I recently installed an i5-11400f and I'm experiencing some serious overheating issues. I got the CPU along with the motherboard from a friend who didn't game at all, so I'm not sure how well it was treated. I've replaced the thermal paste and I'm using my i3 stock cooler, but the CPU idles around 55°C and spikes between 95° to 100°C during games like Battlefield 6 and Red Dead Redemption 2. I struggled a lot with the installation since one of the cooler's pins wouldn't click into place for over two hours, but eventually, I got it secured. The temperatures drop back down after I close the game, so I think the cooler is working. My main concern is whether I messed up the installation or if this heating issue is just typical for the i5-11400f, and would an aftermarket cooler resolve it?
3 Answers
That temperature isn’t normal at all. With a decent cooler, your CPU should stay below 80°C during any load, and it should throttle to protect itself from overheating. Are you sure you didn’t leave a protective cover on the cooler? I’ve heard of people forgetting to remove that, but if yours is definitely used, it shouldn’t have one.
Honestly, I think you just need a better cooler. The i5 series can really benefit from something more robust.
Stock coolers, especially older models, really can’t keep up with an i5. The 11th gen CPUs usually came with improved coolers, but if you’re using an all-aluminum one, that might explain your high temps. Make sure all the clips are securely fastened; it sounds like you might not have enough mounting pressure if it’s wobbling. An aftermarket cooler, even an inexpensive one, is likely going to do a much better job at cooling your CPU.
Yeah, I totally get that. Those older models just aren't sufficient for these CPUs. I've seen some reach crazy temps under load!
Nope, I checked. It's definitely an old cooler and has no protective cover.