CPU over Temperature error with NZXT Kraken

[calriel]

HI there,

I built a PC with an ASUS ROG Strix Z270f MB, an Intel i7700K processor and I have been using the NZXT Kraken X42 liquid cooler.

After working beautifully for close to a year, my PC suddenly ground to a halt. I got a
“CPU over temperature error” with BIOS reading 89 degrees C on the CPU.

After fiddling and Qfan tuning in BIOS, I later got a CPU Fan Speed Error on bootup, and sure enough, CPU Fan in BIOS showed n/a with fan speed. Today after forcing the bootup and getting into Windows, I installed CAM which confirmed the high CPU temp and warned me the liquid was getting too hot!

What have I done so far?
- checked all the cables. They seem to be plugged in neatly and fine.
- I see the fans turning fast, as well as the NZXT logo on the cooler. It seems to be in proper order.
- I applied new high grade cooling paste to the processor and I got rid of the dust in the Kraken cooler above the fan.
- I plugged in the Kraken to the CPU optional fan connectors and sure enough, BIOS is reporting a 505 rpm fan all of a sudden. However, the temperature is still the same.

Please give me your ideas, guys! I’m at a loss here and the NZXT folks haven’t replied for two days now. Thanks a bunch! REALLY!

Seb

 

[PdxPetmonster]

It sounds as if the pump possibly died, or is dying. Fans spinning and the logo lighting up doesn't mean much, as the pump is it's own separate entity. If you're getting errors that the liquid is getting too hot, I'd almost bet the pump is having issues. Also, trying installing HWMonitor to check temps, just as a double check. I had CAM giving me a bunch of incorrect temps when I upgraded and I've been suspect of it ever since.

 

[calriel]

Thanks, that’s definitely an option, I fear it’s a serious hardware failure.
HWMonitor also gave back high temperatures, even 100 degrees C. So something is definitely wrong. I’ll open a ticket with NZXT customer service but if anyone else can think of what’s wrong, please do let me know.
Thanks for your reply Pdx!

 

[PdxPetmonster]

Hey no sweat. If you've got a stock cooler, I'd throw that on in the meantime. A spinning fan sitting on a cpu gives no doubt that it's working, unlike some AIO pumps.