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Should I buy a warm-running 14700K PC with PCIe slot issues?

February 7, 2026 4 answers
Asked by TechSavvy123
I'm considering purchasing a 14700K PC, but the current owner mentioned that it runs quite hot—around 75°C at the Windows login screen, according to the AIO cooler. Additionally, he said the top PCIe slot has never worked during the two years he's owned it, and he isn't sure if the BIOS has been updated. I'm concerned about potential damage: with the system running this way for so long, should I be worried about degradation? Also, is there a way to check its condition without having the seller run a stress test for multiple hours? Would the issues be more likely related to an outdated BIOS or damage to the CPU's PCIe pins?
14700k BIOS update Hardware hardware concerns PC issues PCIE slot thermal performance

Answers

CPUEnthusiast87
A hotter-than-normal CPU often points to inadequate cooling. Sure, the 14700K runs warm, but 75°C at idle is concerning. The PCIe slot issue is a wildcard—it could be a bad connection, or a deeper problem. This deal comes with some risks, but if the price is right and you feel comfortable testing it, it might not be the worst buy.
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GamerGuru99
Honestly, I’d want to test that system in person before making a decision. The temps indicate the heatsink might not be doing its job, which is worrisome. And the non-working PCIe slot is concerning too—it could just be a seating issue with the GPU, or it might be a dead slot. If it’s a really good deal and you can check it out in person, I’d say consider it! But don't commit without testing first.
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FixItJoe42
I’d stay away from that CPU if there's a chance the BIOS hasn’t been updated. The fact that it’s been running hot for two years likely means it's degraded. As for checking without a long stress test, a quick benchmark might reveal issues in just 15-20 minutes. The PCIe issue seems like it's more board-related than CPU degradation.
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HardwareNerd55
Buying a 14th Gen Intel CPU without the necessary BIOS updates sounds risky. While 75°C isn't terrible for Intel CPUs, they can manage up to 80-95°C before throttling, but they shouldn't run this hot at idle. If the price is really low, it could be worth the gamble, but be prepared for possible additional costs down the road.
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