I built a PC about a year ago and I might have messed up with my CPU cooler setup. My CPU temp is idling around 50-60°C, but when I game, it spikes to 95-100°C and stays that way. I've noticed my CPU fan, a Noctua NH-L12S, is slightly uneven. It seems to be pressing against my RAM instead of making proper contact with the CPU. I'm using Corsair Vengeance DDR5 RAM, and I'm concerned that it might get damaged if I try to modify anything. I read that I could switch to lower-profile RAM, but I don't want to lose money since I spent almost $300 on this one. My PC is running fine for now, but I'm anxious about using it at such high temps. Can anyone suggest some solutions without breaking the bank?
3 Answers
First things first, ensure your CPU cooler is making solid contact with the CPU. If that doesn't fix it, you might need to look into a bigger cooler or even lowering the CPU's voltage to manage temps. Keeping it at 100°C isn't sustainable for long!
Switching to low-profile RAM could be your best move. It might feel like a loss to sell your current sticks, but getting some that fit better might save you trouble later. Peace of mind can be worth it!
If you can swing around $50, consider getting quality thermal paste to improve heat transfer, plus a better cooler if you can find one that fits your case height. Your CPU might also be throttling due to these high temps, which isn't ideal.
That Peerless Assassin sounds great, but if it’s too tall for your case, definitely stick with what you have. Just make sure your cooler is seated properly on the CPU.
I totally get it. Selling your RAM might not give you back what you paid, but it's worth considering for the sake of your system's health.