F5F Stay Refreshed Hardware Desktop Problem with I7 9700K cooling performance

Problem with I7 9700K cooling performance

Problem with I7 9700K cooling performance

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HARRIBO45600
Member
69
11-28-2021, 09:23 AM
#1
I recently upgraded my GPU to a 3070ti FE, but faced some challenges (the PSU couldn’t handle the load). During troubleshooting, I noticed my CPU was overheating constantly. My setup includes a 9700k, Asus TUF Z390 gaming motherboard, all default settings except memory running at 3200MHz. The CPU stays around 60°C when idle, but during games like Hunt Showdown or Rust, core temperatures reach nearly 90°C, peaking at about 98°C. Running the OCCT CPU test shows all eight cores reaching 100°C in under ten seconds. My work PC is similar—same CPU, non-gaming motherboard, 3200MHz RAM, Be Quiet Rock 4 cooler—but it stays cool at around 60°C idle and only reaches the 50s during gaming. Even with an overclocked 4.8GHz on my work machine, temps stay under 60°C. The idle temps are much lower than mine, and I can still run the Intel XTU benchmark without overheating. The cooler’s fans are working properly, direction is correct, and I haven’t removed any protective covers. It seems the cooling system might be failing—possibly due to faulty heatpipes or a stuck thermal paste. I cleaned and re-applied new thermal paste (Arctic Silver) last night but it didn’t help. The exhaust from the case feels warm, suggesting heat is being expelled, which contradicts my suspicion about the cooler. It’s puzzling since everything seems fine when I first built it three years ago. I haven’t monitored it closely afterward. Could be a component failure or design issue? Thanks for any insights!
H
HARRIBO45600
11-28-2021, 09:23 AM #1

I recently upgraded my GPU to a 3070ti FE, but faced some challenges (the PSU couldn’t handle the load). During troubleshooting, I noticed my CPU was overheating constantly. My setup includes a 9700k, Asus TUF Z390 gaming motherboard, all default settings except memory running at 3200MHz. The CPU stays around 60°C when idle, but during games like Hunt Showdown or Rust, core temperatures reach nearly 90°C, peaking at about 98°C. Running the OCCT CPU test shows all eight cores reaching 100°C in under ten seconds. My work PC is similar—same CPU, non-gaming motherboard, 3200MHz RAM, Be Quiet Rock 4 cooler—but it stays cool at around 60°C idle and only reaches the 50s during gaming. Even with an overclocked 4.8GHz on my work machine, temps stay under 60°C. The idle temps are much lower than mine, and I can still run the Intel XTU benchmark without overheating. The cooler’s fans are working properly, direction is correct, and I haven’t removed any protective covers. It seems the cooling system might be failing—possibly due to faulty heatpipes or a stuck thermal paste. I cleaned and re-applied new thermal paste (Arctic Silver) last night but it didn’t help. The exhaust from the case feels warm, suggesting heat is being expelled, which contradicts my suspicion about the cooler. It’s puzzling since everything seems fine when I first built it three years ago. I haven’t monitored it closely afterward. Could be a component failure or design issue? Thanks for any insights!

L
Lloyd_Gaming
Member
236
11-28-2021, 12:01 PM
#2
Make sure you verify the voltage levels. The CPU is overheating mainly due to higher-than-normal voltage usage. The fan isn’t off because you’d likely feel it. Proper airflow is crucial; I didn’t specify the case model you’re using.
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Lloyd_Gaming
11-28-2021, 12:01 PM #2

Make sure you verify the voltage levels. The CPU is overheating mainly due to higher-than-normal voltage usage. The fan isn’t off because you’d likely feel it. Proper airflow is crucial; I didn’t specify the case model you’re using.

1
13tj
Member
110
11-30-2021, 12:50 PM
#3
It's installed in an older Lian Li PC-8FI featuring a 3x5.25 bay configuration turned into a third 120mm intake fan—a recent upgrade aimed at improving CPU cooler airflow by diverting fresh air from the 3070ti. The modification reduced GPU temperatures by 5-6°C without affecting CPU readings during games. Cables are neatly organized, mostly hidden behind the motherboard, except for the GPU power cable. I have a single mechanical HDD in each lower intake fan compartment, ensuring decent airflow even if stock case fans aren’t optimal. I can review voltages later at home, but I haven’t altered any BIOS settings beyond setting RAM to 3200MHz. The only changes since setup were swapping the original 1060 for a 3070ti and upgrading the PSU from 750W to 1000W, which resolved my previous overheating issues. Any advice on monitoring voltage readings? I used Open Hardware Monitor initially, but noticed discrepancies compared to Intel XTU—its real-time core voltage is higher (1.31) than OHM’s reported max (1.208). I don’t usually adjust O/C settings, so while I’m comfortable building PCs without guidance, these changes are fairly new territory for me. Thanks for the support.
1
13tj
11-30-2021, 12:50 PM #3

It's installed in an older Lian Li PC-8FI featuring a 3x5.25 bay configuration turned into a third 120mm intake fan—a recent upgrade aimed at improving CPU cooler airflow by diverting fresh air from the 3070ti. The modification reduced GPU temperatures by 5-6°C without affecting CPU readings during games. Cables are neatly organized, mostly hidden behind the motherboard, except for the GPU power cable. I have a single mechanical HDD in each lower intake fan compartment, ensuring decent airflow even if stock case fans aren’t optimal. I can review voltages later at home, but I haven’t altered any BIOS settings beyond setting RAM to 3200MHz. The only changes since setup were swapping the original 1060 for a 3070ti and upgrading the PSU from 750W to 1000W, which resolved my previous overheating issues. Any advice on monitoring voltage readings? I used Open Hardware Monitor initially, but noticed discrepancies compared to Intel XTU—its real-time core voltage is higher (1.31) than OHM’s reported max (1.208). I don’t usually adjust O/C settings, so while I’m comfortable building PCs without guidance, these changes are fairly new territory for me. Thanks for the support.

P
Piethomassen
Junior Member
12
12-01-2021, 09:40 AM
#4
I actually made a change to the newest mobile BIOS when problems started with the 3070ti. Then I had to reset the 3200MHz memory clock because the update brought it back to its default setting.
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Piethomassen
12-01-2021, 09:40 AM #4

I actually made a change to the newest mobile BIOS when problems started with the 3070ti. Then I had to reset the 3200MHz memory clock because the update brought it back to its default setting.

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Aleshop777
Member
153
12-03-2021, 05:55 AM
#5
Begin here—your 750-watt PSU is sufficient for the 3070Ti, especially if it's a premium 9700K unit; it likely isn't delivering excessive voltage. Verify your power supply settings manually.
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Aleshop777
12-03-2021, 05:55 AM #5

Begin here—your 750-watt PSU is sufficient for the 3070Ti, especially if it's a premium 9700K unit; it likely isn't delivering excessive voltage. Verify your power supply settings manually.

M
mcouey
Junior Member
46
12-03-2021, 01:41 PM
#6
Verify the installation pressure
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mcouey
12-03-2021, 01:41 PM #6

Verify the installation pressure

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Azcanio_US
Junior Member
19
12-03-2021, 02:02 PM
#7
PSU was a straightforward 11.75W gold unit, but it wasn’t sufficient. PC would randomly restart during certain games (rust and phasmophobia, though hunt seemed okay), and would reset immediately if I attempted the power test in OCCT. Now I own a 1000W platinum model and everything functions properly. TBF is quiet—my system reported needing only 735W, suggesting 750W was reasonable, which likely explains why some games worked while others didn’t. Mounting pressure was fine; I actually reattached it yesterday! Interestingly, I might have unintentionally resolved the problem. When I installed Intel XTU at home for a direct comparison, the results matched what I got with my work PC (the first tool I found that allowed me to download via company network firewall). The CPU stayed under 30°C, reaching low 60s during testing, with cores capping around 70°C. Running the same OCCT benchmark later, it didn’t spike instantly to 100°C—it gradually climbed to about 71°C, without any abrupt changes. I didn’t open or adjust the case, changed BIOS settings, or tweak any options in XTU. Just installed, rebooted, and ran the test. I still don’t understand what happened, but my CPU is now stable. I’ve spent time researching this, so I’m planning to try overclocking later this weekend Big Grin
A
Azcanio_US
12-03-2021, 02:02 PM #7

PSU was a straightforward 11.75W gold unit, but it wasn’t sufficient. PC would randomly restart during certain games (rust and phasmophobia, though hunt seemed okay), and would reset immediately if I attempted the power test in OCCT. Now I own a 1000W platinum model and everything functions properly. TBF is quiet—my system reported needing only 735W, suggesting 750W was reasonable, which likely explains why some games worked while others didn’t. Mounting pressure was fine; I actually reattached it yesterday! Interestingly, I might have unintentionally resolved the problem. When I installed Intel XTU at home for a direct comparison, the results matched what I got with my work PC (the first tool I found that allowed me to download via company network firewall). The CPU stayed under 30°C, reaching low 60s during testing, with cores capping around 70°C. Running the same OCCT benchmark later, it didn’t spike instantly to 100°C—it gradually climbed to about 71°C, without any abrupt changes. I didn’t open or adjust the case, changed BIOS settings, or tweak any options in XTU. Just installed, rebooted, and ran the test. I still don’t understand what happened, but my CPU is now stable. I’ve spent time researching this, so I’m planning to try overclocking later this weekend Big Grin