NUC 11 heat sensors 'broken' with BIOS 043 + 046?

[Jaap7]

I have a NUC11 PAHi7.

When I was still running BIOS 042 everything was fine.

After installing BIOS 043 I noticed my fan is going much more frequently and making much more sound because of that.

BIOS 043 caused many issues, also USB C Graphics issues.

So I thought I would wait for a new BIOS to fix this.

BIOS 046 got released today - but the issues didn't get fixed.

Is there some bug maybe with the heat sensors? Even when I am just in the BIOS it says it's 100C - and the fan is on. But, the NUC really isn't that warm (and not doing anything while I'm in the BIOS).

When I'm not in the BIOS but in Windows when I don't use the NUC it's quiet - but when I do some things it very quickly speeds up the fans.

This is an issue for me as I use the NUC as a HTPC, so it's in my living room.

It is not very fun when the fan is on a lot while watching a movie.

I am running the power settings in Balanced Mode. But, this was the same before 043, and this was fine.

Attached my SSU.

[Jaap7]

Attached 2 pics to illustrate.

First (before.jpg) is when the system is idle. CPU usage is close to 0% basically.

But the CPU temp is at 60C even then, and the RPM of the fan is at 2864.

Second pic is when I start a CPU stress test. After about 2 seconds (so almost immediately)

you see the CPU temp go to 95C and the FAN RPM to 4627. The FAN RPM goes up more later.

But for me it doesn't make sense the CPU temp goes from 60C to 95C so quickly (it really is 2 seconds).

And also an idle CPU temp of 60C with next to no CPU usage makes no sense.

I have had the NUC for a bit more than I year by now I think, but that is not that long I think.

It hasn't been in a very dusty room. I don't think I would need to put new CPU paste in a year.

[n_scott_pearson]

Run a separate app, like CoreTemp, to monitor the processor temperatures and compare with readings seen via Intel NUC Software Studio.

...S

[Jean_Intel]

Hello Jaap7,

Thank you for posting on the Intel️® communities.  

If I may jump into the conversation here. To better assist you, please provide me with the following:

• Could you provide me with a screenshot of the BIOS temperature?
• Also, as per the screenshots you shared, the HWMonitor shows that the temperature reaches 100 C. Did you perceive any performance issues? Did the system turn off at some point?
• Did you monitor that the temperature stated by the HWMonitor and the Intel NUC Software Studio were similar?
• For the noisy fan, you can try the following:
  • Inspect the fan to check if something is obstructing the fan.
  • Try to clean the radiators with compressed air.
  • Inspect for signals of physical damage.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jean_Intel]

Hello Jaap7,

I hope you are doing fine.

Were you able to check the previous post?

Let us know if you still need assistance.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jaap7]

Hi,

I won't be able to do this until the weekend. I purchased some new CPU paste to apply because I'm opening it anyway. But like I mentioned, I've had the NUC for a bit more than a year, so I don't think I should have to replace it already.

[Jean_Intel]

Hello Jaap7,

Thanks for reaching out to me.

I will be waiting for your response to check the outcome of my previous suggestions. Let me know if you face any issues or if you would need more time.

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Jaap7 · Accepted solution]

So I disassembled the NUC this weekend and put new CPU paste at the same time.

There was quite a bit of dust in it.

It runs cooler now and the fan goes on less quick and also at less high speeds.

I have to say I'm surprised I had to do this after a year already - it's not in a very dusty environment.

But anyway, for now this seems fixed for me.

[Jean_Intel]

Hello Jaap7,

I appreciate the information provided.

I am glad to know that the issue is now solved after cleaning the unit and putting in the new thermal paste. Since the thread is solved, I will close it now.  

Please keep in mind that this thread will no longer be monitored by Intel. 

Thanks for your understanding.  

Best regards, 

Jean O.  

Intel Customer Support Technician