Intel Heatsink Degradation due to poor contact with CPU

Cythx

Cythx

Cythx

Associate
Joined
15 Mar 2010
Posts
967
Hi all,

I've not checked my CPU temperatures for a while, but I decided to do so the other day. I now find that my idle/loud temps are much higher than I expected them to be.

Gaming goes up to 90c.
Idle can hover around 50c.

Now, these might not be so bad, but I decided to do some testing. I tested whether or not applying pressure to the heatsink would change the temperatures at all, as I suspect the heatsink might not be attached as firmly as possibly.

I found that temperatures dropped 5-8c when I applied even a moderate pressure to the cooler.

Is this normal? Is there any way to more firmly secure the cooler, or am I stuck with a loose fitting cooler?

Thanks in advance:)
 
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Rather than the cooler it may be that the thermal paste has degraded, so you're getting less surface area in contact between the CPU and the heatsink.

So as a first step i would try replacing the paste. Having said that you'd get better performance from a non-stock cooler, so i think that's something worth considering.
 
Yup, I've ordered some AS5. Going to slap that on tomorrow, and if I'm happy with the temps, that'll be it. If not, I'll get a non-stock cooler :)
 
60c Idle is pretty poor to be honest... AIO liquid coolers are really cheap these days and should reduce it significantly. Probably a good idea to vacuum the dust out of the PC/fans/cooler also and check they are still taking cool air in and hot out the case. Not really sure though as your sig shows you already have a H80?
 
Smffy

Current set up

i5 4440
GTX 1070
EVGA Hadron Air

The i5 is stock cooled, since I don't have an interest in overclocking.

I'm going to see how the AS5 and cleaning does, and if the temps are satisfactory, I'll get an aftermarket cooler! :)

(Probably a Noctua NH-U9B SE2).
 
Ok, personally I don't know why you would get that cooler over a closed loop liquid... Same price and the temps are likely to be much more favorable:

https://www.overclockers.co.uk/corsair-hydro-series-h45-performance-liquid-cpu-cooler-hs-039-cs.html

For example. User choice, but usually people are only sticking those expensive heatsinks on if they really dont want water in the PC. AIO are pretty straight forward and if it kills your PC with a leak (unlikely) its covered.

Something to think about...
 
it is a matter of personal preference, but a good air tower cooler will beat a CLC in build quality and noise, while matching for performance and price. For me the only reason to go for a CLC is if you have limited space or want a specific aesthetic.

Cythx is the U9B the biggest one that fits in your case? I have the U14 and from what i've read it is miles ahead in performance.
 
I'm not sure about the biggest. It only fits up to 140mm, and the U9B is 125mm. It could be a bit taller, but from the reviews I've read, it's one of the best low-noise coolers under 140mm.

The C14S is another shout, but I've read there's clearance issues with the case fans on that one.
 
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