Far Cry 3 - CPU or GPU overheat?

[bosing]

There are a lot of threads on overheating of the GPU when it comes to Far Cry 3. Yes, I'm getting overheating issues, but I tend to think it's my CPU. My temperatures don't rocket so much, but the computer decides it's had enough when the CPU hits above 65C. The GPU stays steady at 65C - nothing crazy at all.

In fact, when I touch the top of my case while playing FC3, it's pretty damn roasting.

Interesting enough, I've been able to play this game over the past year. However, only recently has this issue of overheating cropped up.

Things I've tried:

- Validating file via Steam
- SSAO set to '0'
- Updated Nvidia drivers
- Ran ASUS GPU Tweak, reset to Default settings on OC (note - my card's default setting is an overclock)
- Dropped from a 4GHz OC to 3.8GHz stock speed on the CPU
- Max Rendered Frames set to '1'
- Turned on VSync

Hoping there's a fix outside of buying a new set of fans - every other game under the sun runs fine.

Specs below:

- CPU: FX-6200 (stock @ 3.8GHz + Arctic Freezer Pro 7)
- GPU: GTX 660 OC Edition (I know FC3 does not like overclocks. How do you underclock a card bought at overclocked factory settings?)
- Case: CM 690 II (tagged wires for decent airflow)

Gaming at 1920 x 1080 - mostly maxed ultra/high were appropriate (shadows turned down to 'High', selected HBAO, for performance gains, etc).

 

[Stjohn Russell]

Check thermal paste between CPU heat sink and CPU.(You might want to change it makes a huge difference) Your CPU should not be hitting 65C.You Might want to look at a new cooling option.But first try change thermal paste its cheap.

 

[bosing]

Yes, swapping the paste must have been it as far as Far Cry 3 goes. I applied some MX-4 and under load in FC3 (overclocked to 4Ghz) I'm sitting pretty at 45C.

However, I can't get past Prime 95's fourth test on "Blend" mode - and I doubt it's a heat issue. I get temperatures of around 53-55C via HWMonitor/Core Temp and then the computer crashes. Doesn't seem so hot.

I'm thinking it's RAM now - I've reseated the sticks, but still no change there. Will run memtest soon and update.

Specs:
FX-6200 @ 4Ghz
GTX 660 OC
8GB Corsair Vengeance
GA-970A-D3
750W OCZ Fatality PSU
500GB SATA HD
150GB SATA HD

 

[Stjohn Russell]

Yes, swapping the paste must have been it as far as Far Cry 3 goes. I applied some MX-4 and under load in FC3 (overclocked to 4Ghz) I'm sitting pretty at 45C.

However, I can't get past Prime 95's fourth test on "Blend" mode - and I doubt it's a heat issue. I get temperatures of around 53-55C via HWMonitor/Core Temp and then the computer crashes. Doesn't seem so hot.

I'm thinking it's RAM now - I've reseated the sticks, but still no change there. Will run memtest soon and update.

Specs:
FX-6200 @ 4Ghz
GTX 660 OC
8GB Corsair Vengeance
GA-970A-D3
750W OCZ Fatality PSU
500GB SATA HD
150GB SATA HD

does it blue screen?

 

[bosing]

does it blue screen?

Nope, no blue screen but my computer stays 'turned on'. The USB peripherals and grahics card shutdown. When this happens my monitor reads 'no signal input' yet the heatsink continues to run, as well the PSU and case lights.

Anyway, haven't got round to testing the RAM yet. Will keep it in check for later.

 

[Stjohn Russell]

Yes try RAM also make sure you have removed all the dust from your case. Dust does weird stuff

 

[Alexander Tsodikov]

If it's not hardware issue try HiAlgo Chill