Question 7800x3d won't go over 75 degrees during benchmarks/games

mrjenkins44

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Dec 15, 2015
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When I run 3dMark (usually Timespy at 1440p), the CPU will average out at 70 degrees. Sometimes it will average 71, but that's all. Other people report their 7800x3ds quite often hit much higher temps. I am cooling it with a Noctua DH15 in a Fractal Torrent.

I tried Baldurs Gate 3, Total War Warhammer 3, Starfield etc....and the highest the CPU ever gets is 75ish.

My Timespy score is also around 3k less than what I see online (about 13k). So maybe my CPU hasn't been "unlocked" yet? It's hitting the 5 ghz speed, so it is boosting. My GPU score is normal, it's the CPU score that's low.

But something appears to be holding it back, I just don't know what.

I am fine with the performance, but I feel like there's something not set correctly somewhere. XMP is enabled.
 
For gaming workloads most of the time you should be in the 60s (running stock settings) as you've got a good cooler and airflow focused case. For 3DMark it'd be worth looking at the clock graphs at the end of the benchmark to make sure it is actually boosting.

I don't think you'd have it in eco mode (as you'd have to do it on purpose) so I doubt that is the issue.

You could try PBO and the Curve Optimizer to squeeze out some extra performance, but I think it'd be a good idea to make sure everything is working properly before going down that route.
 
When comparing against others benchmarks you have to take into consideration:
The scores cover crippled OEM systems.
The scores cover miss-configured systems .
The scores cover highly optimized systems.
The scores cover highly optimized and overclocked systems.
Unless done by a reputable site most youtube videos are faked to get higher frame rates and scores.

A fresh install of windows/drivers and only one game installed will produce higher scores than the same system 6 months-1year later with 10 games and 15 apps installed.
You have one of the best coolers installed in a good airflow case, so your temps will be much better than someone running a CM 212 or Artic 34 esports cooler in a closed off glass front case.

My benchmarks and scores for comparison.