What CPU paste and cooler should I get to lower my PC's high temps?
Asked by
TechieTurtle93
Hey everyone! I'm experiencing some serious overheating issues with my GPU and CPU. I've got a 3080ti EVGA and an i9 12900f running on a PRO Z690-A DDR4 motherboard. I bought a prebuilt PC about three years ago and aside from installing 64GB of RAM, I haven't changed anything else. My temperatures have consistently hit 99°C, and I'm looking for ways to cool things down a bit. I suspect my thermal paste might be outdated, and I'm completely lost when it comes to water cooling. I currently have six fans, but my apartment gets pretty hot, and it seems like air cooling isn't cutting it. I'd like to know what the best thermal paste is for reducing my temps to at least 80°C, and if water coolers are worth the investment. Can I just grab a budget cooler off Amazon, or should I spend a bit more? Thanks for any advice!
Answers
Honestly, air cooling should suffice unless you’re really pushing those temps high for extended periods. Since it’s a prebuilt and you’ve been having these temp issues, it’s likely either your cooler isn’t doing its job right or the thermal paste is past its prime. If you do decide on water cooling, just make sure to pick a quality unit; don't skimp entirely on it. This is important for longevity and performance!
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To really help you out, I'll need to know what cooler you currently have and if your case has enough airflow. My Ryzen 5 5600 never goes over 65°C with a decent single-tower air cooler. A good thermal paste can definitely help; the Phantom Spirit 120 is a budget-friendly cooler that should work well for your setup. Make sure your case ventilation is solid since that can affect temps too!
HeatSeeker99: Yeah, I have an i9-12900f and a CUK Mantis case, and it seems spacious enough. Still, I'd recommend checking your case fans and airflow.
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PCWhisperer21: For sure! Just keep in mind if you get a water cooler, installation might be a little tricky if you’re new to PC building.