Maximus VII Formula + 4790K worrying idle temps

[lpjz290]

Hi all, this is my first post on the ROG forums.

I have a problem with my idle temperatures with my Maximus VII Formula + 4790K rig. CPU being cooled by a Corsair H80i AIO cooler. UEFI BIOS updated to latest available version.

On idle with pure stock settings, my CPU is idling at 50°C+ with an ambient temperature of 25°C.
I've tried cleaning the CPU block, reapplying thermal paste, event tested another cooler (Hyper 212X) thinking my AIO is faulty, but idle temperatures remained high at around 60°C+.
Sent my AIO for RMA check, but cooler was certified working well.

My case is well-ventilated. Even in open air, the temperatures hardly changed. I'm running out of options and ideas on what is going on. Any of you kind souls have some ideas?

[jab383]

HI lpjz290, and welcome,

Since you already tried re-installing, checked the AOI cooler and tried another cooler, that leaves only a few possibilities.

1. The CPU isn't really idling. Check in Windows Task Manager that some background process isn't unexpectedly loading the CPU.

2. Temperature monitoring software may be inaccurate. What are you using? I suggest Aida64 (not free) or HWMonitor (free).

3. The tough one: It is rarely possible for something to be wrong inside the CPU. The die may be thermally separated from the lid - Intel didn't put a good thermal paste inside there to begin with. The test is to swap that processor into another rig and another processor into your rig. Perhaps you can get a friend involved to help with that if you don't have a second rig. Any CPU for 1150-pin socket would work for the test. If high temperatures follow the CPU, you can probably RMA to Intel under warranty.

Good luck with it
Jeff

[lpjz290]

jab383 wrote:
HI lpjz290, and welcome,

Since you already tried re-installing, checked the AOI cooler and tried another cooler, that leaves only a few possibilities.

1. The CPU isn't really idling. Check in Windows Task Manager that some background process isn't unexpectedly loading the CPU.

2. Temperature monitoring software may be inaccurate. What are you using? I suggest Aida64 (not free) or HWMonitor (free).

3. The tough one: It is rarely possible for something to be wrong inside the CPU. The die may be thermally separated from the lid - Intel didn't put a good thermal paste inside there to begin with. The test is to swap that processor into another rig and another processor into your rig. Perhaps you can get a friend involved to help with that if you don't have a second rig. Any CPU for 1150-pin socket would work for the test. If high temperatures follow the CPU, you can probably RMA to Intel under warranty.

Good luck with it
Jeff

Hi Jeff, thanks for the reply. To answer your qns,

1. I've done a clean install of Windows 10, nothing else installed, not connected to the web. Temperatures as mentioned in OP.

2. I have used both RealTemp and HWMonitor, as well as temperature values shown in the UEFI and AISuite. All reported similar temperatures.

3. Hmm I don't have a spare LGA-1150 based CPU or mobo to test on. I guess I'll try contacting Intel for help to RMA.

Thanks for your help.

[Nate152]

Hi lpjz290

What voltage is your cpu drawing at idle?

If your cpu is not throttling at idle you can use adaptive mode.

You can try reapplying the thermal compound and remounting your cooler.

[lpjz290]

Nate152 wrote:
Hi lpjz290

What voltage is your cpu drawing at idle?

If your cpu is not throttling at idle you can use adaptive mode.

You can try reapplying the thermal compound and remounting your cooler.

Hi Nate,

The default BIOS settings (no custom settings) are supplying my CPU with 1.268V at idle.
CPU at idle or under light web-browsing usage (no games involved yet) does not experience throttling but temperatures can go up to 60-70C.

Have also tested system before and after fresh thermal paste (tested both Arctic Silver 5 and Gelid GC Extreme). No improvements.

I'm in touch with Intel now as we speak. Here's hoping they open a RMA replacement.

[Nate152]

Your cpu should be throttling frequency and voltage at default settings.

Set the windows power plan to balanced.

[lpjz290]

Nate152 wrote:
Your cpu should be throttling frequency and voltage at default settings.

Set the windows power plan to balanced.

Set it to Balance as you've mentioned, it's still idling at mid 40s in a 25C ambient.

[boeingaviation]

I also have a 4790K on a Maximus VII Ranger.

Since I couldn't get my adaptive voltage working properly I manually set my cpu to 1.151v for 4.4ghz. Idling temps with ambient temp of 27-30c I get between 24c-27c gaming is just on 50c.

I have a H80I V2 and I have my windows power plan set to high performance and the CPU throttles back down when not under load to lowest point of 2.5ghz. If I set Balanced it will go as low as 800mhz.

[Nate152]

I will suggest trying the cpu voltage in adaptive mode with the windows power plan set to balanced.

Make sure speedstep and the c-states are enabled.

[lpjz290]

Hi all, Intel has approved my request for an RMA. Thank to everyone who helped with their advice.