302.
For recycled parts, I might have misjudged how long I’ve had the PC since I haven’t made any upgrades yet, so I’m estimating it’s been about 2-3 years. That’s a bit of a surprise given how long it feels.
Regarding the red lights, they begin with the left light on and then switch to the right shortly after. I’m currently on my phone, unsure if this site works with mobile devices, which is making it hard to upload photos.
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tobuscis7
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #3

Sorry for the delay! I’m checking for new replacement components.
PC case - Cooler Master
Regrets the delay, as I’m struggling to locate a suitable cooler replacement in stock.
Bios Version - Gigabyte F2
Power Supply - CoolerMaster 1250W MWE GOLD V2 - ATX 3.0 PSU
Case - Difficulty finding the exact model; closest match is Elite 302.
For recycled parts, I might have misjudged how long I’ve had the PC since I haven’t made any upgrades yet, so I’m estimating it’s been about 2-3 years. That’s a bit of a surprise given how long it feels.
Regarding the red lights, they begin with the left light on and then switch to the right shortly after. I’m currently on my phone, unsure if this site works with mobile devices, which is making it hard to upload photos.

Y
yojin091024
Member
137
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#4
AIO coolers have a limited lifespan.
Eventually, the mechanical pump stops working or becomes blocked. Or air can enter the tubes, necessitating a replacement.
Expect around five years.
I believe the problem lies with the cooler.
Luckily, your unit appears to have adequate airflow, and swapping in a straightforward twin tower air cooler should suffice.
Thermalright peerless assassin costs around $50:
https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-0...MI...gIWa_D_BwE
Its cooling performance matches that of the H100.
Y
yojin091024
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #4

AIO coolers have a limited lifespan.
Eventually, the mechanical pump stops working or becomes blocked. Or air can enter the tubes, necessitating a replacement.
Expect around five years.
I believe the problem lies with the cooler.
Luckily, your unit appears to have adequate airflow, and swapping in a straightforward twin tower air cooler should suffice.
Thermalright peerless assassin costs around $50:
https://www.newegg.com/p/13C-000Y-0...MI...gIWa_D_BwE
Its cooling performance matches that of the H100.

X
Xytrixz
Senior Member
552
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#5
I checked the manual and found the issue, though it doesn’t clearly match the expected light patterns. I’m a bit confused by the motherboard red lights. Thank you for the suggestion—I was also reviewing that one!
X
Xytrixz
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #5

I checked the manual and found the issue, though it doesn’t clearly match the expected light patterns. I’m a bit confused by the motherboard red lights. Thank you for the suggestion—I was also reviewing that one!

S
schrijverkes
Member
107
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#6
My phone isn’t enjoying this site, but I was trying to explain. The LEDs on the motherboard seem to indicate CPU problems, and then the DRAM LED lights up right after the CPU LED goes off. Sorry for the confusing messages.
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schrijverkes
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #6

My phone isn’t enjoying this site, but I was trying to explain. The LEDs on the motherboard seem to indicate CPU problems, and then the DRAM LED lights up right after the CPU LED goes off. Sorry for the confusing messages.

H
Higgins105
Junior Member
34
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#7
Check if the pump is spinning properly. It might not be rotating or could be running too slowly.
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Higgins105
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #7

Check if the pump is spinning properly. It might not be rotating or could be running too slowly.

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Kaine13
Member
100
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#8
I'm just starting with Imgur for the first time, so I hope it works. I'm a bit nervous about turning on my PC because it's warm, and the CPU is overheating to 95+ in just a couple of minutes. Recently I checked the BIOS and noticed two fans weren't being detected, though they were still running. I'm trying to figure this out quickly so I can get the right info before I power it on, as I don't have much time.
K
Kaine13
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #8

I'm just starting with Imgur for the first time, so I hope it works. I'm a bit nervous about turning on my PC because it's warm, and the CPU is overheating to 95+ in just a couple of minutes. Recently I checked the BIOS and noticed two fans weren't being detected, though they were still running. I'm trying to figure this out quickly so I can get the right info before I power it on, as I don't have much time.

W
Windlander
Member
150
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#9
Reviewed the BIOS and found the fans connected to the CPU are:
CPU_Fan - working correctly, likely the radiator fan on the cooler
CPU-OPT - not responding or missing from BIOS
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Windlander
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #9

Reviewed the BIOS and found the fans connected to the CPU are:
CPU_Fan - working correctly, likely the radiator fan on the cooler
CPU-OPT - not responding or missing from BIOS

L
lucariohaha
Junior Member
9
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM
#10
Consider changing the order of the data.
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lucariohaha
09-23-2025, 05:59 PM #10

Consider changing the order of the data.

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