Overheating at 8700K?
Overheating at 8700K?
I'll try removing the side panel and check its effect. I expect to apply the thermal paste next week, then let me know after reapplication.
I thought it might be time to switch to a different AIO after reading some information online. I'll try the new thermal paste first; if that doesn't work, I'll get another one. This PC is my main work machine, so any issues really bother me. I'll update once I have more details.
It varies based on maintenance. Proper care can extend their life to over three years. My NZXT X61 is nearly four years old, and it's working well with an i5-4690K OC'd to 4.8 GHz. However, I believe it's time to swap it out along with the whole setup—maybe upgrade to a 4th Gen Intel chip with extra cores or threads would help.
I used it for roughly three and a half years with an X5690. It started to show wear. My brother lent me his Z77 model with a 3770K, but it just couldn't keep up. I managed to run the CPU at 4.4 volts—fine, as long as it was stock voltage. It probably isn’t a big issue since it didn’t get pushed hard for long. It seems like it’s running quietly, which is something most computers wouldn’t compare themselves to.
I don't have time to go through basic physics, so I won't engage with those asking about thermodynamics rules. If they're curious, they can contact me and I'll be glad to help, but it wouldn't be worth taking this thread off track. I use a Dark Rock Pro by BeQuiet! and it works well. It's quieter than an IAO (no pump) and functions properly. For an upgrade, consider a standard air cooler rather than an AIO. That said, I'm not sure you need to change anything just yet. I'd suggest trying a re-paste before investing in new parts. Most high-quality thermal pastes from Arctic and Noctua are rated for about four years. If you've only had your device two years, it might be due to poor paste quality or another issue. Maybe the mounting tension is weakening over time.