Question CPU High Temps on Idle and Load, stuck on issues ?

[MasterFaust]

Hello!

I've been recently having an issue with my temperatures where my CPU is idling at a whopping 70C and running anything cpu intensive like games or virus scans or several programs causes it to go up all the way to 95-100C+, ending up with a system shutdown after a short period of time.

I've tried to perform maintenance on it but I cannot remove the CPU heatsink, one of the screws is extremely stripped and I cannot remove it via manual screwdriver. I've tried cleaning the CPU fans but this hasn't really helped either. I checked the CPU fans and they are spinning, albiet at slower RPM's than as told by the manufacturer(1350rpm compared to 2900-3000). I checked the pumps themselves and they seem to be working as I can feel heat on them.

The question I have is, is my CPU cooler doomed and I should get another one or is there a way for me to fix this in otherways. I am unsure if renewing thermal paste would be enough to fix this cpu heating issue. Also, are there any methods I could use to remove a stripped CPU heatsink screw?

Specs:

CPU: Ryzen 7 3700x
CPU Cooler: Corsair H80i V2 Hydro Cooler w/ PCS Ultra Quiet Fans
Case: CORSAIR SPEC-DELTA RGB MID TOWER GAMING CASE
Motherboard: ASUS® ROG STRIX X570-F GAMING (USB 3.2 Gen 2, PCIe 4.0)

 

[helpstar]

remove a stripped CPU heatsink screw

use a better screw driver which fits
or use pliers

 

[Misgar]

There are special drill bit sets designed for removing screws with stripped heads, but they're a bit brutal and require courage plus a steady hand, when a slip could ruin an expensive motherboard.

I recommend removing the motherboard from the case, placing it on an ESD rubber mat with wrist strap, then tackle the task with plenty of light on the subject.

If you doubt your skills with an electric drill, hand the task over to a professional. I'm glad I've never encountered this problem with air coolers (so far).

Best of luck.

 

[drea.drechsler]

It sounds like the screw that's bound up tight is cross threaded too. That could be why it's stripped and also probably not pulling the water block down flat and firmly to the heat spreader on the CPU causing the overheat condition.

But as far as removing the screw...I'd personally try to get a firm grip on the head of the screw with Vise Grip pliers and twist it out. Even if it refuses to budge you'll probably twist the screw head off but still be able to remove the water block and backplate. You should probably remove the board from the case, and even remove surrounding heatsinks and I/O shield and anything else (memory for sure) as needed to make clearance for the tool to swing.

The backplate will almost doubtless be ruined no matter what, maybe even the bracket that attaches to the pump housing. Hopefully you can get replacements, along with new screws, from Corsair or eBay without having to buy the whole unit.

I'd prefer the vise grip method to the drill out method because you have a lot more control over the extreme forces being applied. The drill is hard to control, I'd really only attempt it with a drill press (so the bit doesn't wander) and a wooden jig that keeps the board from spinning when the bit catches on metal. Which it will, and the board will take off suddenly when it does and you'll not be able to stop it. An additional benefit is it doesn't generate a lot of metal shavings that you have find and remove from every crack and cranny. If you don't....well, that's FOD and the number one bane of electronics and aviation techs everywhere.