I'm looking for some help regarding my gaming PC. I built it in the summer of 2020, and here are my specs: AMD Ryzen 5 3600 CPU with the stock Wraith Stealth cooler, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1660 SUPER GPU, ASUS PRIME B450M-K motherboard, 16 GB of RAM, and a be quiet! System Power B9 PSU (450 W). I'm running Windows 11 Pro. Lately, I've noticed that while my system is stable in less demanding games (like Crusader Kings 3 and Battlefield V), it crashes or reboots in more intensive titles (such as Battlefield 6 and ARC Raiders) after only a few minutes. I've cleaned my case, tuned the fans in BIOS, and verified they're working, but it seems like the CPU is overheating, causing the shutdown. I suspect that the cooler may not be sufficient for the load or that the thermal paste could be old. I'm wondering if the symptoms I'm experiencing are typical for this setup, what cooling solutions would you recommend, and is it safe to purchase a used cooler if it includes all AM4 brackets and I apply fresh thermal paste? I'd appreciate any insights on my diagnosis and specific cooler recommendations!
2 Answers
Definitely check the thermal paste! If it’s old or poorly applied, it can cause overheating. But also, before jumping straight to a new cooler, consider if your CPU could be upgraded. Sometimes a stronger CPU can do wonders, especially for demanding games.
It sounds like a classic case of old thermal paste causing overheating. The Ryzen 5 3600 is generally easy to cool, so I think repasting with fresh thermal paste could solve your issue. As for used coolers, they can be fine as long as they come with the AM4 bracket and are in good condition. However, don't forget that new, quality coolers can be pretty affordable these days so keep that in mind too!
How much thermal paste should I be using? Is 2 grams enough or do I need more?
Nice! Thanks for the tips!