Thermal paste applied recently but CPU remains excessively warm—no clear explanation yet.
Thermal paste applied recently but CPU remains excessively warm—no clear explanation yet.
You recently re-applied thermal paste and your CPU is still idling at high temperatures, though the fan is running. After cleaning the sink and CPU with an arcticlean thermal remover, purifier, and coffee filters, you added a generous layer of new MX-4 paste. It’s puzzling why it didn’t resolve the issue.
It's possible you're not getting a strong connection to the CPU. Try removing the cooler and check if the paste forms evenly across the CPU. This can indicate how well your installation was done.
It depends on the situation—check if the product still meets your needs.
What cooler and mounting style are you using? From my view, it's less about the tightness of the pressure and more about even distribution at every corner or side. Try to maintain consistent pressure—don’t over-tighten, as that could damage anything. Also consider the curing phase; the paste needs heating and cooling cycles before it performs optimally. If you measure right after applying, wait a bit. That said, 80°C during idle seems like a potential problem for me. Source: https://www.gamersnexus.net/guides/2137-...y-and-more
A consistent force is needed for effective connection. Many cooler screws are designed to secure properly when pressure is applied.
I powered down the PC and gave the cooler a bit more pressure on the board. The temperatures dropped significantly, which seems to have resolved the issue.