My computer shuts down when I try to start a game and reports that the CPU is overheating. An IT-savvy friend has been troubleshooting it with me. We reapplied thermal paste, which seemed to help temporarily, and the warning disappeared for a while. I also replaced the power supply with a 1000W unit after noticing what appeared to be a GPU maintenance warning, but the shutdowns have returned. HWMonitor shows the CPU reaching about 90°C while the computer is mostly idle. I believe the system uses an AIO cooler, but I'm not completely sure. What should we check before replacing the CPU?
3 Answers
A CPU sitting around 90°C while doing almost nothing strongly suggests the cooling system isn’t working correctly. Don’t keep launching games until this is fixed. Check whether the radiator fans are spinning and, if it’s an AIO, whether the pump is detected and running. Also inspect the pump’s power and USB/SATA connections, clean out dust, and make sure the cooler is mounted firmly and evenly.
Thermal paste usually isn’t the main cause unless the cooler was mounted badly or the paste is extremely old. Reapply fresh paste and verify that the protective film was removed from the cooler’s contact plate. If the AIO pump has failed or the liquid cooler is clogged, new paste and a larger power supply won’t solve the overheating. Replacing it with a basic, compatible air cooler can be a useful way to test the diagnosis.
The new 1000W power supply is unlikely to fix a CPU temperature problem. The important details are the exact CPU and cooler model, idle temperature, temperature under load, and whether the cooler’s fans or pump are operating. If both the CPU and GPU are getting unusually hot, check the case airflow and dust buildup as well as the CPU cooler. A cooler that isn’t transferring heat out of the case could explain both symptoms.
I’m not completely sure whether it’s an AIO, but I’ll check the pump connections and confirm whether it’s actually running before buying more parts.