Is something wrong with my processor?

[sapped]

 

Hey guys, I've built a new gaming system recently and these are the specs:

Intel Core i7-4790K 4.0GHz Quad-Core Processor

ASRock Z97 EXTREME6 ATX LGA1150 Motherboard

G.Skill Trident X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-2400 Memory

Western Digital BLACK SERIES 1TB 3.5" 7200RPM Internal Hard Drive

Sapphire Radeon R9 290 4GB Tri-X Video Card

EVGA 750W 80+ Gold Certified Fully-Modular ATX Power Supply

Fractal Design Define R5 ATX Mid Tower Case

However there seem to be something wrong with the temperature as it's unusually high, I'm not sure whether there's something wrong with my processor or not. Basically after turning my computer on and let it sit idle for 5 minutes, while monitoring using the tool HWMonitor PRO. The temperature for the CPU frequently hits 39°C, occasionally even spikes up to 50°C for a second. This is when I'm using Balanced power profile while doing absolutely nothing!

Also I've tested it in a military simulator game while running an intense large scale battle, the temperature frequently stays at 79°C. This is while using the High Performance power profile. Switching XMP on or off in BIOS doesn't seem to change anything.

Is this normal for this processor or is something definitely wrong? I'm all new to system building and this is the first one I've ever built. Should I run other benchmarks or stress tests to provide better results, if so which one should I use? And this is for all components as well not just the CPU. I've heard about Prime95 a lot but it seems to intentionally run at really high temperatures, is it safe to do so?

I'm really lost at the moment and don't know what to do since everything seems so overwhelming, so would really appreciate any help you guys can provide!

Best Regards,

 

 

 

 

[SoftenButterCream]

Try remounting your cooler? Is it overclocked?

Seems normal though for a stock cooler, assuming you are using stock.

[79wjd]

Thats fine for the stock cooler. 

[sapped]

Thanks for your replies guys, really appreciate them!

 

Sorry I forgot to mention this previously, yeah I'm running the intel stock cooler. 

However those temperatures I've posted above are for the system when it's NOT 

overclocked at all.

 

Is this high degree of heat normal for non overclocked system? Just reached 87°C 

while testing around in ArmA 3...

[sapped]

I really don't know how to say this. So I've removed the whole middle HDD cage from my system, hoping to allow better airflow
from the front to blow directly onto the mobo. Switched the fans from 7V to 12V with the fan controller that my case have.
And all the mobo setting at default with XMP off.

I've ran the Intel Extreme Tuning Utility, while running its benchmark, it frequently hit 100°C, probably even off the chart too.
And when doing the CPU stress test, it hit above 90°C in just 2 min, and I had to stop the test.
While in idle mode it stays around 37°C with just 1% CPU utilization.

I'm not even sure what to do now, I'm afraid any other benchmarks will fry my system. Is this even normal with the stock cooler or something
definitely wrong?

[sapped]

I've also tried to look at the temperature reading in my BIOS/UEFI.

 

My room temperature is just 19°C and after opening my motherboard BIOS/UEFI, After 5 min it shows the CPU temp to be 55°C while the M/B is 35°C

 

I don't even know what to think of it now, either the sensor is being whacky or something seriously wrong with my system, what do you suggest that I do?

[dragoon20005]

 

I've also tried to look at the temperature reading in my BIOS/UEFI.

 

My room temperature is just 19°C and after opening my motherboard BIOS/UEFI, After 5 min it shows the CPU temp to be 55°C while the M/B is 35°C

 

I don't even know what to think of it now, either the sensor is being whacky or something seriously wrong with my system, what do you suggest that I do?

 

go into BIOS and set the CPU fan to spin at max speed

 

see if the temp drops

 

if it dont

 

maybe time to get a bigger cooler

 

CM 212 Evo/Plus is a good replacement

[bob345]

That seems pretty normal with the stock cooler. Just upgrade he cooler when you can and you will see the normal temps most people talk about.

[sapped]

Hey guys, thank you so much for all your replies. Looks like I'll be buying a new aftermarket cooler for the CPU. 
And I'm looking into it right now.

Although some important questions beforehand:
Because I live in a backwater country called australia, with the nearest computer store being 50 minutes drive away.
I'm going to bring my computer case there and let the store staff assemble it for me. (since I really don't know how 
and online delivery for the cooler isn't much cheaper anyway)

What I'm wondering is, because the store have some benchmarks, I'm going to let them run it for a few hours in store,
including FurMark, Prime95 and XTU. I'm wondering what sort of temperature should I expect after the aftermarket cooler
have been put on? Such as idle/load/peak temps for the different components with the different utilities. 
(say if the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO was put on)

Since it's better to know beforehand and let any problems to be fixed in the store, than find something wrong and bring
the whole case back afterwards.

By the way does aftermarket coolers come with thermal paste or do I need to buy it separately?

Also should I purchase more case fans? I'm only using the default 2 that came with my case (Fractal Design Define R5),
which is 1 in 1 out. Do you guys recommend to buy more case fans as well to help with cooling?

Sorry for these questions if it sounds silly, this is my first time building a system and I'm literally learning everything
from scratch.

[sapped]

Also importantly, what are the differences between the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO
and the Cooler Master Hyper 212X? Which one is better?

Since my store doesn't have the 212 EVO but only the 212X.

I've looked at this website:
http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#qq=1&R=5,4&w=0&sort=d3&m=50

The 212 EVO seems to have crazy amount of good review compared to any other coolers on the market,
with 5 star rating. But the 212X only have 4 stars and not many bought it.

Does it mean the 212X is an inferior product compared to the 212 EVO? Funny that it also costs more.
I could try purchasing from other places online and have it delivered if the 212 EVO is a better product.

Also any other good ones that you guys wish to suggest? 


Lastly this thing really have me worried, because I've ran some of those stressful benchmarks before and
frequently stayed above 100°C for several minutes, even off the chart. Have I damaged or reduced the
lifespan of my CPU or any other components in ANY way?

I'm really scared that I did something wrong which harmed my new system, since it really cost me a
fortune to buy it, been saving up for many years.

Thanks again for all your comments, really appreciate them!

[Zero_Hour]

Also importantly, what are the differences between the Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO

and the Cooler Master Hyper 212X? Which one is better?

Since my store doesn't have the 212 EVO but only the 212X.

I've looked at this website:

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#qq=1&R=5,4&w=0&sort=d3&m=50

The 212 EVO seems to have crazy amount of good review compared to any other coolers on the market,

with 5 star rating. But the 212X only have 4 stars and not many bought it.

Does it mean the 212X is an inferior product compared to the 212 EVO? Funny that it also costs more.

I could try purchasing from other places online and have it delivered if the 212 EVO is a better product.

Also any other good ones that you guys wish to suggest? 

Lastly this thing really have me worried, because I've ran some of those stressful benchmarks before and

frequently stayed above 100°C for several minutes, even off the chart. Have I damaged or reduced the

lifespan of my CPU or any other components in ANY way?

I'm really scared that I did something wrong which harmed my new system, since it really cost me a

fortune to buy it, been saving up for many years.

Thanks again for all your comments, really appreciate them!

You "probably" haven't damaged anything. You may have just got a bad chip. Mine didn't go anywhere near 80 when I had a stock cooler. If all else fails you could under volt and underclock down to 3.5 GHZ until you get the new cooler.

[Dabombinable]

My i5 4440 was hitting temperatures in that range all the time with the stock cooler, I wouldn't worry too much.

[Legitsu]

double check the core voltage under normal load and see what its getting up to the board may be setting it a bit high if you are using XMP

and no 80C is about right for the stock cooler the stock cooler is really only good for benching 

nothing wrong with the hyper212x its newer is all 

[Hieb]

The thermal pads on the stock Intel heatsink can often be poorly applied. Your best bet is to pick up a tube of thermal paste (and an aftermarket cooler if you want... Hyper 212 EVO is great for dabbling with overclocking, or a Hyper TX3 is fine for a cheaper cooler for stock speeds and lower temps & noise), and scrape off the thermal pads on the intel heatsink, cleaning it with rubbing alcohol, and then applying some fresh thermal compound onto the CPU (which might also need to be cleaned).

[sapped]

Hey guys, thanks again for all your feedbacks. I've given more thoughts about this today.

Sorry that I didn't mention this before, regarding overclocking the CPU. My original plan was to
overclock that processor only after 1 or 2 years, since the games and processing tasks today does
not require that much high frequency. So I'll only start considering to OC when I actually needed
that extra speed. Was originally considering to buy an aftermarket cooler only afterwards, and stay
with the stock intel cooler in the mean while.

However it turns out that the stock cooler is already a piece of **** like some of you said. So I'll
need to purchase an extra cooler anyway. I might as well purchase a good one now right? And maybe
start overclocking 1 or 2 years later when games gets more demanding.

Although I'm wondering does CPU coolers work this way? How long does one usually last and do I need
to switch it out with new ones in any set period? Since this is really a whole new world that I'm
not familiar with and trying to learn. Would it be better to buy a cheaper one now and buy a more
expensive one later on when I actually starts to overclock?

I think the highest frequency I'll go with the 4790k is 4.7Ghz, I wanna ask will the Cooler Master Hyper 212
be sufficient enough for that high frequency? Or do I need to look into more expensive price range?
If so how much, the Noctua NH-D15 seems like a good one from this list, will this be sufficient?

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#sort=d3

Also just some general information regarding CPU coolers, does faster fan RPM means it's better at
cooling and dissipating heat like it normally does? Or are other factors taken into account as well
like qualities etc. And would you guys recommend buying liquid cooling compared to air cooling?

Sorry if I'm asking so much questions, I'm totally new at this. Building that PC in the first place is
already a great enough challenge for me. I'm really overwhelmed at the moment so appreciate any help.

[profesorfrink42]

Hey guys, thanks again for all your feedbacks. I've given more thoughts about this today.

Sorry that I didn't mention this before, regarding overclocking the CPU. My original plan was to

overclock that processor only after 1 or 2 years, since the games and processing tasks today does

not require that much high frequency. So I'll only start considering to OC when I actually needed

that extra speed. Was originally considering to buy an aftermarket cooler only afterwards, and stay

with the stock intel cooler in the mean while.

However it turns out that the stock cooler is already a piece of **** like some of you said. So I'll

need to purchase an extra cooler anyway. I might as well purchase a good one now right? And maybe

start overclocking 1 or 2 years later when games gets more demanding.

Although I'm wondering does CPU coolers work this way? How long does one usually last and do I need

to switch it out with new ones in any set period? Since this is really a whole new world that I'm

not familiar with and trying to learn. Would it be better to buy a cheaper one now and buy a more

expensive one later on when I actually starts to overclock?

I think the highest frequency I'll go with the 4790k is 4.7Ghz, I wanna ask will the Cooler Master Hyper 212

be sufficient enough for that high frequency? Or do I need to look into more expensive price range?

If so how much, the Noctua NH-D15 seems like a good one from this list, will this be sufficient?

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#sort=d3

Also just some general information regarding CPU coolers, does faster fan RPM means it's better at

cooling and dissipating heat like it normally does? Or are other factors taken into account as well

like qualities etc. And would you guys recommend buying liquid cooling compared to air cooling?

Sorry if I'm asking so much questions, I'm totally new at this. Building that PC in the first place is

already a great enough challenge for me. I'm really overwhelmed at the moment so appreciate any help.

 

Faster RPM means more noise. Typically, what you want to be looking for is CFM. More CFM=more cooling. 

The only issue here is that manufacturers tend to only give a CFM value for a specific RPM.

[LogicalDrm]

--

However it turns out that the stock cooler is already a piece of **** like some of you said. So I'll

need to purchase an extra cooler anyway. I might as well purchase a good one now right? And maybe

start overclocking 1 or 2 years later when games gets more demanding.

Although I'm wondering does CPU coolers work this way? How long does one usually last and do I need

to switch it out with new ones in any set period? Since this is really a whole new world that I'm

not familiar with and trying to learn. Would it be better to buy a cheaper one now and buy a more

expensive one later on when I actually starts to overclock?

I think the highest frequency I'll go with the 4790k is 4.7Ghz, I wanna ask will the Cooler Master Hyper 212

be sufficient enough for that high frequency? Or do I need to look into more expensive price range?

If so how much, the Noctua NH-D15 seems like a good one from this list, will this be sufficient?

http://au.pcpartpicker.com/parts/cpu-cooler/#sort=d3

Also just some general information regarding CPU coolers, does faster fan RPM means it's better at

cooling and dissipating heat like it normally does? Or are other factors taken into account as well

like qualities etc. And would you guys recommend buying liquid cooling compared to air cooling?

Sorry if I'm asking so much questions, I'm totally new at this. Building that PC in the first place is

already a great enough challenge for me. I'm really overwhelmed at the moment so appreciate any help.

 

For starters I'll go back to your previous posts which I really don't like to quote for this. You don't never run stress test with stock cooler. Never. Those are artificial loads and will cause CPU to heat up more than that tiny thing can handle. Same goes with OC. Some older chips can be OC'd with stock cooler but not that much that it would make sense.

 

I can't remember which is newer, 212 EVO or 212X, but the newer is improved from older. Its really good cooler and will be enough for such mild OC as 4.7GHz. The temps you are looking at are around 85C under full stress. I've actually clocked one to that with 1.27V. Larger cooler or dual tower would naturally allow either higher clocks or lower temps.

 

RPM has direct effect on two things. One is temp as higher speed means lower temps. There is limit depending on cooler which rpm is needed before increasing it becomes meaningless. Higher rpm means more noise so you will want to look onto that point where increasing rpm doesn't matter anymore.

 

As for coolers aging. The heatsink itself will last pretty much lifetime of build or CPU. Or more if kept in dry place. Its metal after all. The fan will age over time. Motor can break, bearings could need to be oiled etc. But you can fix that just by getting new fan. The thermal paste is one thing that can also go bad. But most better pastes last several years easily. For example Noctuas NT-H1 was good for me for 3 years before I had to change it due changing CPU. Current paste has been in use for 1.5years.

[i_build_nanosuits]

nvm

Get an hyper 212...the EVO is a little better than the PLUS...with more direct contact to the CPU and a nicer looking fan (same internaly though, only blades are ''shiny'') those things last forever and will keep your CPU's cool for a while...they mount on virtualy any modern socket.

 

With that if you have proper airflow in your case and the cooler is well installed you can substantialy overclock your CPU (4.5ghz on all cores shouldnt be a problem) ...and if you are lucky and got a good chip (most 4790K are good bins) you could maybe even get 4.7ghz out of it if needed.

[sapped]

Hey guys, thanks again for all your feedbacks.

Looks like I'll be buying the Noctua NH-D15, read so many amazing reviews on this.

That CPU is literally the most expensive component in my machine, so might as well
treat it with something good, and also opens up much possibilities later on.

 

Since I'm going to heavily overclock it later on, am I actually saving money by just

buying a good one now? Also just read some of the horror stories regarding water

coolers bursting, so think I'll be skipping those, especially when the machine is

supposed to last for many years.

 

Anyway back to the original question, what sort of temperature should I expect with
the benchmarks after the new cooler have been mounted? I've rang the store and asked,
they told me I can bring any benchmark and stress testing tool I want.

Some threads mentioned Prime is not recommended (at least the latest version), so think
I'll be using XTU. How should I run it and any other tools to recommend?

And what temperature range should I expect with the CPU (with non overclocked frequency)
after the new cooler has been mounted by store staffs? So any problems can be fixed on 
the spot in store. 

Such as the idle/load/peak temps for the processor and also other components as well.

Cheers guys, would not have gotten so far without your guidance and dedication, just 
wanna say how much I appreciate all your help!

[LogicalDrm]

Hey guys, thanks again for all your feedbacks.

--

 

1) Since I'm going to heavily overclock it later on, am I actually saving money by just

buying a good one now? Also just read some of the horror stories regarding water

coolers bursting, so think I'll be skipping those, especially when the machine is

supposed to last for many years.

 

2) Anyway back to the original question, what sort of temperature should I expect with

the benchmarks after the new cooler have been mounted? I've rang the store and asked,

they told me I can bring any benchmark and stress testing tool I want.

3) Some threads mentioned Prime is not recommended (at least the latest version), so think

I'll be using XTU. How should I run it and any other tools to recommend?

4) And what temperature range should I expect with the CPU (with non overclocked frequency)

after the new cooler has been mounted by store staffs? So any problems can be fixed on 

the spot in store. 

 

 

1) Its extremely rare for AIO to leak and even more rare to burst. Thats what custom WC's can do if you (or one who built it) has made errors.

 

2) You can find those in reviews. I'm going to guess that max you will see is around 66C (based on my own results with single tower and 4770K).

 

3) Prime95 will raise voltages uncontrollably when let to auto. But with manual it can work well. XTU, Aida64 and OCCT are more sage solutions. IntelBurnTest is one to look also.

 

4) Idle will be around 35C, gaming temps close to 60C. Refer to what I said in 2).

[Hieb]

Make sure your RAM modules aren't too tall to conflict with the Noctua D14/D15

[sapped]

Hey guys, thanks again for all your comments on the thread, appreciate it.

 

Some of you mentioned that the Noctua NH-D15 might be an overkill for my CPU, and I've been

thinking about this for a some time.

 

How do you guys think the Noctua NH-U12S is?

http://www.noctua.at/main.php?show=productview&products_id=63&lng=en

 

It's the second highest rated CPU cooler on PCPartPicker, great reviews too while being cheaper.

Another great thing is it's fully compatible with my tall RAM.

 

Although the NH-D15 is not that bad, since I can remove the top heat spreader from my Trident X,

(will this cause heating problem with my RAM?) like it's shown here:

 

http://www.tweaktown.com/reviews/6313/noctua-nh-d15-cpu-cooler-review/index5.html

 

But it still sits at least 20mm taller, with the front fan not blowing directly into the heat pipe.

 

I'm wondering will this be much of a problem to heat dissipation? Since the heat pipes are where

it's supposed to be the hottest for transferring heat right? So with no direct wind blowing into

it, will this cause much issue?

 

 

Also some other general questions regarding the cooler:

 

1. What if I attach the fans at the middle and back of the heat sink? Will this be just as cool as

attaching to the front and middle? Since I have space at the back side.

 

2. Will running the NH-D15 in single fan mode (mid only) still be much cooler than the NH-U12S,

or will it be practically the same or even worse?

 

3. And lastly the important question, will the NH-U12S allow my 4790k to be overclocked to 4.7GHz

and stabilize?