Question:

I have recently installed a new SSD NVMe card and a fresh Windows OS on my Predator Acer Helios 300 – G3-571 laptop. As part of the process, I also cleaned the fans and applied new thermal paste (HT-GY 260) on the CPU and GPU. However, I noticed that the CPU temperature is very high for cores 2 and 3, as shown in this screenshot: [https://ibb.co/6JVJVtV]. I have tried reapplying the thermal paste, but the problem persists. Is this normal or indicative of a faulty thermal paste application or a hardware issue? How can I fix this?

Answer:

How to Fix High CPU Temperature After Installing a New SSD and Thermal Paste

If you have recently upgraded your laptop with a new SSD and a fresh Windows OS, you might have also decided to clean the fans and apply new thermal paste on the CPU and GPU. This is a good practice to improve the performance and lifespan of your laptop components. However, you might have encountered a problem: the CPU temperature is very high for some of the cores, even after reapplying the thermal paste. Is this normal or indicative of a faulty thermal paste application or a hardware issue? How can you fix this?

The CPU temperature is affected by many factors, such as the ambient temperature, the workload, the cooling system, and the thermal paste. The thermal paste is a substance that fills the gaps between the CPU and the heat sink, improving the heat transfer and lowering the temperature. However, if the thermal paste is not applied properly, it can have the opposite effect and cause overheating.

Some of the common mistakes when applying thermal paste are:

• Using too much or too little thermal paste. Too much thermal paste can create air bubbles and reduce the contact area, while too little thermal paste can leave gaps and create hot spots.
• Spreading the thermal paste unevenly or not covering the entire CPU surface. This can result in uneven heat distribution and higher temperatures for some cores.
• Mixing different types of thermal paste. Different thermal pastes have different compositions and properties, and mixing them can cause chemical reactions and degrade the performance.
• Reusing old thermal paste. Thermal paste can dry out and lose its effectiveness over time, so it is recommended to replace it every time you remove the heat sink.

How to Fix High CPU Temperature?

If you suspect that the high CPU temperature is caused by a faulty thermal paste application, you can try the following steps to fix it:

• Turn off your laptop and unplug the power cord.
• Open the laptop case and remove the heat sink from the CPU and GPU.
• Clean the old thermal paste from both the CPU and the heat sink using a lint-free cloth and a suitable solvent, such as isopropyl alcohol.
• Apply a thin layer of new thermal paste on the CPU using the method recommended by the manufacturer. For example, some thermal pastes require a pea-sized dot in the center, while others require a thin line or a cross pattern.
• Reattach the heat sink and secure it with the screws.
• Close the laptop case and plug the power cord.
• Turn on your laptop and monitor the CPU temperature using a software tool, such as HWMonitor or Core Temp.

If the CPU temperature is still high after following these steps, you might have a hardware issue, such as a faulty fan, a clogged vent, or a damaged heat pipe. In that case, you might need to contact a professional technician or the laptop manufacturer for further assistance.

Conclusion

High

CPU temperature can be a serious problem that can affect the performance and lifespan of your laptop. If you have recently installed a new SSD and a fresh Windows OS, you might have also cleaned the fans and applied new thermal paste on the CPU and GPU. However, if you notice that the CPU temperature is very high for some of the cores, you might have a faulty thermal paste application. To fix this, you can try to remove the old thermal paste and apply a new one properly, following the manufacturer’s instructions. If this does not solve the problem, you might have a hardware issue that requires professional help.