5930K High Temperatures

[jukesie]

Hi all,

I've recently built a new system and I have a question regarding temps of the processor.

I bought the HyperEvo cooler for my CPU and I did find that it was a little loose when fitted. I searched online and found many others had the same experience but they all agreed that it was fine as it was, so I continued.

My idle temps for the 5930k (no oc) is around 50C which I know is probably too hot, but I was first alerted to this issue when running Handbrake. My CPU temps then hit around 90-95C. (measured with Real Temp and HWMonitor)

My question is simple then, are these temps too hot or normal and i'm just worrying over nothing?

I figure I will have to replace the Evo but I wasn't expecting to have to do it so soon.

Thanks for taking the time to read through this.

 

[CompuTronix]

jukesie,

At this point, I believe that you've vigorously investigated the possible causes of this temperature problem. It's unfortunate that you don't have another cooler at hand with which to test.

It seems that after all our troubleshooting efforts and the variables which have been checked and eliminated, you would think that it all points back to the cooler itself. However, although a defective Integrated Heat Spreader (IHS) is not likely, I would be remiss if I didn't ask you to check it.

Intel's IHS is known to be somewhat convex. Perhaps yours is extreme, which would create poor thermal contact with the cooler, regardless of how carefully you apply thermal compound. This could be the cause of your persistently high temperatures at both idle and load, which is plausible based on everything we've done up to this point.

Checking for a convex IHS occurred to me because I remembered back in the day of the Core 2 processors (circa `07), Intel had fabricated a few batches of processors which had an exceedingly convex IHS. Once the problem was identified as the cause of high temperatures, the only two options were RMA or lapping. Obviously, most owners chose to RMA their processors.

Please remove the cooler AND the processor. Before cleaning, inspect the contact patterns shown in the thermal compound. After cleaning, use a straight edge to inspect the flatness of both the IHS and the cooler in the X and Y axis, as well as diagonally, against a strong light in the background. Also, closely examine the cooler for any marks or impressions around the perimeter corresponding to the contact area of the IHS's perimeter, which is evidence confirming a convex IHS.

Let's see what you find.

CT

 

[jukesie]

Ok. So I planned to take the cooler off and eliminate the possibility that I have not mounted it correctly. This all went well, but the cooler was still not "snug" when it was tightened. Knowing full well that surface connections with thermal properties and surface area etc is very important, I dug out the box and rechecked the manual to see what I might have done wrong.

I emptied the box and checked everything and that is when i realised I had been missing something all along... in fact, four somethings.

Risers. There appears to be 2 sizes of risers with the Hyper Evo 212. I only had one size. I know I did because I certainly can't find the smaller ones anywhere.

So although I can't confirm it, not having smaller risers right now, I believe that must be the reason. Simply that I can't get the cooler tight enough against the CPU to cool it efficiently. Probably why the CPU isn't totally overheating, but still getting hot. Now my only problem is how to get new risers!

 

[jukesie]

@Bafioo I missed that point. I bought the CPU because I wanted the 40 PCI lanes. I wanted a more future proof PC. And I do render. As I mentioned in one of my first posts, the temps that concern me pop up when i'm using Handbrake. I'm a graphic/web designer so I use software that stresses my PC often, as well as things like 3DSMax in my spare time.

I've always bought cheap/budget PC's to "just get by" but this one I wanted to spend money on and build something worthwhile. That's why this temp problem is so annoying to me.

 

[jukesie]

Update.

After thoroughly running through test after test not seeing anything that could possibly explain my heat issues, one final test struck me. Something I would not normally try, but it seems to have explained it, and is linked to my use of the incorrect standoffs.

So may I first thank and apologise to "laviniuc", even though I have installed the cooler correctly with the tools I was given, it is the installation of the cooler that is causing the issue. Since the risers were slightly higher than the ones I should have been supplied I decided to try running the PC on it's side. Something I did when I built it but didn't test the temps like that assuming it would all be running fine.

What I found was an idle temp of about 25-30C and a 100% load temp of about 60C. (Yes I was stunned too)

This all tells me that the cooler is pulling off the CPU when upright. I tested this and there is almost no play so it must be a microscopic change. But then that's all it takes sometimes.

Thank you all for your help. But now it just seems like it's all the more necessary for me to get the bolts that were supposed to be supplied. I've ticketed CM and the company who supplied the cooler in the first place, but neither have been forth coming.

@CompuTronix being a moderator I thought I should ask you. Would there be any forum issues if I made a post asking to buy the standoffs from someone who might have the Evo but not a 2011 CPU? I thought it might be too much like soliciting or something lol Just an idea

 

[CompuTronix]

I'm glad you found the problem. Everything kept pointing back to cooler / IHS interface. You must be tremendously relieved! 😀

Creating a thread seeking purchase would require someone to make a sale. Buying and selling is prohibited. I'm sorry that I can't help you in this way, but perhaps eBay might have your standoffs.

 

[jukesie]

Yeah I was thinking it would be against policy for me to ask the community.

I was merely thinking that anyone who bought the cooler might have those standoffs spare. I've checked ebay but nothing as yet. I will have to hope that CoolerMaster will actually do something about it.

 

[CompuTronix]

If you're handy with tools and have calipers or a micrometer, you could remove the standoffs and grind down the top of each about 10mm or .040" which is about the thickness of a flat washer. I think that would be about right.

If you were able to get the length dimension of the missing standoffs, then you could make an exact measurement.

 

[jukesie]

Yes that is an idea. CM do actually sell an accessorie kit but they have no idea when they'll have more in stock... it's frustrating i'll tell you that much!

But thank you very much for all your help and assistance. (and patience lol)

 

[CompuTronix]

You're very welcome.