CPU Overheating, new thermal paste?

[yellowhawk]

Hello, a year and something ago i had purchased a pretty bad thermal paste for my cpu, but it was what i could get on the spot (better than nothing).

 

Yesterday after i noticed a strange smell in the air while gaming i wanted to check my temperatures and i noticed my cpu was at 99 celsius so i just turned it off to cool it down as fast as possible.

 

I ordered a new one but is the difference between a "low quality, outdated" thermal paste and a "new, better, fresh one" really gonna drop my temperatures to normal ish numbers? like i cant imagine it going from 99 to like 75 while gaming just from changing paste. I purchased a better paste this time, just waiting for it to arrive.

 

I will give my cooler also a good cleaning when i swap the paste. I cant invest on a new pc currently cause of the circumstances, but im planning on something maybe in a few months.

[zeusthemoose]

New thermal paste should be able to lower your temps significantly. Also make sure the cooler is attached properly and has a good seal.

 

Side note: I believe the fastest way to cool down a cpu is maxing the fan rpm and closing all programs.

[Quader199]

I personally changed thermal paste and I noticed significant changes. I changed the thermal paste to Arctic MX-4 thermal compound and found great results so if you are planning on changing I would recommend you try that stuff.

[LogicalDrm]

CPU and cooler? How old is the paste? It going such suddenly bad is bit odd.