Core I7 Overheating dramatically, even on idle.

[Stefan_95]

Hello, my core I7 is idly about 60C, which from my knowledge is pretty high for idle; not to mention I have a kraken x61 water cooler for the system with insignia heat grease.

I went through all the solutions online I could find, lowering the processing max to 30%, and dropping the voltage .50; and still idling at 60c; prior to both of those the computer would gradually climb up to 100c and crash; which I though in of itself was a little silly and absurd.

Pulling up a game or several windows as of now, the CPU temp will gradually climb before crashing; typically takes less than an hour. We're talking, like min graphics for WoW too - so nothing really demanding.

I've reinstalled the heatsink and heat grease around 12 times, and it has not helped any. Yes, the exhaust fans are indeed sending out air (Cool air, I might add.) and the intakes are indeed bringing in air. As well, the motherboard and graphics card have all stayed at about 35-40c without fluctuating much, especially compared to the I7.

First computer build and all, it's a set straight from a youtube channel, followed the 2 hour video to the T and then several other videos to make sure all was well; so I really have no idea what could possibly be wrong.

Please send help. :<

 

[sizzling]

My first guess is the pump is not working. Can you feel it vibrating if you touch it?

 

[Stefan_95]

My first guess is the pump is not working. Can you feel it vibrating if you touch it?

That is what I thought, I honestly can't tell. I've looked everywhere, and can't find a tell-tale sign of it is or is not working.

I installed the driver for it, and the application for the Kraken and it says the cooling fluid was getting warm; which I thought maybe implied it was working, but I have no idea.

 

[sizzling]

You should be able to feel the pump vibrating, if you cant then this seems likely. I'm not sure where the temp sensor is located but expect the rising fluid temp doesn't tell you anything useful.

 

[Stefan_95]

Let us assume it is indeed not working, what can I do to fix it, or get it to run, or make sure it was installed properly.

 

[sizzling]

Only fix is return it, it is a sealed unit.

 

[Stefan_95]

Is there a way to test it, or a surefire way to know if it is plugged in right, or something - to me, I feel a slight, very sublte vibration; but I am not sure if that's the fan rattling it or what.

 

[Chacko586]

I'm not an expert on this, but I shall ask these 2 questions.

Have you tried replacing the thermal paste?
Have you tried using an another cooler?

And for the way to test it, try attaching an another pipeline after opening the coolant pipe up, seal the pipe after you put something that tells you if the liquid is moving when the cooler is on after reconnecting the other end of the pipe to the coolant line. Once you turn it on, you should get an indicator from whatever you use that the liquid is moving. This is a DIY job, and it is not advisable to do this. So go with sizzling's solution if you think this is too risky.

I hope this helps.

 

[Stefan_95]

I've changed the thermal paste a lot, due to paranoia that I was not doing it right; or caused a bubble or something - but I'd guess, even with my inexperience, that out of 12 times, at least one of those times it would have been right. So, my guess it's not the thermal paste, or it could be the thermal paste isn't doing well.

I have not tried another cooler, I only have this one - though I may take apart my old HP desktop, and take that cooler and see if I continue to have the issue.

My best guess atm, is the pump is not working.

 

[sizzling]

I'm not aware of any better way to test it but wait and see if anyone else has a good idea.

 

[Stefan_95]

Good news! I have at least determined, it's either that the pump is not working correctly, or I have some how not installed it properly - honestly not sure, the better news is - I took my old PCs cooler, dusted it down, and whoola, running 22C after playing Total War on ultra graphics.

Beautiful, so not to just figure out if the pump us broken or if I installed it wrong! - Thanks for the help and suggestions, never would have thought to try a different cooler!

 

[Chacko586]

Good news! I have at least determined, it's either that the pump is not working correctly, or I have some how not installed it properly - honestly not sure, the better news is - I took my old PCs cooler, dusted it down, and whoola, running 22C after playing Total War on ultra graphics.

Beautiful, so not to just figure out if the pump us broken or if I installed it wrong! - Thanks for the help and suggestions, never would have thought to try a different cooler!

Wonderful, happy gaming!