My 7700k hits 100C (TJ Max) under 100% load - Should I just get an NH-D15?

[VG Docs]

Right now I've got a Cryorig of some sort, I think it was an H5. It was ~$35 when I got it a few years ago but it's not cooling very well at 4.5GHz (1.315v or 1.328v as reported by HWInfo and CPU-Z respectively). I can't afford a CPU upgrade since that'd require more than just a new CPU but I can get the $90 NH-D15. Should I upgrade to it? Will I see enough of an improvement to not hit TJ Max under load?

[VG Docs]

4 minutes ago, yaboistar said:

delid, i guarantee your paste under there is crustier than a neckbeard in a fedora shop

I'm not particularly comfortable with that, I've never done it before and from my understanding it can mess up the CPU if you're not careful.

[Coziestman]

if your not comfortable with delidding send it over to silicon lottery https://siliconlottery.com/collections/sl/products/delid

[Levent]

I too vote for delidding. As long as you dont involve razor method, chances of killing your cpu is very low.

[CADGuy23]

That sounds incredibly hot for 4.5Ghz.  Can you check if the heatsink mount screws are tightened up?  It may not be making good contact.

[CADGuy23]

10 minutes ago, yaboistar said:

Unless OP has remounted recently this is unlikely to be the case. That era of CPU’s intel was using a thermal paste under the IHS that was notorious for drying out and this seems to be exactly that. Had the same happen on my 8700k where temperature creep happened to the point I was at 95c on a 240mm AIO

I wasn't aware of that Issue, I've had a 7700k since launch.  That's pretty awful if it doesn't even last 3-4 years.