F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking The temperature difference at 8700K is significant; should the lid be removed or left in place?

The temperature difference at 8700K is significant; should the lid be removed or left in place?

The temperature difference at 8700K is significant; should the lid be removed or left in place?

F
Flashice
Member
172
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#1
Hello overclocking Gurus,
Not a real overclocking question but your experience matters here.
I have 8700k based system with Corsair h100i v2 AIO.
The WCS is claimed to be able to handle 220W TDP.
The 8700K runs at multiplier 43/45/47/50 dependent on active core count, to keep it within the cooling budget, everything else is stock. The system is stable.
Recently I noticed a difference between indicated package temperature and the temperature reported by WCS. They run about equal with no load (~35C), but when loaded the package quickly gets to 60~80C while the WCA follows very slowly and only gets to about 40-45C in 10 minutes or so. That is a huge delta in both temperature and time.
I was thinking that it is due to weak thermal paste or a bad lid contact so I repasted it with some industrial compound (not on top of my mind) and got it reseated. It did lead to a minor improvement (less than 5C).
I was thinking the temperature sensor is erratic on the WCA so I popped the hood and got an IR thermometer pointed at the lid, reading very close to what the WCA is reporting (within 3C).
I assume that there is indeed a bad thermal transfer but it is below the lid to the die.
Now my questions are -
Is it common?
Should I get the lid off and leave it off? The die is very touchy while the WC pump is a heavy unit.
Should I leave it as is and live with it (and have CPU warranty not voided)?
Should I take the lid off, repaste and get it back on with a gasket maker?
Your opinion counts. Pls if you state “what” also state “why”.
F
Flashice
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #1

Hello overclocking Gurus,
Not a real overclocking question but your experience matters here.
I have 8700k based system with Corsair h100i v2 AIO.
The WCS is claimed to be able to handle 220W TDP.
The 8700K runs at multiplier 43/45/47/50 dependent on active core count, to keep it within the cooling budget, everything else is stock. The system is stable.
Recently I noticed a difference between indicated package temperature and the temperature reported by WCS. They run about equal with no load (~35C), but when loaded the package quickly gets to 60~80C while the WCA follows very slowly and only gets to about 40-45C in 10 minutes or so. That is a huge delta in both temperature and time.
I was thinking that it is due to weak thermal paste or a bad lid contact so I repasted it with some industrial compound (not on top of my mind) and got it reseated. It did lead to a minor improvement (less than 5C).
I was thinking the temperature sensor is erratic on the WCA so I popped the hood and got an IR thermometer pointed at the lid, reading very close to what the WCA is reporting (within 3C).
I assume that there is indeed a bad thermal transfer but it is below the lid to the die.
Now my questions are -
Is it common?
Should I get the lid off and leave it off? The die is very touchy while the WC pump is a heavy unit.
Should I leave it as is and live with it (and have CPU warranty not voided)?
Should I take the lid off, repaste and get it back on with a gasket maker?
Your opinion counts. Pls if you state “what” also state “why”.

D
203
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#2
A similar direct die cooling bracket could further reduce temperatures. This allows removing the IHS and mounting the cooler directly onto the die. Reports mention temperatures around 50-53°C at 5GHz.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/5-intel-...temps.html
Purchasing one may pose challenges, especially if your motherboard isn't compatible.
You might need to cover the IHS or use a replacement copper version.
https://rockitcool.myshopify.com/co...i7...t-for-1151
D
demenciossauro
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #2

A similar direct die cooling bracket could further reduce temperatures. This allows removing the IHS and mounting the cooler directly onto the die. Reports mention temperatures around 50-53°C at 5GHz.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/5-intel-...temps.html
Purchasing one may pose challenges, especially if your motherboard isn't compatible.
You might need to cover the IHS or use a replacement copper version.
https://rockitcool.myshopify.com/co...i7...t-for-1151

L
LOLMENKING
Member
68
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#3
Because there was no feedback, I am moving toward the final choice.
L
LOLMENKING
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #3

Because there was no feedback, I am moving toward the final choice.

L
Llabros
Senior Member
740
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#4
Worked out great.
Temps are down by 15-20C on average.
At max load never reached 75C and the delta is down by 1/2.
I'm impressed. Rockit Cool kit is just great, it feels like a Snap-On tool, everything is carefully thought out!
L
Llabros
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #4

Worked out great.
Temps are down by 15-20C on average.
At max load never reached 75C and the delta is down by 1/2.
I'm impressed. Rockit Cool kit is just great, it feels like a Snap-On tool, everything is carefully thought out!

C
Clus76
Junior Member
12
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#5
A similar direct die cooling bracket could further reduce temperatures. This allows removing the IHS and mounting the cooler directly onto the die. Reports mention temperatures around 50-53°C at 5GHz.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/5-intel-...temps.html
Purchasing one may pose challenges, especially if your motherboard isn't compatible.
You might need to reshape the IHS or use a replacement copper version.
https://rockitcool.myshopify.com/co...i7...t-for-1151
C
Clus76
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #5

A similar direct die cooling bracket could further reduce temperatures. This allows removing the IHS and mounting the cooler directly onto the die. Reports mention temperatures around 50-53°C at 5GHz.
https://www.overclock.net/forum/5-intel-...temps.html
Purchasing one may pose challenges, especially if your motherboard isn't compatible.
You might need to reshape the IHS or use a replacement copper version.
https://rockitcool.myshopify.com/co...i7...t-for-1151

S
schemouna
Member
51
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#6
I will examine that. The aim was consistent cooling instead of high speed, I'm satisfied with the result so far, but for future attempts it might be better to consider these options.
S
schemouna
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #6

I will examine that. The aim was consistent cooling instead of high speed, I'm satisfied with the result so far, but for future attempts it might be better to consider these options.

S
Si0neR
Member
235
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM
#7
When you're content with your situation, just do nothing.
S
Si0neR
11-13-2025, 02:07 PM #7

When you're content with your situation, just do nothing.