intel i7-3770k high temperature with antec 920

[Rithweek]

The room temperature at my place is around 25 to 30 degrees. I have been using the intel i7-3770k cpu for more than 6 months now and had a few overclock settings on the same CPU and for that purpose I am also using the Antec Kuhler H2O 920 cooler. The idle temperature remains on 42C but when I am playing any games or stressing the CPU with Prime95 then the temp rises to 90C and remains on the same level? So, do you think that whether it is a CPU problem or the cooler issue? Any ideas

[lorenz]

Can you first of all tell us about any thermal paste that you have used? You might need to use ton of paste and redo it and check if that lowers the temperature right. Also, intel processors shuts itself off if it is getting to overheated to avoid any damage done to the CPU. You might take a look at the connector where the pump is plugged to is always running at 12v, so that the liquid goes fast. Can you check if the fan connector is set to a quiet fan profile or so?

[Brooks]

Well, can you try to use any other CPU cooler and see if that works, this way you will know if there is a fault with the CPU or the Antec H2O 920 cooler itself. Since the cooler is also new, so you can return it before its warranty expires. You can even chose to use the intel cooler and see if that makes any difference. Also, since you have overclocked your system a bit, then try to go back to stock clocks and then check the temperature of the CPU. Report back if you get any differences.

[Common]

Since the cooler is new, so I guess that the pump on the Antec H20 920 cooler could be going bad. If even after re-mounting the cooler you get the same temp readings then it surely is a cooler fault. Try to also check if there is no air lock. You will also need to check if the heatsink is fully seated on the CPU and doesnt wiggle here and there. I am thinking that there could be semething that is preventing the heatsink from functioning perfectly. Try to use some cheap coolers like Antec CPU Cooler C20 and test it with your system to see if the temperature subsides.