[SOLVED] i7-7700k Recently Running Too Hot

[Elader]

Hello!

I was hoping to get some help with an recent issue that has come up on my i7-7700k desktop (full system build below).

The system is just about 2 years old and has been running fine until about 5 days ago. I started noticing some graphical glitches while playing a game and, when checking the temps, I noticed that all four cores were hot and that core 3 had logged. I got everything shut down right away so it could cool. Then I went to work inside the case. I checked all of the filters and fans for dust, cleaned the heatsink, reapplied thermal paste and installed a brand new Noctua fan on the radiator.

Upon rebooting, the temp readings on the CPU are still too hot for my liking. I am seeing idle temps that bottom out in the mid 40s, but typically fluctuate between 50 and 60c. Light loads bring the temps up to 70c or more. I am getting temps from three different programs; each a bit different in terms of readings so it is hard to get exact temps.

Below are two screenshots showing speedfan, HWmonitor and realtemp. During one capture, I was running GTA5 and OBS to capture video (which I can post if it would be helpful to see the fluctuations). During the other capture, I had opened a number of programs to push the CPU load to max.

Temps during GTA5
Temps during max load

One thing I noticed - the load indicator from HWmonitor and RealTemp are very different.

What I have done:

Cleaned the case and checked airflow
Confirmed that the fans work and appear to be spinning up, though the CPU fan never seems to hit maximum RPM
Removing heatsink, cleaning, reapplying thermal paste and re-seating the heatsink - twice


I was hoping some of the experts here could weigh in and let me know their thoughts! Are these temps normal? Should I be worried about the fluctuations at low loads. I know that the 7700k's tend to run hot, but the overheating and recent heat issues in general are a brand new issue for me.

If you need any more information of if a video showing the fluctuations would be useful, please let me know!

Thanks for reading!

Elader

Full System -

Intel i7-7700k
Coolermaster Hyper 212 Evo cooler
MSI X270 Gaming Carbon
16 GB RAM
250 GB SSD
3GB Data Drive
Geforce GTX 1080 Windforce OC
EVGA Supernova 750w Power Supply
Coolermaster Storm Stryker case

 

[Barty1884]

What kind of temperatures did you see previously?

While your temps aren't great, they're safe....

Are your fans set to "silent" or similar? I know there's a button/toggle on that case to cycle through a bunch of profiles..... maybe it's now on "silent" when it used to be on "medium",. or something....?

As for the load differences, if you were playing GTAV, I would think HWMonitor is more accurate. No way GTAV is only taxing 17-24% of a 7700K.

 

[Elader]

Thanks for the reply! Do you think it would be worthwhile to change the cooler? I really want to stay away from liquid cooling, but perhaps you know of a better air cooler than the Hyper 212 Evo? I was also considering adding more fans to help with airflow.

Are the fluctuations anything to worry about? Is there any chance there was any permanent damage done when the chip logged during the overheating event?

Thanks again for your help!

Elader

 

[Barty1884]

The 212 Evo is a pretty budget cooler, so there certainly are better offerings. You could try increasing the coolers fan speed in your BIOS too.
Depending on your current case airflow, adding fans in the right positions might help too. Ultimately, poor airflow in a case is going to hinder all coolers to some degree.

No, the fluctuations are perfectly normal, and the thermal shutdown is designed to not damage anything.