Thermal Paste Degragation

[CISC2RISKY]

This is a question regarding Thermal paste and what it does under load. I have a system rig with an Intel 6700K and a corsair H110i GTX as my CPU cooler. had this PC for quite a while now (about a span of four years). Recently I am getting high temperature readings while under load. But my history of high temperature is fairly recent. Previously I normally get consistent temperature readings (around the high 60 degrees C) whenever I run CPU heavy workloads. but now the temperature readings increase every time I run any CPU bound workloads (it gradually increases between 5~10 degrees C every time I run it under load).

 

I am able to reset the temperature readings back to previous levels by cleaning and re-applying a new set of thermal paste on the CPU. I cannot really pin-point out the cause of gradual increase of CPU temperature.

•  it can be the thermal paste but there is no way thermal degradation can be that bad.
•  I am suspecting the Cooler but there is no way as it is still capable of cooling the CPU.
•  It can be the CPU since I keep running it with high CPU loads and it may have degraded overtime, but can't explain after applying new thermal paste, temperature readings went back down to my previous high load temp readings.    

 

By the way the thermal paste I am using is cooler Master MasterGel Pro.

 

PS. I think I need to buy a much better thermal paste or compound. But would like to get some feedback on it.

[Mattias Edeslatt]

It could very well be the AIO that is degrading.

 

If it were the paste it should be good for a year or two at least before showing increased temps.

[Raudi_]

It's possible the paste could be dried up from heat cycling. I would recommend Thermal Grizzly I have yet to see a GPU or CPU I've used it on where it's dried up 100%

[nick name]

It might be worth watching GamersNexus latest AIO tear-down in which they discuss liquid permeation and why coolers are usually limited to a 5 year warranty.  If you're coming up on 5 years then you may be suffering from the latter stages of that permeation which means you're running low on coolant in your loop.  

 

I believe Corsair offers 5 year warranties for the majority if not all of their coolers so I would contact them and describe your problem.  @Corsair Nick

[Mister Woof]

Yet another reason to lean towards powerful air coolers

[AHybridPandesu]

I think your issue lies with the AIO, as you stated, you have had the computer running for 4 years, and recently the issue has popped up. As Nick Name recently said on this post, there is Liquid Permeation on AIO's, and that is why they're usually only available for a 5 year warranty.

 

I suggest you check out your AIO, and get a replacement if possible. For your knowledge, Thermal Paste usually lasts you a solid year before you see temperature change.

 

- Pandesu

[Corsair Nick]

On 4/13/2019 at 6:05 AM, CISC2RISKY said:

This is a question regarding Thermal paste and what it does under load. I have a system rig with an Intel 6700K and a corsair H110i GTX as my CPU cooler. had this PC for quite a while now (about a span of four years). Recently I am getting high temperature readings while under load. But my history of high temperature is fairly recent. Previously I normally get consistent temperature readings (around the high 60 degrees C) whenever I run CPU heavy workloads. but now the temperature readings increase every time I run any CPU bound workloads (it gradually increases between 5~10 degrees C every time I run it under load).

 

I am able to reset the temperature readings back to previous levels by cleaning and re-applying a new set of thermal paste on the CPU. I cannot really pin-point out the cause of gradual increase of CPU temperature.

•  it can be the thermal paste but there is no way thermal degradation can be that bad.
•  I am suspecting the Cooler but there is no way as it is still capable of cooling the CPU.
•  It can be the CPU since I keep running it with high CPU loads and it may have degraded overtime, but can't explain after applying new thermal paste, temperature readings went back down to my previous high load temp readings.    

 

By the way the thermal paste I am using is cooler Master MasterGel Pro.

 

PS. I think I need to buy a much better thermal paste or compound. But would like to get some feedback on it.

Try removing the cooler and gently shaking the pump and radiator, then running the system with the pump facing the ceiling.  You might have a trapped air bubble in the system.  If that doesn't help with your temps, you can also work with out technical support staff to get a replacement through warranty.  All of our pumps come with a 5-year warranty.  You can submit a ticket through the link below:

 

https://support.corsair.com/

[nick name]

3 minutes ago, Corsair Nick said:

Try removing the cooler and gently shaking the pump and radiator, then running the system with the pump facing the ceiling.  You might have a trapped air bubble in the system.  If that doesn't help with your temps, you can also work with out technical support staff to get a replacement through warranty.  All of our pumps come with a 5-year warranty.  You can submit a ticket through the link below:

 

https://support.corsair.com/

I knew this guy would help.

[Zat0ichi]

AIO degradation...

My h60 has been gurgling for a while after I rock the case during a clean.

 

I was getting shitty max temps so delidded. Maybe it was the cooler.