Windows 7: Over-clocked CPU temps 13c difference normal for 3930k air cooled?

Jerlys · 13 Feb 2013

I'm just curious if this temperature difference is normal for hexacores. Desktop screen shot is attached. Everything is still well below the 91c threshold. Just the wide temperature spread is of some concern. I recently cleaned and re-pasted the heat sink so I guess it's normal, I just want be be sure =)

linnemeyerhere · 16 Feb 2013

Many pastes do require a curing period for best performance. I figure about 2 weeks with normal running and shut off's can do the trick. I don't see any issue for concern but you may want to run the stress test again after multiple shut downs and see if things improve even more.

kbrady1979 · 16 Feb 2013

Try running a stress test like Prime95 or Aida64 that allows you to stress your system for as long as you want. You may find the initial "shock" of the high CPU usage takes awhile for your cooler to level out. I'd say run a stress test for an hour solid and see if your temps are still that far apart. Granted, your temps aren't bad, but since you were concerned about them, this method would give you a more accurate result.

Also, what linnemeyerhere said was 100% right....some pastes cure fairly quick, and some take longer to settle in. Also, about once a week, you should check your CPU cooler mounting screws to make sure they are still snugged up. DO NOT crank down on them, you are just making sure during the settling process they didn't back off any. After a few weeks, you should be good to go!

Golden · 16 Feb 2013

That temperature spread using IBT is normal (up to 20 degree C difference is usual) - see warning box here:

CPU - Stress Test Using IntelBurnTest

kbrady1979 · 16 Feb 2013

The Intel Burn Test lets the CPU spool down between tests and I bet that is why there is such a wide temp variation.

Jerlys · 19 Feb 2013

Quote: Originally Posted by linnemeyerhere

Many pastes do require a curing period for best performance. I figure about 2 weeks with normal running and shut off's can do the trick. I don't see any issue for concern but you may want to run the stress test again after multiple shut downs and see if things improve even more.

Ill have to wait a bit then. Thanks for the reply!

@linnemeyerhere I just checked the screws this morning. Everything is solid. Thanks!

@Golden Appreciate the link. Looks like everything is in order.

I have never seen a temperature spread this wide before. All my other pcs (3 of them) the cores stay within 8c of each other.

Thanks for all the replies. you guys where a great help!

Windows 7: Over-clocked CPU temps 13c difference normal for 3930k air cooled?

Over-clocked CPU temps 13c difference normal for 3930k air cooled? problems?