I have an Intel Core i9 10900K and recently, after returning from a two-week trip, I noticed my PC was running really slowly. It has been about five years since I built it, and I've done a poor job of shutting it down regularly. When I checked the CPU temperature, it was idling at around 70°C even when not in heavy use. I cleaned the dust out of my PC for the first time, hoping that would help. After that, I decided to replace the thermal paste with Arctic MX-4, following some tutorials I found online. I cleaned off the old paste with alcohol, applied the new paste using a mix of the dot method and some spreading, and made sure to check for even coverage. However, when I restarted my PC, it was still idling at about 70°C and remained laggy. Could anyone suggest what might be causing this issue or how I could resolve it? I'm not entirely sure about my cooler specs either, as my brother's friend built the PC and it seems to have a Lenovo Legion base. I can share a picture of the cooler if that helps!
2 Answers
Make sure you’re applying thermal paste correctly. You mentioned using the dot method, which is great, but you might want to try just a small dot in the center next time. The pressure from the cooler should spread it evenly. Also, be cautious about removing the cooler without replacing the paste afterward. That could lead to some issues. If you're still having trouble, definitely check out that guide linked here for tips.
It sounds like the thermal paste isn't your main issue. If your cooler is an AIO (All-In-One), it might be that the pump has failed. This could prevent the coolant from circulating effectively, leading to high temperatures. I'd recommend checking if the radiator is warm to the touch and if the hoses feel evenly warm. If any of those components seem off, it might be time to replace the cooler.
Yeah, I agree with PCWizard. Proper application is key, but if you're still seeing those high temps, don't hesitate to look into your cooling system as a whole.