Why is my CPU temperature spiking after reapplying thermal paste?
Asked by
TechWizard92
I've had my computer for about 4 years, and recently my CPU temperatures have been getting too high. After applying thermal paste (Krykonout), I noticed that my idle temperatures jumped from around 30-35°C to between 60-70°C. I initially applied 1g of thermal paste but this time used 11g. Is there a significant difference in using that much? I've reapplied the thermal paste more than 10 times and checked the cooler, but everything seems fine. However, after reapplying, during gaming—especially with a game like Starfield—it hit 100°C and thermal throttled my CPU, which hurt my FPS. What steps should I take to fix this?
Answers
Make sure your case is well sealed and airflow isn't blocked. Check your liquid cooling system too; if it’s low on coolant or the pump has died, that could explain the rising temps. Also, ensure no dust or debris is affecting the thermal paste application—cleaning that up could help too.
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It sounds like you might have a problem with your liquid cooler. If it's an all-in-one (AIO) cooler, it could be that the pump isn't working as it should anymore. AIO coolers generally need replacement every couple of years, especially if it's the original cooler for your i7 10700K. If it’s been in use for that long, it might just be time to upgrade.
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Just a heads up, using 11g of thermal paste is way too much! You only need a small dot in the center of the CPU. Too much can create a mess and even trap air bubbles, which could cause overheating. It's not about the amount but rather the application technique that matters.
TechGuru88: Exactly! Clean it off carefully and retry with a tiny amount. Less is more when it comes to thermal paste!
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GamerGeek22: Yeah, I had a similar issue with my AIO after a few years. Ended up having to switch to a better air cooler, and it's been way more reliable!