- Joined
- Aug 4, 2020
- Messages
- 557
My primary build just got an upgrade a few weeks ago. I ended up with a 13700K, MSI Z790 Tomahawk DDR5, and a Corsair H170i (420mm) Elite LCD AIO with the ML140 fans. I used the factory installed thermal paste that was on the cooler, which Corsair claims is their XTM70. Everything I read about this paste says it is nothing short of stellar, blowing MX-4 away, and basically is the best non-conductive paste money can buy. No, I'm not just reading sponsored reviews. However, coming from the previous 12700K, I'm concerned with the temps. It is worth noting I have NOT overclocked the CPU at all yet. Haven't even done the "Game Boost" or other built-in features on my MSI MOBO either. Pure stock. The AIO is positioned at the roof of my large Corsair 7000D Airflow case. I have the same ML140 fans at the rear exhaust and front intake (3x) as well. There is absolutely no shortage of airflow, this build is focused 100% on function and temps before all else. I do not use the zero RPM mode, so even at idle, all fans spin. I'd rather prematurely burn out a fan than something more expensive. My 12700K would idle between 26-30C with a rare spike to 32 no matter the season or room temperature using the same cooler and same factory installed paste (those parts just got transplanted into another build, and I started fresh again). This factory 13700K idles between 39-45C with a rare spike to 50. Is this normal? It seems excessive to me. 50 is what the 12700K would be at under a pretty heavy load/bench, now it's an idle temp? Odd, especially considering the same AIO and paste were used for both, and the paste is precision applied in a pattern which leaves no room for human error.
So I guess my questions are:
1. Is the XTM70 as good as they say? It kept the 12700K frosty, so there shouldn't be any difference.
2. Is there any reason to remove it and install some of the MX-4 I already have on hand? Or something else?
3. Am I missing something that could cause high temps? I briefly read something about a 'pressure bracket'...
4. Do I have anything wrong with any hardware?
I think the answer is that it's normal for this CPU and I'm just thinking out loud, but I just can't shake the thought that it is too warm for idle and something is unusual.
So I guess my questions are:
1. Is the XTM70 as good as they say? It kept the 12700K frosty, so there shouldn't be any difference.
2. Is there any reason to remove it and install some of the MX-4 I already have on hand? Or something else?
3. Am I missing something that could cause high temps? I briefly read something about a 'pressure bracket'...
4. Do I have anything wrong with any hardware?
I think the answer is that it's normal for this CPU and I'm just thinking out loud, but I just can't shake the thought that it is too warm for idle and something is unusual.