H100i running 100 degrees under load, no OC

[ameel]

so I have the following setup:

Case: Bitfenix Prodigy

Ram: 2x8GB Kingston HyperX 1600mhz

CPU: Core i7 4770k

GPU: MSI 7970 Twin Razor OC BE

Mobo: GA-Z87N-WIFI

SSD: 250GB Samsung

PSU: Thermaltake TP-850MPCGAU Toughpower 850W

Cooler: H100i

 

The radiator for the H100i is setup at the top of the case. 2 fans (provided with the H100i) are installed below the radiator to blow air out of the case.

The bitfenix case comes with two fans, one sucking air into the case from the front, and one blowing air out of the case at the back.

All fans are connected to the H100i for control.

 

On both quiet and full speed, under load, the cores all reach 98 - 100 degrees.

 

On idle, they sit on 33 to 37 degrees.

 

CPU is running on stock, no OC.

 

I pulled everything apart and saw that the cooler isn't touching the cpu properly, despite tightly screwed.

 

http://imageshack.us/a/img153/5094/vk2h.jpg

http://imageshack.us/a/img854/8118/ieuq.jpg

 

I reseated everything, backplate, motherboard, applied new paste and tighten the cooler on the CPU.

 

Initially I was getting good temps, but after a few hours, it reverted to 97 - 100 degrees under full load.

 

At all times, however, radiator was only showing about 35 degrees. I understand this means that the radiator wasn't getting ANY heat transferred from the CPU? is that right? Does that mean the H100i wasn't cooling anything?

 

What worries me is that after I screwed the backplate onto the board, there seemed to be a "gap" between the screw and the backplate and the motherboard. Basically, when the cooler isn't istalled, i can wiggle the screw A LOT. This is concerning as it seems to me to explain why the cooler is NOT touching the CPU, i.e. because of the gap.

 

Again, the CPU is NOT overclocked. It's only running stock clocks. 100degrees is not acceptable for running CPU under load, while radiator is only showing 35 degrees.

 

Any ideas what to do? I'm scared of using my computer and potential damage.

 

thanks

[reverett]

the only thing I can say is (not knowing the intel side of things anyway) was when you applied new paste, you completely cleaned the old stuff off right? if not you might have too much, which can make it act like an insulator... yea go figure, the stuff that makes sure the heat gets transferred can inhibit that exact function... or maybe you applied too much? donno, I'm rambling.

[ameel]

the only thing I can say is (not knowing the intel side of things anyway) was when you applied new paste, you completely cleaned the old stuff off right? if not you might have too much, which can make it act like an insulator... yea go figure, the stuff that makes sure the heat gets transferred can inhibit that exact function... or maybe you applied too much? donno, I'm rambling.

 

thanks for your input. I've built number of computers, first time using an H100i/watercooling system. I know just the right amount of thermal paste to apply, and yes I do clean up using Artic clean purifier and surface remover before I apply new paste.

 

The temperatures are just ridiculous. I'm not even overclocking. I'm scared to even use the computer now, in case some silly adobe/flash/windows update maxes out/burns the CPU while I'm not watching and H100i is not cooling.

 

I've been told on other forums to use washers between the backplate and the motherboard and that it would fix the "gap" and potentially solve the problem.

[wytnyt]

it actually looks like factory tim was left on and more tim applied and still no contact on the middle of the die,id clean,reapply and make sure good contact is done

[reverett]

hmm, thats all the ideas I had, hope someone else pops on that can help ya!

[Synthohol]

its a gigabyte board right? chances are the pump was in contact with the capacitors and never got fully seated. we have seen that here many times.

sometimes rotating the pump 90 degrees gets you clearance.

i would reseat the cpu as well and check for bent pins just in case as uneven pressure can shift things..

[ameel]

it actually looks like factory tim was left on and more tim applied and still no contact on the middle of the die,id clean,reapply and make sure good contact is done

 

the picture was when I first pulled it apart. Only the thermal paste originally on the cooler was used.

 

I wiped everything and applied artic silver on the CPU directly.

 

its a gigabyte board right? chances are the pump was in contact with the capacitors and never got fully seated. we have seen that here many times.

sometimes rotating the pump 90 degrees gets you clearance.

i would reseat the cpu as well and check for bent pins just in case as uneven pressure can shift things..

that sounds good. i'll give that a try and let you guys know what happens.

[peanutz94]

its a gigabyte board right? chances are the pump was in contact with the capacitors and never got fully seated. we have seen that here many times.

sometimes rotating the pump 90 degrees gets you clearance.

It does look like the caps are close to the socket on the left side there. However all the Gigabyte boards that this effected were older socket775 boards. Never seen it on any of the newer boards.

[sinnedone]

Those caps and chokes on the left side of your picture definitely look like they interfere and are probably causing your issues.

 

Definitely look at those when mounting even after rotating.

[peanutz94]

One other thing to check would be the backplate. They only mount in one position. There are two notches in the top of the plate and are keyed to two rivets on the MB. If the backplate is not orientated correctly it will also cause poor CPU contact.

 

 

Here is a link with a good pic of this. Just something else to check though.

http://forum.corsair.com/v3/showpost.php?p=625698&postcount=20

[barrix]

It's getting chilly in London. My idle temp is 25 Degree celsious LOL...

 

Was 32-35 degree in the hot time.

 

Winter time :) awesome

[ameel]

So I disassembled everything double checked back plate and ensured it was fitted in correct position, applied new thermal paste and put everything back together (I note that I had put the cooler in the correct position the first time.rotating 90 degrees caused the mosfets to hinder contact).

 

Initially did not see any improvement.I tightened the screws using pliers and only then noticed some improvement.

 

Idle temps are ok between 30 to 35.on load still gets to 88 -90 degrees within a minute and I chose not to proceed further with stress testing after a few minutes. I note that even though core temps are about 90, the h100i temp is only at about 40 degrees.does that mean there is still not enough contact? Fans speed have no effect whatsoever on cooling.

 

 

Having read various forums with people experiencing the same problem and resolving it with washers I grabbed some today as I'm just getting a desperate and worried about using and damaging my computer as it currently is.

 

Is there any other recommended solutions other than the washers? If it is indeed the mofsets that is the problem am I able to get a refund since the h100i is advertised as "haswell ready" which is why I bought it, but it is actually not fit for purpose?

[ashton4life]

I on an AMD system so I cant help you but I would have to say you have a defective Corsair unit, possibly your pump or somethings clogged. I would first go and get it replaced if under warranty. Then make sure your backplate/spacers are properly seated and tight. before you mount it again make sure your using exactly what they say to use for your intel. Check out this video

or

. OH don't use pliers! only fingers and Phillips screw driver. Pliers with over tighten things! You shouldn't need washers or spacer! Corsair should tell you that. Call them up tomorrow and speak with a tech first!

 

Check them out and good luck. I though it was a pain with my AM3 since it didn't come with any instructions for me.

[ameel]

Can I just return it to the shop?

[Kevin Kenstler]

It does sound like it may be hitting capacitors, also in my opinion it is much better to have the fans on the radiator as intake blowing cool air across the radiator, I have tested both ways and my temperatures are a lot lower using the fans as intake as recommended by Corsair.

 

[ameel]

I've tired both outside fans to blow cool air onto radiator and inside fans to blow air outside the case through the radiator.no difference observed.

[ameel]

Ok, so the results are CONCLUSIVE.

 

I added 2x 1mm thickness washers (4.2mm internal diammeter) for each screw behind the backplate.

 

Temperatures under load are now: 53 to 60 degrees.

 

That's 20 degrees less than before.

 

I did not even use a plier to screw the cooler this time, just thumb screwed them worked fine.

 

This should be acknowledged as a manufacturing defect. Corsair please respond.

 

Thank you.

[ashton4life]

Can I just return it to the shop?

 

Take it back where ever you got it and exchange it.

But also make sure you are not hitting any capacitors or something while you are mounting and tightening, there isn't much more. I say return it if you don't see any problems mounting and it doesn't seem to circulate water. The radiator doesn't give you a temperature read out, its either the CPU or the Pump or the Socket. Try again and look at the paste. if its flat and even then Id say its the pump.

[ashton4life]

Ok, so the results are CONCLUSIVE.

 

I added 2x 1mm thickness washers (4.2mm internal diammeter) for each screw behind the backplate.

 

Temperatures under load are now: 53 to 60 degrees.

 

That's 20 degrees less than before.

 

I did not even use a plier to screw the cooler this time, just thumb screwed them worked fine.

 

This should be acknowledged as a manufacturing defect. Corsair please respond.

 

Thank you.

 

Call them up and let them know.

[ameel]

Full speed fans give me 49 -58 degree range

[peanutz94]

Guys, there are plenty of threads concerning the washer deal. It's not a manufacturing defect on Corsairs part. Rather some of the MB manufacturers are using thinner than normal PCB for the MB''s

 

If it was a defect it would affect all boards out there which it does not.

[ameel]

Guys, there are plenty of threads concerning the washer deal. It's not a manufacturing defect on Corsairs part. Rather some of the MB manufacturers are using thinner than normal PCB for the MB''s

 

If it was a defect it would affect all boards out there which it does not.

 

They advertised this as compatible with Haswell 1150 motherboards. My motherboard is an 1150. A lot of people with 1150 motherboards (other brands and models) experience the same issue.

 

If this is not a manufacturing defect, then it it can only be a false and misleading representation by Corsair.

 

In Australia, this is a major failure under the Australian Consumer Law, and consumers are entitled to a full refund.

[peanutz94]

It is fully compatible with the Haswell boards. It uses the same mounting holes as the previous 1155/56 platform.

 

Those with previous generation boards (2000-3000 seiers Intel CPU's) experienced the same thing.This has been well known and happening for a couple of years now and doesn'y affect all boards either. If it did then Corsair would have designed the mounting system differently or added a set of washers to the parts bag

 

Again, this isn't a fault of Corsair that some of the MB manufacturers are using thinner than normal boards. I don't get it. Why is Corsair get the blame for that?

In Australia, this is a major failure under the Australian Consumer Law, and consumers are entitled to a full refund.

It's not a failure! That cooler is completely compatible with your board. It meets all the basic standard specs for that platform. What part is a failure?

 

If you would like a refund , I'm sorry,then you'll need to return the cooler to your place of purchase. Corsair can not refund you money on a product that was not purchased directly from the webstore. If you would like to RMA the unit they would replace it it with the same model

[ameel]

From what corsair advertised, anyone buying a 1150 motherboard would reasonably believe the cooler will fit and work.

 

However this is not the case. The cooler fits on many motherboards maybe, but not all 1150.unless corsair issued a compatibility list that can be read off the box before purchase and advertised that people should check compatibility with their board before purchase, advertising as compatible with 1150 is false and misleading within the Australian consumer law context.

[Synthohol]

The cooler fits on many motherboards maybe, but not all 1150

correct, and likely because the cooler fits the standard 1150 they should not have to test every motherboard made. obviously your model is thinner than most and needs modification to work as advertized. Corsair cannot be held liable for a thinner PCB that your MB mfg decided to use and not the standard thickness found on the vast majority of the rest.

it is for reasons like this stores have a return policy. you should take this up with them or just use washers like suggested.

what got me to post is when you said

false and misleading representation by Corsair.

which i dont agree with since it fits the majority of 1150 boards or the forum would be flooded with hundreds upon hundreds of threads like yours.

there was no fraudulent advertizing, you just were unlucky enough to buy a motherboard that is thinner than 99% of all the rest. also like you said, "compatible" not "guaranteed to fit all 1150 boards." because then you would have a case to take up with them and i would be behind you 110%

while i feel your frustration and disappointment, it seems as its misplaced and should be directed at Gigabyte for using non standard PCBs on your model.

if you disagree i respect that and will not post in your thread anymore.