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THE CPU IS OVERHEATING
Exceedingly high CPU temperatures are usually the symptom
of a malfunctioning liquid cooling loop, assuming the contact
between the CPU heat spreader and water block itself is
adequate, and that the water is appropriately cooled within
the radiator.
High CPU temperatures can occur in the following scenarios.
1.
Malfunctioning or broken-down water pump:
The
symptoms usually include a rapid spike in temperature when
stressing your CPU to the maximum (for example with AIDA64
software). Make sure the pump is plugged into the power
connector, and that liquid is indeed flowing through the system.
You should feel the pump vibrating beneath your hand. Observe
the flow indicator or flow meter readings if present.
2.
Malfunctioning or broken-down cooling fans:
The
symptoms usually include a rapid spike in temperature when
stressing your CPU to the maximum. Make sure the cooling fans
are plugged into the power connector hub and that the blades
are indeed rotating.
3. Kink in the liquid cooling tube:
The symptoms are very
similar to those described above. Thin-walled tubing may
collapse easily under low radius turns or when obstructed by
other computer chassis elements, such as side panel doors.
Check the tubing for any signs of kinks that could restrict the
flow. Usually, this will not be the case when using original tubing.
TROUBLESHOOTING
4. Clogged microchannels in the water block:
Microchannels
get clogged easily with various dirt particles and impurities,
especially with plasticizer powder leached from the tubing.
The symptoms usually include a rapid spike in temperature
when stressing your CPU to the maximum, and flow rates that
are very low. Visually inspect the water block internals for any
buildup or contamination and clean the system if necessary. In
case you have the water block with a translucent acrylic top, this
inspection can be done without disassembling the system.
5. Thermal Interface Material not/improperly applied:
The
lack of - or even too much TIM (Thermal Interface Material/
thermal paste/thermal grease) - may result in the overheating
of your CPU. If that is the case, please refer to the chapter
Installing the Water Block
.
6. Cooling liquid (coolant) is freezing:
Running the system in a
subzero environment may lead to liquid freezing. The symptoms
include an initial rapid spike in the temperatures when stressing
your CPU, followed by a substantial temperature drop after the
liquid partially thaws. Always make sure the system is operating
in an environment where ambient (room) temperature doesn’t
drop below 5°C.
Another culprit for exceedingly high CPU temperatures could
be a partially or entirely defective CPU. Some CPUs run at
higher temperatures than others, and overheating can occur
in the following scenario.
