Problem with CPU overheating unexpectedly
Problem with CPU overheating unexpectedly
Intel i7 7820 X with NZXT Kraken Z73 Liquid Cooler
Hello,
Recently, my CPU began getting extremely hot without any changes to the system. It idled around 50 degrees and would shut down during heavy loads. I cleaned out the case, which was very dusty, and reapplied thermal paste, but it didn’t seem to make a difference. The fans on the cooler are running and the pump seems to be working, yet the processor still overheats. Could it be that I applied the thermal paste incorrectly once more? Even though the paste wasn’t older than three years, it might not have been effective. Anyone here have any suggestions about what could be causing this issue? Thank you for your help.
Pump malfunction or blockage inside the cold plate? Are you observing any speeds for the pump in the BIOS settings? AIO devices don't last indefinitely, especially if they're as old as the CPU, which means you're probably in good shape for about eight years.
Hi, yes I also see around 1200 RPM in the BIOS and it’s not as outdated as the CPU. I got it more than a year ago. Another observation is that turning off XMP improves temperatures and prevents crashes under heavy loads. Still, I’m frustrated because I had to keep the CPU at stock settings after overheating started, even though I used XMP for a long time. Thanks!
Over time, an aio may stop functioning.
This could happen if the mechanical pump fails or becomes blocked.
Or if air enters the tubes, necessitating a replacement.
Typically, this occurs within five years.
Below is a selection of air coolers that Noctua considers appropriate and compatible with your CPU:
https://ncc.noctua.at/cpus/model/INTEL-C...-7820X-291
They offer high quality but come at a higher cost.
A comparable cooler can be used if it matches your socket type.
You own a Kraken cooler, if not yet, set up NZXT CAM, open it and check the pump status and liquid temperature. Attempt to run the pump at full speed unless it's already doing so. If the liquid is excessively hot (around 20°C above room temperature), consider adjusting the radiator fan curve more aggressively—preferably using the liquid temperature setting rather than the CPU. When the liquid temperature is very low (near room temperature) and remains stable even when the CPU is under load, it could indicate an issue with the CPU or cooler connection. It might also mean the CPU can't reach full boost at maximum clock speed while RAM runs at low frequency, leading to performance loss.