Question:

How to prevent CPU overheating after replacing PSU and delidding CPU?

I have a PC that used to shut down and reboot randomly when playing demanding games. I suspected that the problem was with the PSU, so I bought a new one (Corsair RM750x) and replaced all the old cables with the new ones. However, after installing the new PSU, my CPU temperature skyrocketed to 100ºC even with the AIO pump and fans at full speed.

I checked the CPU cooler and realized that my CPU had been delidded by a former friend. I tried to align the metal lid properly and ensure that the cooler was making good contact with the CPU, but the overheating issue persisted.

I did not touch the CPU or the cooler when changing the PSU cables, so I am puzzled by this sudden change in CPU temperature. I need some expert advice on how to fix my CPU without having to buy a new one, which would take at least a week to arrive. I have attached a picture of my CPU and cooler for reference.

Answer:

CPU overheating is a common problem that can affect the performance and lifespan of your PC. It can also cause unexpected shutdowns, reboots, or even damage to your hardware. There are many possible causes of CPU overheating, such as poor airflow, dust buildup, faulty fans, or inadequate cooling solutions. However, in this article, we will focus on a specific scenario where the CPU overheating occurred after replacing the PSU and delidding the CPU.

What is PSU and why does it matter?

PSU stands for power supply unit, and it is the component that converts the AC power from the wall outlet to the DC power that your PC components need. A good PSU should provide enough wattage and stability to power your PC without any issues. A bad PSU, on the other hand, can cause various problems, such as voltage fluctuations, noise, or even fire hazards.

One of the reasons why you might want to replace your PSU is because your old one is not powerful enough to handle your PC’s load, especially if you have upgraded your components or added new ones. For example, if you have a high-end GPU that requires more power than your old PSU can provide, you might experience crashes, glitches, or poor performance. In this case, you need to get a new PSU that can deliver enough power to your GPU and other components.

Another reason why you might want to replace your PSU is because your old one is faulty or damaged. This can happen due to wear and tear, power surges, or physical impacts. A faulty or damaged PSU can cause various symptoms, such as random shutdowns, reboots, or even sparks or smoke. In this case, you need to get a new PSU as soon as possible to avoid further damage to your PC.

What is delidding and why does it matter?

Delidding is the process of removing the metal lid (also known as the integrated heat spreader or IHS) that covers the CPU die. The CPU die is the actual chip that contains the cores and transistors that perform the calculations. The IHS is supposed to help transfer the heat from the CPU die to the CPU cooler, which then dissipates the heat to the air or liquid.

One of the reasons why you might want to delid your CPU is because the thermal paste or adhesive that connects the IHS and the CPU die is of poor quality or has degraded over time. This can create air gaps or uneven contact between the IHS and the CPU die, which reduces the heat transfer efficiency and increases the CPU temperature. By delidding your CPU, you can replace the thermal paste or adhesive with a better one, such as liquid metal, which can improve the heat transfer and lower the CPU temperature.

Another reason why you might want to delid your CPU is because you want to overclock your CPU to achieve higher performance. Overclocking is the process of increasing the frequency and voltage of your CPU beyond its default settings, which makes it run faster but also hotter. By delidding your CPU, you can reduce the thermal resistance between the CPU die and the CPU cooler, which allows you to push your CPU further without reaching its thermal limit.

How to prevent CPU overheating after replacing PSU and delidding CPU?

If you have replaced your PSU and delidded your CPU, and you are experiencing CPU overheating, there are several possible explanations and solutions. Here are some of the most common ones:

• You have installed the new PSU incorrectly. If you have not connected the new PSU properly to your motherboard, GPU, or other components, you might cause instability or insufficient power delivery to your PC. This can result in erratic behavior, such as shutdowns, reboots, or overheating. To fix this, you need to check the PSU manual and make sure that you have connected all the cables correctly and securely. You also need to make sure that the new PSU is compatible with your PC’s specifications and requirements.
• You have installed the CPU cooler incorrectly. If you have not mounted the CPU cooler properly to the CPU, you might cause poor contact or pressure between the cooler and the CPU. This can result in reduced heat transfer and increased CPU temperature. To fix this, you need to check the CPU cooler manual and make sure that you have applied the right amount and type of thermal paste, aligned the cooler and the CPU correctly, and tightened the screws or brackets evenly and firmly. You also need to make sure that the CPU cooler is compatible with your CPU’s socket and size.
• You have damaged the CPU or the IHS during delidding. If you have used excessive force or improper tools to delid your CPU, you might have scratched, cracked, or bent the CPU die or the IHS. This can result in permanent damage or malfunction to your CPU, which can cause overheating or other issues. To fix this, you need to inspect the CPU and the IHS carefully and look for any signs of damage. If you find any, you might need to replace your CPU with a new one, or try to repair it if possible. However, this is not recommended, as it might void your warranty or cause further damage.
• You have applied the wrong thermal paste or adhesive after delidding. If you have used a thermal paste or adhesive that is incompatible or unsuitable for your CPU after delidding, you might cause adverse effects, such as corrosion, leakage, or short circuits. This can result in damage or degradation to your CPU, which can cause overheating or other issues. To fix this, you need to remove the thermal paste or adhesive carefully and clean the CPU and the IHS thoroughly. Then, you need to apply a thermal paste or adhesive that is compatible and suitable for your CPU, such as liquid metal, which can improve the heat transfer and lower the CPU temperature.

Conclusion

CPU overheating is a serious problem that can affect your PC’s performance and lifespan. If you have replaced your PSU and delidded your CPU, and you are experiencing CPU overheating, you need to identify the cause and apply the appropriate solution. Some of the common causes and solutions are:

• Check the PSU installation and compatibility
• Check the CPU cooler installation and compatibility
• Check the CPU and IHS for damage
• Check the thermal paste or adhesive for compatibility and suitability

By

following these steps, you can prevent CPU overheating and enjoy your PC’s full potential. However, please note that replacing your PSU and delidding your CPU are risky and complex procedures that require caution and expertise. If you are not confident or experienced in doing them, you should seek professional help or advice before attempting them. Otherwise, you might cause irreversible damage to your PC or yourself.