I've been experiencing high CPU temperatures while gaming, especially with titles like Arc Raiders, where it reaches up to 105°C after just a couple of rounds. Other games push temps between 78-85°C. When idle, my CPU hovers around 35-40°C. I've already cleaned my PC and reapplied thermal paste, which helped a little, but after about 30 minutes of playing Arc Raiders, I still see temps shoot over 100°C. I suspect my current cooling setup isn't sufficient since I'm using a 120mm Kraken AIO to cool my i7-12700k. I'm considering upgrading to a 240mm Kraken AIO since I'm not planning to overclock my CPU, but is that upgrade enough? Also, I'm unsure if a larger AIO will fit in my H5 Elite 2023 case.
5 Answers
Good call on wanting to upgrade. That 120mm AIO is not sufficient for gaming. You'll be much happier with a 240mm or even a 280mm if it fits, and make sure to set up your fans for optimal airflow!
Definitely get a larger AIO. A 240mm should be the bare minimum for your CPU, especially if you don’t want to deal with thermal throttling while gaming. Just check your case specs for fitment before you buy!
Your cooler is definitely undersized for that CPU. Upgrading from a 120mm AIO is a good move. A 240mm or larger AIO would provide better cooling and efficiency. You might also consider options like a dual-tower air cooler if you're looking for something that can handle high temps. They'll perform better than that 120mm AIO you have.
For a 12700k, you need serious cooling. A 240mm AIO will work, but if you can fit a 280mm in your case, go for that. It's just better for handling high temps, especially if you plan to keep your rig for a while.
Yeah, 120mm AIOs just don’t cut it, especially for a CPU like yours. The 240mm Kraken should be sufficient for your current setup. Just make sure it fits in your case; you can mount it at the top or front for better airflow!
Also, don't forget about dust buildup in your radiator. Regular cleaning can make a big difference in cooling performance!
Totally agree! A bigger cooler can really help manage those temps, especially under load.