The processor is getting quite warm now, could this affect its performance over time?
The processor is getting quite warm now, could this affect its performance over time?
55*C idle appears acceptable given the compact cooler and 30*C room temperature. Many reviews show stable room or ambient temps around 20*C or 22*C. As others noted, I should inspect how the CPU touches the cooler and verify the mounting of the CPU cooler. The only noticeable heat buildup seems near the CPU socket or VRM area. One or two exhaust fans at the top should suffice. Noctua conducted some tests and found that placing an exhaust fan in front of the CPU cooler's intake isn't necessary. The exhaust fan will quickly draw cool air from the front opening out to the top, before it hits the CPU cooler fan and the rest of the chassis. This YouTuber performed a cross-check and verification test.