Hey everyone! I'm facing some serious overheating issues with my CPU and I'm looking for advice on replacements or improvements. My setup includes an Arctic Liquid Freezer III 420, Intel Core i9-14900KS, and a Gigabyte Z790 AORUS PRO X motherboard. Recently, I've noticed that my CPU has started overheating during gaming sessions, reaching temperatures above 95°C, which is alarming since it used to stay around 70-80°C.
I've done some troubleshooting: the AIO cooler is hot, the fans seem to be functioning correctly, and I've cleared out most dust. I even tried undervolting, but I'm starting to think that my CPU might be degrading. Given all this, I'm curious if my cooling setup is sufficient and if my CPU might need replacing. Also, I'm considering switching to a Ryzen setup if necessary. Any advice on what to look out for or potential replacements would be greatly appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like there might be an issue with airflow in your case. If your setup starts fine but gradually heats up, check your intake and exhaust setup. Hot air might not be dissipating properly. Also, inspect the thermal paste on your CPU; it could be wearing down or not applied correctly. As a quick test, try running your PC with the side panel open to see if it cools down—I've had success with that in the past!
First off, make sure your motherboard's BIOS is up to date. Sometimes, older BIOS versions can cause compatibility issues or might not manage power effectively, leading to overheating. The i9-14900KS is a power-hungry CPU, so it should be adequately cooled by a 420mm AIO unless it's malfunctioning. Make sure the AIO’s pump and fan settings are maxed out when temps rise, and if the cooler is under warranty, consider an RMA if it's faulty.

Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload