Your cooler might be the issue, or your CPU could need upgrading depending on performance needs.
Your cooler might be the issue, or your CPU could need upgrading depending on performance needs.
You're experiencing high CPU usage on your i5 9400F with the stock cooler, which matches the temperatures reported by Open Hardware Monitor. If you upgrade to a better cooler, you should see improved cooling and potentially lower temperatures, allowing the CPU to run closer to its optimal performance without overheating. Replacing the cooler is likely the right step if you want better stability and efficiency.
resolution: 2k GPU paired with 1080 ti ram and 32 gb of memory. Keep in mind these components are being limited by the CPU speed. What impact does this have on performance? Since things are currently slow, certain games may freeze or crash, rendering them nearly unusable.
Adjust the fan curve in BIOS settings. It begins throttling around 100°C, so gains won't be significant. Upgrading will likely reduce noise and improve cooling, extending CPU life. Ensure XMP is enabled, though a replacement CPU may be necessary.
Identify the manufacturer and model. The 'something' concerns me. Not bad. Consider getting a 9900K and keep it quiet. Dark Rock Pro 4/Noctua NH-D15 works well. It makes sense to use DDR4. What brand and model are you using? If you upgrade to a 9900K, it should handle up to 200W rather than the 70W of a 9400F. You’ll need a solid power supply.
It's a Corsair model, 850RM, 4 storage units, estimated speed around 2666MHz.
Based on your feedback, your setup seems solid overall. A CPU upgrade would be a smart first step. Regarding the GPU, a 1080 Ti is decent now but may become outdated soon—stay tuned for newer options. For RAM, you mentioned 4x 8GB at 2666 MHz, which is a balanced choice for stability. Higher speeds can be tempting, but they often bring little real-world gain unless your CPU handles heavy calculations. Faster RAM can cost more and may cause compatibility or stability challenges if it’s too fast. Check the motherboard’s QVL chart, the support site, and the manual to see what’s recommended for your specific model.