3770K - temp of one core is consistently much higher than others

[haversham]

just installed this CPU. it's sitting under a noctua NH-D14 w/ 3 fans. i applied artic cooling MX-4 TIM according to their instructions - a rice grain-sized dollop in the middle of the CPU. the CPU TIS and bottom of heatsink were thoroughly cleaned w/ 90% alcohol prior to installation.

what's up with core #2 (2nd from right)? it's consistently 8-10 degrees higher than the other cores. why is it trippin'?

this is my first new computer install in about 8 years. my last CPU was an AMD dual-core and the temps didn't vary like this. just wondering if this is normal for these CPUs?

https://www.dropbox.com/s/dacvhwtsq726h6m/Screenshot%20%286%29.png

 

[clutchc]

That's normal. Unless the app running is multi-threaded, one core will always be doing all the work... or most of the work in poorly threaded apps.

 

[haversham]

That's normal. Unless the app running is multi-threaded, one core will always be doing all the work... or most of the work in poorly threaded apps.

i see. no apps were open at the time though. oh well, as long as that's normal

 

[clutchc]

i see. no apps were open at the time though. oh well, as long as that's normal

Even at idle, Windows is always doing something in the background. You're fine.

 

[haversham]

Best answer selected by haversham.