I've noticed that my PC occasionally emits a burnt smell from the exhaust fans, which are 120mm AIO fans. This issue seems to come and go; for instance, it happened about 30 minutes ago but hasn't recurred since. I ran a CPU stress test and pushed my GPU to around 80% usage, but I didn't notice the smell during that time. My setup includes a 4070 Super and a Ryzen 7600X, both purchased new over a year ago. My CPU temperatures can reach up to 90°C at full load, while the GPU stays around 60-65°C. I cleaned my PC last August, and aside from a few temporary lags while using Chrome and the occasional blue screen (about once every 1-2 months), I haven't faced any major issues. There have been instances where I had to reset the CMOS battery or deal with a no signal on my monitor, but I don't think they're related to this burnt smell. Should I be worried that one of my components is damaged? What steps should I take next?
4 Answers
From what you've described, it definitely sounds like a cleaning issue or perhaps a thermal repasting. Regular maintenance can help prevent that burning smell. Just be cautious—if it gets worse, you might need to check for hardware issues.
Considering you have an AIO cooler, your CPU reaching 90°C is pretty high, especially for a 7600X. If that persists, you might want to look into a repaste or check if your cooler is working effectively. You might need a better thermal solution if temperatures don't drop. Also, what's your power supply? Sometimes bad PSUs can cause these issues too.
It could definitely be a factor, especially if it’s failing.
It sounds like your PC might just need a thorough cleaning. Dust can build up on components and cause that burnt smell, especially if it gets hot. Try using compressed air to clean out the insides, wipe down surfaces with a dry cloth, and check any dust filters. If you still smell it, consider monitoring temperatures with a tool like GPU-Z to see if anything's overheating.
Also, just curious about your GPU. Even though you have a 4070 Super, make sure it’s also running cool, but it shouldn’t be a factor in this case since the smell seems linked to the CPU. Just keep an eye on everything!
Yeah, I agree. A solid PSU is super important for stability.