I just built a new computer and I'm really enjoying it, but I've noticed that my 9800x3d CPU is consistently hitting 96°C while gaming, which seems way too high. When I'm idling, it's around 65°C. My previous CPU, the 5600x, had great temperature management, but this new one runs much warmer. I understand new chips tend to run hot, but hitting 96°C under load isn't normal. I used Arctic MX-4 thermal paste and have a Lian Li O11 Vision case with a 360mm AIO radiator installed in a pull configuration on the side. The fan setup includes two rear fans for push and pull fans on the radiator, plus bottom fans working in pull mode. I suspect my AIO might need replacing since I applied thermal paste just like I did in my old build. Any advice on what steps I should take next? Thanks!
4 Answers
Check how your AIO is positioned relative to the CPU; the radiator should ideally be higher than the pump. Use a pea-sized dot of thermal paste and mount the radiator in a way that the fans push air through it. All three fans should be spinning, too. If you've done everything right, there's a good chance the pump isn’t working properly as you mentioned before. My friend's Noctua NH-D15 cools his CPU like a champ, so switching to air could definitely be less hassle.
You know, air coolers work perfectly fine with the 9800x3d and they're generally a lot cheaper. If fixing your AIO doesn’t work, it might be worth considering switching to a good air cooler. They'll keep things cool without the worries of leaks or pump failures.
That might honestly be the route I go if this can't be fixed. I love the look of the AIO, but lower temps and reliability matter more in the end!
It sounds like there's definitely an issue. One thing you might want to check is whether the AIO is actually functioning properly. Is it new or something you've used before? Try remounting the cooler and see if it changes anything. Also, feel the tubes—if one is hot and the other is cold, it could indicate a problem with the pump. You can also try letting the case sit open to help with airflow, but keep a close eye on those temps.
That's a good point! If the pump isn't working, no wonder you're seeing those crazy temps. I would definitely check again to see if there's a difference with the case open. Fingers crossed something changes!
Make sure you removed the protective plastic from the AIO's water block before installing it. How did you apply the thermal paste? It's usually best to use a pea-sized amount. Also, check if the pump and fans ramp up to full speed when the CPU hits high temps. You should be able to verify that they're running at the correct RPMs, which could give you some clues about what’s going wrong.
Yeah, I didn’t use any plastic since it’s my old pump, and I went with the pea method on the thermal paste. I’ve increased the fan speeds using my Lian Li controller, but the temps haven’t budged. It’s frustrating!
Yeah, I agree with you on that one! If you can make the move to air cooling, it sounds like it could save a lot of headache, even though the AIO looks nice with the case. Better temps are what you’ll want!