Without a CPU cooler, performance remains stable and efficient.
Without a CPU cooler, performance remains stable and efficient.
Just installed a new CPU (Ryzen 5 5600) and attempted a POST without the cooler. It functioned properly and I powered off the system before it booted into Windows, with a maximum run time of 1-2 minutes. My main worry is whether the CPU might have developed a burnt smell briefly after installation, even though it worked well when the cooler was on.
The CPU remains intact. The motherboard includes thermal safeguards that stop the system from running if heat levels exceed safe thresholds.
I understand with the new power supplies they might emit a scent around 20 minutes after startup...but that's related to PSUs, not CPUs. As long as the CPU and socket aren't damaged, it should be okay. I can't explain why a smell appears since there are safety measures in place to protect the CPU from overheating without the cooler. As you mentioned, you only ran it for up to two minutes without a cooler and there was no heavy workload, so it should be fine.
You would have avoided the smell of burned plastic if you started the system correctly using a cooler. The CPU should be fine because it doesn’t emit that odor.
afaik a 5600 will warm up a bit without a cooler, making two minutes feel like a long time without one. But you should be okay thanks to the built-in safety features. Don’t worry about the socket melting—those plastic parts can handle around 200°C for a short period, which is enough for reworking the CPU socket on a motherboard.
I simply waited two minutes for the post to finish, so it hasn’t even started loading on Windows yet. It seems there wasn’t much strain on the CPU during that time, and I actually took it out with my hand about a minute after turning it off.
Thank you for your response instead of just expressing your impatience—I appreciate it!