I upgraded from an Intel Core i5-10400F to a Core i5-14600K. My gaming performance improved significantly with my Radeon RX 9069 XT 16GB, but CPU temperatures are much higher. In Elden Ring, the CPU reaches around 85–95°C, and in Cyberpunk 2077 it sits around 85–90°C at 1080p, maximum settings, and ray tracing enabled. These temperatures occur with unrestricted CPU power settings in the BIOS. Lowering the CPU wattage brings temperatures down. I'm using a Thermalright Peerless Assassin 120 SE V3. Should I replace it with an AIO liquid cooler, or are there other things I should check first?
3 Answers
Those temperatures are higher than expected for that cooler during gaming. A 14600K paired with a Peerless Assassin can often stay below about 75°C depending on the workload and room temperature. What case are you using, and how are the fans positioned? Three fans may be enough, but you still need a clear front-to-back airflow path with properly oriented intake and exhaust fans.
You do not necessarily need an AIO. The processor is designed to manage its own temperature, and if performance is stable, temperatures in the 80s during demanding games are not automatically dangerous. If you want lower temperatures, set a lower power limit or apply a small undervolt in the BIOS. Improving case airflow and confirming the cooler is mounted correctly should come first.
The Peerless Assassin should generally be capable of cooling a 14600K during gaming, so I would troubleshoot the current setup before buying an AIO. Remove and remount the cooler, reapply thermal paste, and make sure there is no protective film left on the cold plate. Also check the fan curves and case airflow. A modest undervolt or stricter power limit is another reasonable option.
I agree. I have the same CPU and cooler, and I’d check the mounting, paste, airflow, and fan settings before spending money on liquid cooling.
I’m using a Mars Gaming MC-MAG case with the three fans that came with it.