Question i7 4790k overheats when stepping set to auto

[Stephen Baynes]

I have a second hand i7 4790k and it overheats as soon as it is stressed when stepping is enabled. Disabling stepping means the CPU remains under 70 degrees c. I thought automatic stepping would enable the CPU to remain cooler. Is this a sign of damage to the CPU?

 

[Dunlop0078]

Unlikely. Its far more likely a sign your cooling is not adequate or your VCORE voltage is too high. I would check that your cpu cooler is mounted properly, not caked with dust, and the thermal paste is not dried up.

 

[Stephen Baynes]

All voltages are at their default, paste is new. Everything is installed correctly - I guess it must simply be air flow problems. I assume adding a fan to the front of the case will help. The case only as a vent fan

 

[Dunlop0078]

Default does not mean the voltage is okay I have seen motherboards apply some crazy voltages as default. I have never heard of a CPU getting hotter because it's dying, that doesn't make sense. Possibly the thermal paste under the IHS is bad but I doubt it. So that leaves cooling or voltage. What cooler are you using? If its push pins are all the pins tightly secured? If its bolted on are all the bolts tight and torqued evenly? You sure you used enough thermal paste? Too little can cause problems, too much is usually just fine from testing I have seen.

 

[Stephen Baynes]

I have refitted the cooler numerous times. Definitely enough paste. It is cool with the fans on high, so I am assuming not enough airflow. The core voltage keeps changing, currently it is switching between 0.7 to 2.2 volts. The core speed is constantly changing.

 

[Dunlop0078]

Where are you seeing 2.2v? That would outright kill the CPU so that cant be right. Check vcore voltage with something like HWMonitor while the CPU is under load.

 

[Stephen Baynes]

I have added 2 additional case fans and the CPU is a lot cooler. maxing out at 72oc and volage is 1.27v at its max. I have a new gaming case and some water cooling on its way.