My AMD Ryzen 7 5800X used to idle around 40°C, but recently its idle temperature has climbed to roughly 60–70°C. The GPU is still sitting near 40°C. Could poor case airflow be affecting the AIO's performance, or is there another likely cause?
1 Answer
Check the temperatures under load first, since idle readings can vary with background processes and fan curves. If the CPU quickly climbs toward 85–90°C or keeps rising, the AIO may have a pump or circulation problem. If load temperatures are only moderately higher, inspect the radiator and fans for dust, confirm the pump is running at the expected speed, and consider remounting the block with fresh thermal paste. Poor case airflow can raise temperatures, but a sudden change from about 40°C to 70°C more often points to mounting, pump, dust, or paste issues.
A completely failed pump would usually make temperatures rise rapidly into the throttling range, so a steady 70°C does not prove that it is dead. A loose or overtightened water block, clogged radiator, buildup in the block, or dried-out paste could all cause this kind of increase.