First, here's my PCPP link: https://pcpartpicker.com/list/WMM72R
CPU is not overclocked.
So the PC was built around last July, with the mobo + CPU upgrade in December. Upon installation in December, the PC ran great. CPU temps were ~30-35C idle with a gaming temp of ~60-65C and a Prime95 stress test of around 85-90C. Then about two months ago (roughly mid August beginning of September) I noticed while playing Destiny 2 the temp was around 70-80C and fluctuated sporadically throughout playing the game. Also realized at this time that the idle temp was around 40-50C and Prime95 was 99C+. Ambient temperature during this entire time was around 20-23C and the PC is in an open area. My fan configuration is x3 120mm on the front pushing air into the AIO, and x2 140mm at the top and x1 120mm at the back bringing air out of the case. Ambient MB temp is normal. Decided to take the first diagnosis route and reapply thermal paste, using Arctic Silver 5. Reapplied, re-seated the AIO cooler, and the temps were completely back to normal! Idle was back to 30-35C, Destiny 2 was running at 60C and Prime95 was back to 85-90C.
Then two weeks have passed, and the temperatures are almost running as hot as before the thermal paste reapplication.
I currently have two working theories:
a.) AIO cooler pump is starting to go, however, the tubes seem to be fine (one warm, one cool) and the temperature in the Link 4 software does not indicate that the temp is hotter than usual or the pump is malfunctioning.
b.) Something is wrong with the CPU, however, all voltage levels seem fine and game performance is not affected during any of this.
Is there anything else it could possibly be? I just don't understand how after TP reapplication, the temps were fine for two weeks and then they were high again.
I appreciate any help, as this is starting to be frustrating.
CPU is not overclocked.
So the PC was built around last July, with the mobo + CPU upgrade in December. Upon installation in December, the PC ran great. CPU temps were ~30-35C idle with a gaming temp of ~60-65C and a Prime95 stress test of around 85-90C. Then about two months ago (roughly mid August beginning of September) I noticed while playing Destiny 2 the temp was around 70-80C and fluctuated sporadically throughout playing the game. Also realized at this time that the idle temp was around 40-50C and Prime95 was 99C+. Ambient temperature during this entire time was around 20-23C and the PC is in an open area. My fan configuration is x3 120mm on the front pushing air into the AIO, and x2 140mm at the top and x1 120mm at the back bringing air out of the case. Ambient MB temp is normal. Decided to take the first diagnosis route and reapply thermal paste, using Arctic Silver 5. Reapplied, re-seated the AIO cooler, and the temps were completely back to normal! Idle was back to 30-35C, Destiny 2 was running at 60C and Prime95 was back to 85-90C.
Then two weeks have passed, and the temperatures are almost running as hot as before the thermal paste reapplication.
I currently have two working theories:
a.) AIO cooler pump is starting to go, however, the tubes seem to be fine (one warm, one cool) and the temperature in the Link 4 software does not indicate that the temp is hotter than usual or the pump is malfunctioning.
b.) Something is wrong with the CPU, however, all voltage levels seem fine and game performance is not affected during any of this.
Is there anything else it could possibly be? I just don't understand how after TP reapplication, the temps were fine for two weeks and then they were high again.
I appreciate any help, as this is starting to be frustrating.