Intel Heatsink Degradation due to poor contact with CPU

Cythx · 5 Sep 2016 at 11:00

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

Cythx · 5 Sep 2016 at 11:48

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

Cythx · 5 Sep 2016 at 19:38

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).

Cythx · 6 Sep 2016 at 09:19

Noctua coolers are a lot more quiet than AIO coolers though

Thanks though!

Cythx · 6 Sep 2016 at 14:29

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.