Do I need a new CPU cooler?

[jim2point0]

Hello! First post here. Figured I'd ask some experts about something I've been noticing...

 

First of all, here's my setup:

CPU: i7 3770k, 4.4 GHz, 1.29V

Cooler: ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball

 

When I run prime95 to stress test, I see the following temperatures:

 

 

I've been told that this is CRAZY hot and there's no reason it should be that high. I do have my CPU overclocked a bit, but I used to have it overclocked higher. I can't really push it back up to 4.6GHz because that would require more voltage, and the temps shoot up to 95+.

 

So... is what I'm seeing here normal? Or do I need to replace my cooler?

[Senzelian]

Hello! First post here. Figured I'd ask some experts about something I've been noticing...

 

First of all, here's my setup:

CPU: i7 3770k, 4.4 GHz, 1.29V

Cooler: ZALMAN CNPS9500 AT 2 Ball

 

When I run prime95 to stress test, I see the following temperatures:

 

[...]

 

I've been told that this is CRAZY hot and there's no reason it should be that high. I do have my CPU overclocked a bit, but I used to have it overclocked higher. I can't really push it back up to 4.6GHz because that would require more voltage, and the temps shoot up to 95+.

 

So... is what I'm seeing here normal? Or do I need to replace my cooler?

I think the temperatures are fine for the cooler you have.

Usually you'll never push the CPU in a real world scenario so far that it almost reaches 90°C.

A stresstest like Prime95 will always reach higher temps than a CPU intensive game like Cities: Skylines for example.

So I wouldn't worry too much. Still I think a new cooler isn't a bad idea, but not really necessary.

[paps511]

Remove cooler, remove thermal compound with Isopropyl alcohol, reapply thermal compound, re run stress test.

 

Then maybe you will need a new cooler.

[X_Rated_Box]

Nah... Its rather okay but you should invest in a new/better cooler to get those temps down

Usually the rule is AMD 90C° max and Intel 85C° max

[Johannes_Lazor]

No, It is not rare for CPU's to get hotter than 90 degrees when stress-testing with Prime95.

 

 

Do you put thermal compound on?  Is there any?  Ya, that's not normal under stress btw.  Stress should be 70ish at most.

It is normal when stressing it with Prime95.

[jim2point0]

Thanks. I know that my CPU never gets that hot under normal circumstances, but whenver I read overclocking guides, the steps are to always stress test with prime95 and watch the temps.

 

 

Remove cooler, remove thermal compound with Isopropyl alcohol, reapply thermal compound, re run stress test.

 

Then maybe you will need a new cooler.

 

What methods are best for removing thermal compound? Any special type of cloth that's good for that? 

 

Thanks for the replies so far.

 

What coolers would you guys recommend? I am a bit limited on space. This cooler has made real good friends with my RAM due to how close they are. 

 

[Johannes_Lazor]

I assumed higher than 70 was bad.

Only during a workload such as a game, 75 if it is something heavier, such as rendering. When using Prime95 you will often reach upwards 90-95 degrees with the stock cooler at stock clocks.

[Johannes_Lazor]

See, I dropped my oc cuz prime was pushing it towards 90.

Prim95 is not a good program if you want to check the temps, It is more aimed for stress-testing an OC. Run CPUmark if you want to see the highest temperature during a heavy load.

[jim2point0]

Decided to go ahead and grab a Noctua D15 and some new thermal paste (because I apparently can't find mine). Figured if I'm going to rip the cooler off my processor, I may as well replace it with something a bit more modern.

 

Just such a hassle to have to rip the motherboard out of the case in order to install some of these things.... and it looks like Im going to have to do that for this one.

 

I'll post some updated temps when that day comes

[jim2point0]

The D15 didn't fit. Covers up the first PCIE slot O_O

 

Freakin huge....

 

Old cooler is back on but even with new thermal paste, it's not any cooler than it used to be. So now I gotta return the D15 and find something smaller.