CPU Thermal Throttling

[ttowns86]

A new issue occurred with my PC about 2 weeks ago I started getting stuttering in games.

PC Specs (Pre-Built with GPU changed)
Some Junky MOBO
Some Junky CPU Fan
RTX 3080 EVGA FTW
Ryzen 5800x
16GB Ram

To troubleshoot so far I checked the GPU/CPU usage in task manager while gaming and getting the stuttering and I didn’t notice any really high usage.

I then looked at temps while gaming and I found there was CPU thermal throttling from HWiNFO64.

CPU Temps was 95C+ while gaming but it is sitting at 47C very low load at the moment.

Case Exhaust Air is not warm and GPU isnt burning up at all. ~60C under partial load and 45C idle.

Should I just get a quality CPU fan, swap it and assume my problem is done (If I don’t notice any further stuttering or high temps) or is there possibly another issue?

[Bruce]

stattering or not, getting that CPU temp down should be addressed regardless.

[ttowns86]

Yeah of course I want to get the temps down. Sorry what I meant was should I just swap the CPU fan see if I am good to go.

Or before I spend the money and do the work should I check a few things first to make sure it is indeed the CPU Cooling fan and not caused by something else say bad voltage from cheap PSU or MB?

[Bruce]

always pick the low hanging fruit first!

in this case, we definitely know your temps are too high - so address that first.
it may not fix the overal issue, it may not be the only factor causing it, but it’s certainly a concern and needs removing from the equation before anything else may come into play.

[ttowns86]

Gotcha would you suggest getting a new (and better quality CPU cooler) or just try to take it off and re-apply thermal paste on the existing first?

[Bruce]

most stock standard coolers do the job just fine.
having said that, 3rd party ones do it that little bit better.
for me, if you don’t OC the processor or put it under constant load (gaming, rendering, etc), the out-of-the-box cooler is sufficient.

I use 3rd party heatsinks and fans these day because years ago when I first upgraded from the stock standard type to the retail type, I got somewhere like a 20C drop. I wasn’t doing anything demanding with the CPU, just did it as a test exercise and was amazed with the difference.

[ttowns86]

I got the Cooler a Noctua it was maybe a little overkill but it should work good. I forgot to get isopropyl to remove the old thermal paste so I will have to do it a bit latter.

A little nervous to take the old off since a) I have never take a CPU cooler off only put one on b) Didn’t put this one on so not 100% how it goes.

Also Haven’t opened the box yet but this new one is heavy wow.

Yeah I assume this will drop the temp a lot regardless if this is the only issue or not. The one vent or intake not sure which of the PSU was a little more dirty than I would like but clean now.

[Bruce]

let Google be your friend here.
search for installation videos of the make/model fan and heatsink you have and the removal process is the same but in reverse.
you don’t need any liquid to remove the old paste, just an old rag (it’s all I’ve ever needed).
just make sure, when you are finished, the CPU surface is sparkling and you’ll be fine.

expect the paste to get all over your fingers - it’s a messy SOB of a job!

[Bruce]

@ttowns86 - do you still need help?

[Bruce]

closing thread