Question Is 43°C too hot for a processor at rest ?

[Jekama]

Hi, I have just installed my second PC with an i3-12100-F and I notice that there is a problem with the processor temperatures. I changed the original thermal paste with Artic MX-2 and I feel like I lost a few degrees. I then run a test with OCCT for 10 minutes and I reach the temperature of 88°C, which is huge! Do you know if this processor is known to have high temperatures ?

Jekama

 

[Eximo]

Well, running a stress test is one thing.

Are you using the included cooler? It is fine, but not really meant to keep it cool under OCCT.

Depending on ambient temperatures, 43C might be normal. Going to be above ambient, and depending on how the cooling in the chassis is, the inside of the case might heat up. You still need sufficient airflow, even with a low power system.

Yes, at max boost Alder Lake chips do run hot, but you kind of want them to, to deliver maximum performance.

 

[drea.drechsler]

The first thing to understand is that the processor is not at rest. That's because Windows is always doing something so it's never allowed to rest.

This is assuming you're in Windows of course as I'm not sure of Linux.

 

[Jekama]

Yes, I use the included cooling system. So I understand from reading you that the temperatures I have are normal. Thank you for responding so quickly!

Jekama

 

[Jekama]

Okay I understand, and yes I am on Windows 10

 

[Zerk2012]

Okay I understand, and yes I am on Windows 10

You might need to check the temp while you do what you do with the PC. The standard OCCT test is not to bad it depends what setting you use for the test.

 

[Jekama]

I performed the test with a "large" dataset, normal mode and a constant load type. And this morning I notice that at rest I am approximately in the 50 degrees and not the 43 degrees as yesterday. Shouldn't I be worried ?

 

[hotaru.hino]

Intel's stock coolers aren't going to win any cooling performance records, and 40-50C is where I'd expect processors cooled by them to idle. The maximum temperature the processor can safely handle is up to 100C, and even then it'll take measures so it won't burn itself out.

 

[Jekama]

Okay

 

[KyaraM]

Yes, I use the included cooling system. So I understand from reading you that the temperatures I have are normal. Thank you for responding so quickly!

Jekama

If you use the stock cooler, then there is no issue, no. They are pretty bad, just good enough to keep the CPU running. If you want better temps, you will have to get an aftermarket cooler. Even cheap ones for 20-30 will do a much better job than the stock cooler. Btw, optimal peak temp in stress tests is somewhere between 80-85°C for most people, and the maximum your CPU is allowed to get to according to specs is 100°C. So you aren't far off from optimum and a decent way off from it getting too hot. If you want to improve temps without a new cooler, you could take a look at undervolting. If your mainboard won't let you do that, Intel XTU is a great alternative. Also for realtime experimenting with it.

Also, the thermalpaste is pretty irrelevant, btw. They show little difference between the different brands.

 

[Jekama]

If you use the stock cooler, then there is no issue, no. They are pretty bad, just good enough to keep the CPU running. If you want better temps, you will have to get an aftermarket cooler. Even cheap ones for 20-30 will do a much better job than the stock cooler. Btw, optimal peak temp in stress tests is somewhere between 80-85°C for most people, and the maximum your CPU is allowed to get to according to specs is 100°C. So you aren't far off from optimum and a decent way off from it getting too hot. If you want to improve temps without a new cooler, you could take a look at undervolting. If your mainboard won't let you do that, Intel XTU is a great alternative. Also for realtime experimenting with it.

Also, the thermalpaste is pretty irrelevant, btw. They show little difference between the different brands.

I think I will buy a BeQuiet! Pure Rock 2 Slim for 29€

 

[KyaraM]

I think I will buy a BeQuiet! Pure Rock 2 Slim for 29€

That should work well with that CPU, yes! The non-slim version is currently cooling an undervolted 12700k and working well, the slim version should have no issues with a 12100.