Performance metrics under watercooler conditions
Performance metrics under watercooler conditions
It's usually fine not to reapply thermal paste after changing the cooler's orientation. As for your temperatures in Baldur's Gate 3, they seem to stabilize after a while—no cause for concern.
Make sure to reapply the thermal paste again, assuming you removed the previous layer. Lifting it up may cause air bubbles that can reduce cooling efficiency.
Wipe away the old paste using a microfiber cloth or regular cloth. Apply a pea-sized amount and add another layer.
I observed the installation was off. I placed it on the front instead of the top, using intake instead of exhaust as before. I'm checking if temperatures improve. UPDATE: much better!