CPU running unusually hot

[msterforks]

When I booted up my PC this morning, I noticed that I was getting constant frame drops on a game that I play regularly. I suspected that my CPU was being thermal throttled, and sure enough, RealTemp shows me exactly that.

I had this problem once before, but it mysteriously disappeared after I let my computer sit for half an hour. However, this time I let my computer sit idle for about an hour and a half, and the temperatures were still in the 50s (the minimum row in the screenshot). I'm not sure why this happened and what I should do to fix it. I plan on cracking open my computer either today or tomorrow. Is there anything I should look for while I'm in there?

 

EDIT: The screenshot captured the exact moment the load decided to spike up. Usually it sits around 25% with occasional jumps to the 50s or 60s.

[Hal_9000]

2 minutes ago, msterforks said:

When I booted up my PC this morning, I noticed that I was getting constant frame drops on a game that I play regularly. I suspected that my CPU was being thermal throttled, and sure enough, RealTemp shows me exactly that.

I had this problem once before, but it mysteriously disappeared after I let my computer sit for half an hour. However, this time I let my computer sit idle for about an hour and a half, and the temperatures were still in the 50s (the minimum row in the screenshot). I'm not sure why this happened and what I should do to fix it. I plan on cracking open my computer either today or tomorrow. Is there anything I should look for while I'm in there?

 

EDIT: The screenshot captured the exact moment the load decided to spike up. Usually it sits around 25% with occasional jumps to the 50s or 60s.

Cooler? CPU?

[Beeeyeee]

Whats your CPU and cooler?

first thing is I would reseat the CPU and remount the cooler with new thermal paste. sometimes it can go bad if its crappy. aside from that a new cooler is all you can do:)

[Pyrotechnika]

I would reapply thermal paste.

[msterforks]

20 minutes ago, Beeeyeee said:

Whats your CPU and cooler?

first thing is I would reseat the CPU and remount the cooler with new thermal paste. sometimes it can go bad if its crappy. aside from that a new cooler is all you can do:)

I bought the processor 5 years ago and I honestly can't remember. It's probably the stock intel cooler. The CPU is the i7-2600 (non K) as shown in the screenshot.

[Beeeyeee]

1 minute ago, msterforks said:

I bought the processor 5 years ago and I honestly can't remember. It's probably the stock intel cooler. The CPU is the i7-2600 (non K) as shown in the screenshot.

okay do what I said and tell me what happens:)

[pwn_intended]

Check that the fan on the cooler is spinning and that it isn't totally clogged with dust!

[msterforks]

2 minutes ago, pwn_intended said:

Check that the fan on the cooler is spinning and that it isn't totally clogged with dust!

I clean my computer regularly (at least twice a year). I'll check if there's an unusual amount of dust and grit though.

[pwn_intended]

2 minutes ago, msterforks said:

I clean my computer regularly (at least twice a year). I'll check if there's an unusual amount of dust and grit though.

The fan spinning is key too. Had a friend whose CPU died because he didn't realize that his CPU fan was dead and he didn't monitor his temps regularly.

[msterforks]

So I figured out the problem. Yes, I have an intel stock cooler. Yes, it is still spinning. Thermal paste is probably there too (although I never verified this). My PC "mysteriously" reverted back to normal temperatures. Turns out my trash bag hung in a way that blocked a vent hole on the side of my PC -_-;;

 

Thanks for the help guys.

[Soundsystem90]

Completely normal temps.