H110i GT/4790k suddenly idling at high temperatures

[Zentom]

I purchased an H110i GT and 4790k about five months ago and originally was getting what I'd call average temps for the duo (roughly 26-28 idle, 55-58 load). The only overclock I ever applied was to 4.5 ghz, but I didn't touch the voltage at all, and left it on the default fan profile. A couple months ago, I realized that temperatures were getting into the mid-to-high 60s under load, so I upped the fan speed significantly but that didn't do much to the temperature (1 or 2 degrees if anything). At this point I thought the rad might need cleaned out, but there was minimal dust in it, and even after cleaning it out nothing changed. The temperatures seemed to slowly keep degrading to the point where loads would get to around 75, and today when I booted up it was idling around 45-50, and even a 20% load sends it shooting up above 60. I shut down, took off the overclock, but that didn't change a thing. There was no distinguishable difference between having the fans at max and having them at 20-30%. Any idea what this could be?

 

Edit: I have the pump set to "performance mode," and the H110i GT temp in Corsair LINK is around 36.

[c-attack]

First guess would be a flow problem. Your H110 GT Temp is your water temperature inside the system. Unless it's 33C in your room, that's too warm. What does LINK give as the pump speed? I suspect you would have noticed a red flashing zero, but it doesn't have to be a pump failure to cause a flow problem. Occasionally the water pathway can become blocked or restricted in some other way.

[Zentom]

Ah, yes, I meant to mention that the ambient temperature in the room is about 18 degrees, so yes, 33 degrees is a bit much. After leaving it to idle for about 30 minutes the idle temperature has climbed to around 55 and the H110i GT temp is 40.

 

Pump speed is also normal, about 3100-3200 on a divider of two.

 

Is there an easy way to diagnose/fix a flow issue?

[c-attack]

With a flow problem you get continual, steady rise in water temperature accompanied by elevated idle temps and overly exaggerated CPU temps. Fan speeds have only a minor effect on reducing the temperature without adequate flow. It appears the pump is running, but put a finger or two on the block to make sure you can feel the motor. You can also touch the two hoses to see if one or the other is abnormally warm. If the pump is running, then there has to be some other restriction. Unfortunately, there is nothing you can do about that and you will need to RMA the unit. Do the advanced RMA if you can.

 

There are one or two more things to check, just to be sure. Press down on the pump block with two fingers or so while you have some kind of CPU temp monitor running. You may have to hold down for 3-5 seconds depending upon how often the program polls. If the CPU temps drop, you have a contact problem. It's improbable the block popped off its threads and is now not making good contact, but there is no reason not to check. Still, the symptoms don't really fit. Bad contact brings instant temperature spikes, erratic baselines, and usually not too much change in water temps since the heat isn't being transmitted into the system as effectively.

 

The last thing you can try is to either 1) Turn the case over on it's side and let it run; or 2) Take the unit off completely tilt it back and forth to try and dislodge whatever it blocking the flow. It is remotely possible you have the worlds biggest air bubble and it will pass through. However, an air bubble at the pump typically brings noise (grinding, gurgling, buzzing, something...) that you can hear before you realize there is a serious problem. It is more likely whatever material is blocking the flow will re-settle in a different place. It might be a temporary solution, but the problem is likely to occur again.

[Zentom]

Thanks so much for all your help. I really couldn't have even asked for such simple yet informative responses, I appreciate it.

 

Aside from that, I tried all your suggestions yet to no avail. I'll begin the RMA process after I post this -- I had the headphone jack randomly pop out on my 780t, too, so I suppose I'll RMA that, as well.

 

Thanks again.