Very high CPU temperature

[Alexmaster350]

Hello. I have been having problems with my i5 3470 temperature. It reaches as high as 72 degrees celsius in games and I have tried many things to fix it. I have checked that my stock cooler is seated correctly and it is. I have cleaned all dust from it. I have replaced the thermal paste. None of these have worked but I am confused why because it used to go to a maximum of about 62 degrees instead of 72 and I do not know why it has gone up so much recently. I do not want to get a new cooler so do you have any reasons why the temperature is so high and is it safe?

 

[Xemko]

It is safe temperature for that CPU with stock cooler. Perhaps you are playing *new* CPU intensive games or something has changed with your case airflow?

 

[Mightyena]

A general rule of thumb seems to be not to exceed ~70-75C. 72C is close enough to that that I wouldn't worry, especially since you're using the stock cooler, which often results in higher temperatures. You've still got a way to go before the temps start to become unsafe - the CPU won't start throttling until it hits around 100C.

 

[hardrock152]

Also are the temperatures you are looking at in a different season. Air cooling is dependent on the air around the cooler, if you were getting 62 degrees in winter and spring, and now have been looking at the temps again in summer (where it is probably 20+ degrees warmer) then that can drastically effect cooling performance. Just a thought.

Generally the 72 is still fine on a stock cooler, but maybe watch the temps as we head into fall and winter and see if they correct at all.