Maximus IX Hero CPU I7 7700K is overheating after 7 years of use HELP!

[SkyBlaster]

I have a Maximus IX Hero Motherboard using an I7 7700K CPU and being cooled by a Corsair H100I V2. I have been using this set up for 7 years with no problem. All of a sudden it is overheating and blue screening windows with stop code: clock_watchdog_timeout. The Q Code display has 80 on it but in the user guide for the Maximus IX Hero motherboard there is not a Q Code for 80 so maybe its 08 but I doubt it. When I run a stress test the cpu is getting to 90 - 100 degrees Celsius in about 8 seconds then blue screens. I noticed that when it gets hot the Q LED starts blinking Red.

I need help, it would be much appreciated!

[Nate152 · Accepted solution]

Hello SkyBlaster

It sounds like it could be time to reapply thermal paste.

[SkyBlaster]

Yep, I reapplied thermal paste after writing this and immediately my temps went from 100 degrees C to 92 C under load and I didn't crash. I then undervolted my CPU and now im in the sub 90 degrees C area around 88 degrees C. I still don't know what the Q code 80 is but im going to assume its fine since its not changing. The red Q LED is gone so I assume that was telling me I was thermal throttling? 

[Nate152]

It sounds like the q-code is set to show cpu temps.

In the Bios, Advanced tab, Onboard Devices Configuration, If the q-code readout is set to Auto, it will show cpu temps.