I'm using an older DeepCool LT520 RGB 240 mm liquid cooler with a Ryzen 7 7800X3D. While gaming at 1440p, the CPU usually averages around 73–75°C and sometimes reaches 80–81°C in games like Fortnite and Battlefield 6. My room temperature is fairly high, around 32–38°C. I've already applied a -25 Curve Optimizer setting and was considering replacing the cooler. Are these temperatures a sign that the cooler is underperforming, and could they be reducing my CPU performance?
4 Answers
An average of 70–80°C while gaming is completely reasonable here. Since your ambient temperature is much higher than average, 73–81°C is actually a respectable result. Keeping the -25 Curve Optimizer setting is fine if the system is stable, but don’t replace the cooler unless you have another reason, such as noise or appearance.
There’s no real need to replace the cooler just because of these readings. A 240 mm AIO should handle the 7800X3D fine, and switching to a newer cooler probably would not make a noticeable difference in games. If you want lower temperatures, check case airflow, remount the cooler, or try Eco Mode, but this is mostly for peace of mind.
Those temperatures are normal for a 7800X3D, especially with a room temperature of 32–38°C. The processor is designed to boost aggressively until it reaches its thermal limits, so seeing it in the 70s or briefly around 80°C while gaming is not a problem. Your performance is not being reduced at those temperatures.
High room temperatures are normal in some regions, where summer indoor temperatures can reach 40°C or more. That makes the CPU’s gaming temperatures look even less concerning. The important thing is that it stays within its rated thermal limits and remains stable under heavier workloads.

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