Not so cool

EGuitarStar · 18 Nov 2011 at 08:53

I purchased a Noctua D14 after reading benchmarks and finding that this was one of the best coolers available. I have a i7 2600K currently at stock, I used some arctic silver paste instead of what Noctua provided, I overclocked to 4.5 at first and then to 4GHz but both times at least 2 of the cores were going well above 70c and would sometimes hit 80-85c. My room tempreature is about 25c and this is all in a Thermaltake Element G case. The Noctua fans are running at full speed as well! Something is wrong and I was hoping someone could point out what it is, at the moment I am thinking I have not applied the paste correctly, would appreciate any feedback.

macca672 · 18 Nov 2011 at 09:25

what method did you use to apply your paste?

On mine I just put a blob in the middle of the chip about the size of a grain of rice and let the pressure from the cooler spread it out.

I believe too much paste is almost as bad as not enough.

Same processor as you but with a gelid tranquillo cooler and my temps never get above 55 degrees

Plec · 18 Nov 2011 at 09:26

Have you tried a reseat?

If you haven't it's very likely the HS isn't making full contact with the CPU (for whatever reason - poor fitting, insufficient gunk or too much gunk).

Take the HS off and examine the spread of the gunk on the CPU and HS - if you ha've put too little on or there hasn't been full contact it should be evident.

Clean off the gunk (IPA and paper towel) and then put a rice/pea sized blob in the centre of the CPU. Place the HS on top and squish from side to side 'a little'. Then tighten each screw a little at a time to get until secure.

EGuitarStar · 18 Nov 2011 at 09:50

I just used the method I always use put a pea sized amout of paste and let the heatsink spread the paste. I am looking at it now and the 3rd core is at 28c when all 3 others are at 22c.

Thanks guys will see how it goes later today.

Plec · 18 Nov 2011 at 10:19

Don't worry about slight core variations in temps - it's common on SB chips. I have a 9 degree disrepency on one of my cores.

As long as your load temps are within expected levels for the D14, with the reseat, it will be fine.

EGuitarStar · 20 Nov 2011 at 01:51

Ok, so I finally got around to reseating the heat sink and it turns out:

1. I did not apply enough paste.
2. The paste did not spread evenly.

This time I used a bit more paste on the heat sink only but used my finger to spread it as evenly as I humanly could and then put it back onto the CPU / motherboard. I am getting far better results now and it is clocked to go at 4.2GHz

Thanks for your help people.