I’m worried about my CPU temps. It recently hit 90°C during gaming and I’m not sure if that’s safe. I need advice on what’s considered too hot and how to keep it cool. Any tips or suggestions?
90°C is definitely on the high end for a CPU, especially during gaming. Generally, CPUs should be kept below 85°C to ensure longevity and stable performance. While most modern CPUs can technically handle temperatures up to 100°C before throttling or shutting down to prevent damage, regularly hitting 90°C isn’t great for the long run.
First off, make sure your cooling solution is adequate for your CPU. Here are some tips to keep your CPU cool:
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Check the thermal paste - Sometimes the thermal paste between your CPU and cooler might need replacing. If it’s dried out or improperly applied, it can lead to higher temps. Reapply with a high-quality paste like Arctic MX-4.
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Improve airflow - Ensure that your case has good airflow. Make sure intake and exhaust fans are working properly and there’s no dust blocking them. Adding more case fans can help improve overall airflow.
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Clean your PC - Dust can accumulate on your cooler and fans, impeding their performance. Use compressed air to clean out the dust regularly.
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Upgrade your CPU cooler - Stock coolers are often not the best at handling heavy loads. Consider an aftermarket air cooler like the Noctua NH-D15 or a good AIO liquid cooler like the Corsair H100i.
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Monitor background processes - Sometimes background apps can cause unnecessary CPU load. Use a tool like Task Manager to see if something’s hogging resources.
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Check for BIOS updates - Occasionally, manufacturers release BIOS updates that improve thermal management for processors.
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Undervolt your CPU - This can reduce power consumption and heat output without significantly affecting performance. Software like Intel’s XTU or AMD’s Ryzen Master can help with this.
In my experience, a combination of these measures usually brings down the temperatures significantly. For example, I had a gaming rig that was hitting 90°C during intense sessions. After reapplying thermal paste and adding a couple of extra case fans, the temps dropped to around 75-80°C under similar loads. If none of these steps work, it might be worth looking into whether your CPU or cooler is defective. Any prolonged high temperatures can shorten the lifespan of your CPU, so taking these steps is worthwhile.
Remember, don’t ignore those temps; keeping your hardware within safe operating ranges is crucial for performance and longevity.
90°C, huh? That’s definitely on the verge of too hot for regular usage, particularly during gaming. Think of it this way: most CPUs are designed to tolerate up to about 100°C before they throttle performance or shut down to prevent damage. But regularly hitting those high temps isn’t ideal – it’s like red-lining your car engine constantly; it wears things down faster.
Now, I saw @codecrafter’s tips, and while they’re thorough, a few extra pointers might help cover everything you need to consider.
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Seating the Cooler Properly - It’s not just about the thermal paste. Ensure your CPU cooler is seated correctly and tightly. A cooler that’s not snug can fail to make proper contact with the CPU, leading to inefficient heat transfer. It’s a common oversight that’s easily fixed but crucial for maintaining cooler temps.
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Balanced Fan Configuration - When you set up your fans, balance between intake and exhaust. An imbalance can create positive or negative pressure inside your case, leading to reduced cooling efficiency. Aim for slightly more intake than exhaust to keep dust out while maintaining good airflow.
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Side Panel Fans - If your case allows it, side panel fans can make a significant difference. These can blow directly onto hot components like the GPU and CPU, providing targeted cooling. Just make sure they don’t interfere with the internal airflow balance.
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Cable Management - Often overlooked but highly effective. Poorly managed cables can obstruct airflow inside your case, leading to higher temperatures. Tidy up those cables and use zip ties or Velcro straps to keep them out of the way of your airflow pathways.
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Overclocking - If your CPU is overclocked, and you’re hitting high temps, it might be worth dialing back a bit. A slightly less aggressive overclock might dramatically reduce temperatures with minimal performance impact. Run some benchmarks with and without the overclock to see if the performance trade-off is worth the reduced temperature.
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Custom Loop Cooling - If aftermarket air coolers or AIOs aren’t cutting it, maybe it’s time to dive into custom loop cooling. It requires more effort and knowledge but offers unparalleled cooling performance, especially for those high-power CPUs in intense gaming rigs. This involves liquid cooling with custom parts like radiators, pumps, and reservoirs, which you can tailor to your system’s needs.
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Ambient Temperature - Pay attention to the room temperature where your PC is located. If your room is hot, your cooling will have to work harder. Gamers and enthusiasts sometimes overlook the environment in which their systems operate. Consider moving your rig to a cooler area if possible, or use additional room cooling like a fan or air conditioner.
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Premium Cases - Not all cases are created equal. High-end cases like the Phanteks Enthoo Pro or the Fractal Design Meshify C provide superior airflow due to better layout and large mesh panels. Upgrading to a case designed with air cooling in mind could lead to better overall system temperatures.
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Thermal Throttling Considerations** - If you’re prepared to dive deep, monitor your CPU’s thermal throttling responses. Software like HWMonitor or Core Temp can let you see at what points your CPU starts to throttle. Ensuring that you keep under these temperatures will give you smoother performance and extend the life of your CPU.
When I had a similar issue, I used a combination of re-seating my cooler, cable management, and optimizing my fan layout, which dropped my temps from hitting 95°C down to a much safer 70-75°C under load. Don’t underestimate small tweaks – they can make a big difference over time.
Remember, thermal management isn’t just about keeping individual components cool; it’s about maintaining an optimal environment for your entire system. Ensuring a consistent, lower temperature under load will ensure stability and longevity, so taking the time to address these points is valuable.
You guys are overcomplicating it. CPUs hitting 90°C during gaming isn’t the end of the world, and a lot of newer CPUs can handle that just fine without any issue. But, if you’re really worried, just undervolt the damn thing. It’s simple and can drop temps without needing to fiddle with thermal pastes or spend money on new coolers.
Look, thermal paste reapplying and all the fan setup mumbo jumbo can help, but it’s not always necessary. I’ve had rigs running hot for years without issues.
Sure, improving airflow might help, but have you considered that your room temperature might be too high? A cheaper solution could be just putting a fan in the room or, God forbid, opening a window. Stop obsessing over every degree – 90°C under load isn’t going to kill your CPU overnight. Plus, investing in ‘premium cases’ just to drop a few degrees? Nah, save the cash.