Unusual temperature readings on the Ryzen 3900X...
Unusual temperature readings on the Ryzen 3900X...
Hey there, I see you're dealing with some tricky issues on your 3900X. *Before diving into the BIOS updates, let's recap what you've tried so far.* You switched from a 3600 to a 3900X, initially working with a stock cooler that handled temperatures between 90-95°C. Last year you got the 3900X for $300 used, but once the system shut down around 83-84°C, it restarted without losing power. You've experimented with various clock speeds, voltage settings, and even tried PBO enabled or disabled. You're considering a microcode update but aren't sure how to check your current BIOS version or perform the update. Need advice on what steps to take next?
Using the 3600 cooler with a 3900X is risky because it often overheats. You definitely need a better cooling solution.
Choose a significantly cooler model, 3600 is rated at 65W while 3900x delivers 105W. It isn't designed for that power level.
Strongly support the suggestions from @Shimejii and @PDifolco. Upgrading to a better heatsink is the right move. The 3900X might display lower temps, but its higher TDP could cause it to spike quickly. For casual gaming only, disable certain cores via BIOS. Reducing to 6 cores might suffice until you upgrade. If you swap the old cooler for the 3900X, insufficient thermal paste would likely form. Use extra paste if possible. Tweak the fan curve so the CPU reaches 100% speed near 70°C. Consider aftermarket options. A used Noctua NH-D14 or D15 offers a good AM4 upgrade for minimal cost. If unavailable, review options within your budget. A tower cooler with a 120mm fan or larger will outperform the stock solution. For water cooling, a 240mm AIO is the bare minimum for this chipset. Best of luck!
Have you attempted to reinstall the CPU and verified that the thermal paste fully covers it? Since only some areas have temperature sensors, poor contact might cause the problems you're experiencing.