I recently swapped out my Asus ROG b850-i motherboard, which failed due to a faulty USB hub that backfed voltage. Now, using the same model, my CPU temperatures have skyrocketed. Previously, my R7 9800X3D remained below 85°C, but now it's hitting 95°C. My cooling setup includes an Arctic Liquid Freezer III 280, and while the pump runs at about 2800 RPM and the fans are really active, the exhaust air doesn't feel hot at all. What could be causing this issue?
3 Answers
Those temps sound way too high for gaming—hitting 90°C consistently is concerning, especially for a 9800X3D under a 280mm AIO. I have a 7800X3D, and it barely goes above 76-77°C even during heavy gaming. It could be the AIO cooler, the installation setup, or maybe even an issue with the CPU itself. How does it perform in less CPU-intensive games?
It sounds like the pump might not be connected properly, or the cooler could be loose on the CPU. It’s crucial that everything is secure and functioning correctly, especially after a swap like this. Also, check if the new motherboard has different settings for the pump speed—it might not be running at full capacity; that could impact cooling efficiency.
Another common issue could be with how the thermal paste was applied. If there’s too much or it wasn’t spread evenly, that can definitely lead to higher temps. Make sure you have a thin, even layer—this is really important for effective heat transfer!

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