Hey there! I recently upgraded my PC with some new components, but I've hit a major snag with my CPU temperature. Here's what I've got:
**CPU:** Intel Core Ultra 7 265K
**Cooler:** NZXT Kraken X63 as the main cooler, previously used the stock cooler for testing
**Motherboard:** Asus TUF Gaming B860M-Plus WiFi
**RAM:** Corsair Vengeance DDR5 64GB (2x32GB) 6400MHz CL32
**GPU:** Asus ROG STRIX RTX 3090 24GB
**PSU:** Gigabyte P1000GM / 1000W
So here's the deal: as soon as I start putting any load on the CPU, the temperature skyrockets to 100°C in the blink of an eye. When the system is idle, it stays between 35°C and 45°C, and the NZXT CAM reports the liquid temperature around 27°C, so it seems like the cooler is working. However, I can't quite figure out why the CPU is not cooling properly.
Interestingly, when I unplug the SATA cable for the pump, the CPU temp climbs up slowly to 100°C, which is expected without pump activity. But as soon as I plug the SATA back in, the CPU temp drops to around 35-50°C instantly, indicating that the pump is indeed doing something because it worked fine before with my previous CPU (an i9-9900K).
I even tried using an Intel stock cooler, and while it ran even hotter, the issue persisted. I've noticed this occurs even at light usage, like during game installations, so something feels off.
I read that motherboard auto-overclocking or aggressive power settings might be the culprit, but I've tried a few things:
- Undervolting isn't supported on my board.
- No clear signs of motherboard issues.
- These new CPUs are known to run hot, but this seems excessive.
I've remounted the Kraken with fresh thermal paste, checked the mounting pressure, confirmed the pump is operational, and updated all the drivers and BIOS settings to default with no overclock.
So, I'm wondering:
- What could be causing my CPU to hit that thermal throttle so quickly?
- Is this a possible sensor issue, BIOS bug, or motherboard problem?
- Is this behavior typical for the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K, or should I consider an RMA?
Looking for any advice, similar experiences, or insight into what might be wrong. Thanks!
2 Answers
First things first, make sure that you removed the protective plastic from the waterblock of your cooler if it still has it. Also, double-check that you’ve connected everything correctly: the USB cable from the waterblock to the motherboard and ensure the pump is connected to the right header. Sometimes, if the pump isn't set to max in the BIOS, it can cause these symptoms. You might want to manually set the fan and pump speeds to 100% to see if that stabilizes things.
It sounds like you might be dealing with a sensor issue or a BIOS quirk. Have you tried resetting the BIOS to default settings? That sometimes helps clear any conflicts. Also, make sure your CPU socket isn’t damaged and check if there are any BIOS updates available that might address temperature readings. This behavior isn’t typical, so watching temps with a different monitoring tool might help, too.
I reset the BIOS to defaults, but it didn’t change the temperature readings. I’ll definitely look into any new BIOS updates and see if a different monitoring tool gives better info.
I did remove the plastic from the waterblock since it was from my previous setup, and I connected everything as you mentioned. The pump and fans are set to run at full speed in the BIOS, but the CPU still jumps to 100°C under load. It's super frustrating!