Solved Why is my CPU overheating?

antspants · 2025-07-17T08:18:37-0400

I am not sure the fan in post 25 will fit in that case.
To fit that fan, you’d need to remove the Motherboard, attach it then put the motherboard back in.
I personally think a low level fan would be needed for that case. Similar to the stock Intel that is currently on it..

antspants · 2025-07-17T08:22:19-0400

antspants · 2025-07-17T08:46:24-0400

It could fit, not sure? It's certainly not as high as mine (165mm) but I have a Full Tower case which is pretty wide.

Height is 154mm between the CPU (I assume) and the case opening, so it has to be able to allow space for the case door to go back on.

SIW2 · 2025-07-17T09:25:51-0400

I am pretty sure it will fit.

The OP might find there is a cut out if he removes the other side of the case

even if that rear fan is only 92mm it still looks wide enough

Only one ram stick?

Add another to get the benefit of dual channel

SIW2 · 2025-07-17T09:51:24-0400

Ideally get rid of the single 8gb 2133 ram stick and replace with 2 x 8gb 2666 ( or higher ).

2 x £6

CeX

BJC1992 · 2025-07-17T10:25:55-0400

I'll definitely look into getting a replacement fan, but what makes my current one a less than ideal choice?
Also what is the benefit of 2 RAM chips rather than just one? Again I'm happy to replace them if it makes the computer perform better.

Hazel123 · 2025-07-17T10:38:13-0400

More ram is always better

And these days you want at least 16gb.

KevTech · 2025-07-17T10:41:04-0400

According to the manual a single stick of ram should be in the A1 slot and it looks like yours is in B1.

For ram I would consult the Memory QVL list for that board. This is the list of what ram Asus has tested and approved for that board.

PRIME H310M-A - Support

www.asus.com

bobkn · 2025-07-17T11:04:31-0400

BJC1992 said:
I'll definitely look into getting a replacement fan, but what makes my current one a less than ideal choice?
Also what is the benefit of 2 RAM chips rather than just one? Again I'm happy to replace them if it makes the computer perform better.

The cooler shown is clearly the pushpin type. The pins may have been damaged when the tech removed it to upgrade the CPU. If that's the case, it belongs in the bin.

The level of difficulty in installing an aftermarket cooler will depend on whether you case has a port to access the back of the motherboard while it's still in the case.

You may need a shorter cooler than the Thermalright Assassin Spirit 120. I'm not sure I found the specs for your case, "STYLISH PIANO BLACK ENIGMA MICRO-ATX" (your all-caps), but it may be only 170mm wide. The advantage of a micro ATX case is that's its small. That's also its disadvantage. The Spirit 120 is 154mm tall.

If you needed to stay low profile, this one uses a backplate and screws:

Gravity i2

- Low profile air cooler with aluminum extrusion heatsink - Support up to 95W

www.thermaltake.com

2 DIMMs allow the use of "dual channel" mode. 128 bit wide path to RAM rather than 64. (Both DIMMS should be of the same capacity, although some motherboards allow dual channel over the RAM size of the smaller DIMM if they're mismatched.) I'm not sure how much that would show up in normal use, but it'd be obvious in synthetic benchmarks.

BJC1992 · 2025-07-17T13:43:03-0400

I've also done a bit of research on the RAM, and I understand why two 4GB sticks is better than one 8GB stick.
The question I have is although I feel my computer is fast enough will it still be a benefit to the computer to have the upgrade, would I notice the difference?
I did read it helps the CPU to perform better. Although I'm not sure if I ever use the full 8GB capacity.

glasskuter · 2025-07-17T13:59:23-0400

From 8 to 16, you bet you would notice a difference. No need to buy new ram if you can find a matching stick on Ebay where its dirt cheap.

While absolutely possible, I still do not think this is what is causing your CPU to reach the temps you listed, though. Hopefully I'm wrong. Just my opinion.

Dru2 · 2025-07-17T14:08:04-0400

While anything PC is possible....RAM would not cause a CPU to overheat like that. The OP just needs to decide to address the loose CPU cooler issue. And issue they seem to be ignoring.

SIW2 said:
Need to put the backplate on with most coolers. Dont know if that is easily accessible on your machine. Otherwise have to take the motherboard out to do it.

If the OP has a CPU Plate cutout on the case, there would be no need to remove the board. Just install the cooler plate from the back of the case.....

Rear cable Management_wo panel-H500M.webp

BJC1992 · 2025-07-17T14:50:06-0400

The CPU cooling issue hasn't been ignored, that's currently in the process of being sorted, but the conversion ended up moving onto the topic of RAM which although isn't an issue it's just been recommended that I have 2 matching sticks rather than one single stick.

Dru2 · 2025-07-17T15:14:28-0400

BJC1992 said:
The CPU cooling issue hasn't been ignored, that's currently in the process of being sorted, but the conversion ended up moving onto the topic of RAM which although isn't an issue it's just been recommended that I have 2 matching sticks rather than one single stick.

Yeah, things do tend to stray off topic. Just clarifying the issue isn't the RAM, but the loose CPU cooler. Also that if you have a cutout in the back of your case installing a cooler with a backplate would be very easy.

Good luck.

BJC1992 · 2025-07-17T15:25:26-0400

I believe there is a cutout in the back of the case so it should be no problem.

I thank everyone for all your time and advice, I really do appreciate everyone's help. It's a learning process and this helps me gain even more computer knowledge. I've even learnt something with regards to the RAM so will be investigating that too.

I'll mark the thread as solved as it seems clear the loose fan is the culprit, but if I have any further difficulties I'll report back here.

jvickers · 2025-07-17T15:35:54-0400

Make sure the cooler fan you purchase either has pre-applied thermal paste or that you get some. You don't want to take apart your system only to discover you needed to get thermal paste.

bobkn · 2025-07-17T15:59:45-0400

BJC1992 said:
I believe there is a cutout in the back of the case so it should be no problem.

I thank everyone for all your time and advice, I really do appreciate everyone's help. It's a learning process and this helps me gain even more computer knowledge. I've even learnt something with regards to the RAM so will be investigating that too.

I'll mark the thread as solved as it seems clear the loose fan is the culprit, but if I have any further difficulties I'll report back here.

I'll take the risk of being overly negative:

You may the victim of a less-than-perfect tech. I suggest finding another, or, if you're feeling slightly brave, doing it yourself.

The main trick in removing a cooler is twisting it from side to side until the thermal compound lets go. (I learned that from painful experience. Some compounds are rather glue-like. I once ripped an AMD Ryzen CPU right out of its socket. Bent its pins badly. It was in the days when AMD CPUs had pins, rather than an LGA.) It sounds like your cooler may already be free, though. Should pop right off.

SIW2 · 2025-07-17T18:26:43-0400

BJC1992 said:
The CPU cooling issue hasn't been ignored, that's currently in the process of being sorted, but the conversion ended up moving onto the topic of RAM which although isn't an issue it's just been recommended that I have 2 matching sticks rather than one single stick.

You need two sticks to benefit from two channels. Your i7-8700 cpu will thank you

Intel® Core™ i7-8700 Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.60 GHz) - Product Specifications | Intel

Intel® Core™ i7-8700 Processor (12M Cache, up to 4.60 GHz) quick reference with specifications, features, and technologies.

www.intel.com

DDR4-2666 ( it would be ok to use 3200 it will just run at 2666 )

Max # of Memory Channels
2

Max Memory Bandwidth
41.6 GB/s

antspants · 2025-07-17T18:37:14-0400

The CPU has been in there since November 2024.
To be honest, I’m not convinced it’s even the fan.

SIW2 said:
channel

I’d guess it is so you may be right!
I agree with you about the RAM.

Needs to be sure though. Carefully measure from the top of the CPU to the edge of the case. Guestimate would do, don’t touch the cpu with the tape measure or metal ruler

antspants · 2025-07-17T18:38:01-0400

Does it only overheat when operating a VM? I’ve lost track.
Too early and not enough Espresso to make me read it all again (yet)

Solved Why is my CPU overheating?

Like a rolling drone.

My Computers

Like a rolling drone.

My Computers

Like a rolling drone.

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Member

My Computer

Well-known member

My Computer

Well-known member

My Computer

Well-known member

My Computers

Member

My Computer

aka Mama Glass

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Member

My Computer

Well-known member

My Computers

Member

My Computer

The lunatics have taken over the asylum

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Well-known member

My Computers

Like a rolling drone.

My Computers

Like a rolling drone.

My Computers

Similar threads