This PC has been running for over five years, but after a few recent crashes I noticed that the CPU is overheating almost immediately. It reaches around 100°C even while sitting in the BIOS. I replaced the thermal paste several times and confirmed that the water block is making proper contact with the CPU and that no protective film is still attached.
The AIO seems to show signs of operation: the water block vibrates, one tube becomes hot while the other stays near room temperature, and the radiator warms up near the tubes. However, the CPU temperature still skyrockets. I also considered excessive voltage, but the BIOS readings do not appear unusually high.
Could the pump or cold plate be failing even though the AIO is producing heat and vibration? Is it worth trying to repair the cooler, or should I replace it with a new AIO or a large air cooler?
3 Answers
This sounds like a failing AIO pump or restricted flow rather than a voltage problem. A budget dual-tower air cooler, such as a Peerless Assassin 120 SE-class cooler, should handle the CPU well and will avoid the pump failure risk. Just confirm that the replacement cooler supports your CPU socket and fits inside the case.
Since you already reapplied the paste and verified the mounting, the next useful test is another known-good cooler. If temperatures immediately return to normal, the AIO is confirmed as the problem. Given its age, replacing it entirely is likely better than attempting to open or repair the sealed loop.
The AIO probably is not circulating coolant properly. If the pump is running but the cold plate is clogged or the pump is failing, heat can build up at the CPU while only part of the loop gets warm. The two tubes should usually be fairly close in temperature, not one hot and the other room temperature. Replacing the cooler is the practical fix; repairing an old sealed AIO usually is not worthwhile.
So replacing the AIO—or switching to a decent air cooler—would be the safest option?
I already checked the mounting and redid the paste, so I’ll probably replace the AIO with an air cooler and test that.