I recently built my first PC with a 9800 X3D and I'm having some serious temperature problems. Initially, the CPU was overheating and hitting over 96 degrees Celsius while playing NBA2K26, which caused crashes. I've made some adjustments like increasing the pump speeds and lowering the voltage settings (PPT 115, TDC 90, EDC 105), and I also used the Curve Optimizer at -25. Now during tests with Marvel Rivals, Expedition 33, and NBA2K26, my temperatures hover around 80 degrees Celsius, though sometimes I'll see it peak at about 85 degrees during intense gameplay.
Is this too high for a stable operation? Should I be worried? Also, could the installation be an issue? Given that I did see some improvements with the pump speeds, I'm a bit skeptical that the installation is the problem, but I'm not completely sure since this is my first build. Any guidance would be appreciated!
2 Answers
You might want to consider reapplying the thermal paste. The 9800X3D generally runs pretty cool, even on air cooling. Also check that your case fans are set up correctly—with the front and bottom fans as intake and back fans for exhaust. It sounds like your AIO is blowing out, which could help too. Just ensure that everything is working as it should.
Have you mentioned what you changed the pump speed from, and what it is now? Also, how aggressive are your fan curves? Knowing the ambient temperature can help too. Is your AIO mounted as an intake or exhaust? Have you looked at the thermal paste application? Ensure you’ve removed any plastic from the cooler. It's kind of a lot, but these factors can really affect your CPU temps.
I started with pump speeds at 35-50% and adjusted it up to 0 degrees 50%, 40 degrees 70%, etc. I haven’t changed the other fans since the pump was the only fan I adjusted. The AIO is currently set up as top exhaust, which I thought was standard. I haven't checked the thermal paste but I believe I got rid of any protective plastic.
I built this a month ago with some help, so I'm not very confident about reapplying thermal paste myself, but I can ask someone to come help if needed. I have two front fans as intake and one back and one top fan as exhaust. I don’t think my case had any bottom fans.