I recently swapped out my old AIO CPU cooler for a new fan (link to the fan). I had someone knowledgeable help with the installation, and everything seems correct: the fan is blowing air into the radiator, and I applied a solid amount of thermal paste evenly. Despite all that, my CPU is still running hot! It's causing my games to crash, including Minecraft, and by 'crashing' I mean they just stop without restarting my PC. I need some advice on what else I can try to fix this issue so I can actually enjoy my games again! (I'll be posting pictures in the comments.)
2 Answers
Replacing an AIO cooler with just a fan might not have been the best choice. AIOs usually provide much more cooling power. If you thought your AIO was too small, getting a better one might be the way to go. It’s also important to make sure the case fans are properly configured—check your fan settings in the BIOS or any software you've got. Proper management can make a big difference!
It sounds like you might be dealing with a case ventilation problem rather than just a CPU cooler issue. Make sure that your case is venting hot air effectively, as that can really impact temperatures. You should check how your fans are set up—ideally, you want a good airflow setup where cool air comes in from the front and hot air is pushed out the back or top. Also, be careful about how much thermal paste you use; too much can actually be a bad thing.
I’ve got a mesh side for better airflow, plus three fans in the front and one at the back. Could it still be a venting issue?