Temperature reading for your i7 8700 (non K) processor.
Temperature reading for your i7 8700 (non K) processor.
If the issue arose after changing the thermal paste, it's likely the paste or cooler installation is the cause.
No solder needed. It was very fast and simple. Got back online in just 15 minutes (I've removed many chips, including those with soldered connections). Then you checked the pump again. I didn’t want to say much about it, but pumps can fail intermittently before they stop working completely.
The issue began earlier than you thought, I just checked my PC while browsing and saw it running sluggishly. I looked at the temperature readings in HWmonitor and found it reaching 100°C. After turning it off and reapplying thermal paste, the temperature dropped noticeably—but not as much as I hoped. It looks like there’s something wrong.
I’m telling you the pump isn’t working well. I tend to share unpolished updates here, focusing on facts and practical help instead of emotions about brands or models. Over time, most AIO systems have improved, but some still fall short. The cold plates are compact, liquid levels are low, and the radiators are usually made of aluminum rather than copper—making them less efficient. I find the pumps concerning; I’ve seen these coolers fail quickly, sometimes within days or weeks. Still, they’ve gotten better over the years. One thing that stands out is the 8700’s high density, packing many transistors, which can cause temperature spikes and faster load times. Compared to older AIOs used for less powerful processors with fewer transistors, these models aren’t as impressive, especially when paired with a well-designed tower cooler. In my opinion, if you bought it recently, it probably wasn’t a good choice.
It seems my AIO is likely to fail eventually, but I have no choice—I’m stuck in lockdown due to COVID-19. All computer stores are shut down, and there are military checkpoints everywhere. I won’t be able to get a replacement until things settle down here.
Ensure you have the necessary screws to double the radiator stack, placing one at the top and two at the back for better cooling. This adjustment can greatly reduce temperatures.
I believe the issue might be with the motherboard. I recently experienced a big drop in FPS while playing PUBG, going from around 160-200 to about 100-140. My friend has the same problem too. I really need to submit an RMA as soon as possible.