Rapid CPU temp spikes

Dschulz72 · November 11, 2015

Hey guys, I have a puzzling one for you. I just recently got an FX-6300 and a Hyper 212+ and I've been overclocking it a bit. Currently I'm running debian 8 and I'm seeing rapid CPU temperature spikes recorded with lm-sensors.

My CPU instantly jumps from ~25C to ~40C in about half a second on even simple tasks like loading a webpage. At full CPU load it hits only about 60C though...

At first I thought I just had a bad cooler mount, so I just reseated it carefully using the method of spreading the thermal paste with a credit card.

I am new to overclocking, but it seems stable at 4.6 GHz, even with these issues (Load temps and voltage are in check). I used the stress command while simultaneously rendering a video to max out the CPU for about 4 hours. It seems stable to me, so I don't think that's the issue here. Also, I don't think the problem is with the lm-sensors program since the fans ramp up as well. Any ideas?

Astralify · November 11, 2015

"...spreading the thermal paste with a credit card..." don't do that. Use the line method. (Linus's method) Also, what thermal paste are you using?

[EDIT] Also, fast temp spikes usually mean TIM problem. Could be because of air bubbles.

Dschulz72 · November 11, 2015

I'm using the included thermal paste (Cooler Master Thermal Kit). I did the line method last time with the same result, which is why I did the spread method this time.

Also, the bottom of my cooler seems exceptionally rough. I've never seen a heatsink with such a deeply grooved underside. If I were home right now, I would lap it, but I'm at college...