NUC12DCMi9 CPU runs hot

[IanLewis1]

The NUC12DCMi9 that I have seems to be working ok but when playing a game I noticed that the CPU runs pretty hot.

When idling the CPU is at around 57C but when I am playing a game it climbs up to 90+C even though the CPU is only at around 15% usage according to the NUC Software Studio.

I'm not sure why this might be but I've noticed that while the Software Studio says that the CPU fan is running at 2000+ rpm, I don't really feel much, if any, air movement though the CPU fan shroud opening at the back of the case. I took apart the case and confirmed that the fan does actually spin but it just feels weak and doesn't seem to move much air.

Is there anything I could do to try to lower the CPU temperature?

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello IanLewis1,  

Thank you for posting on the Intel® communities. I am sorry to know that you are having issues with your Intel® NUC 12 Extreme Kit - NUC12DCMi9.   

In order to better assist you, please provide the following:  

1. Is this issue recent? If so, when did it start?

2. To confirm, have you tried to change the fan settings at the BIOS?

3. Can you take a picture of the temperatures reached?

4. What is the BIOS version installed?

5. Are you getting an error code?

6. Are the temperatures stocked at 90C or is it just for short periods of time?

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[IanLewis1]

1. Is this issue recent? If so, when did it start?

I bought the NUC recently and it's been occurring since I bought it.

2. To confirm, have you tried to change the fan settings at the BIOS?

I've used the software studio to set the fans to "Cool" mode and the CPU to "Low Power" mode but it hasn't helped. I haven't changed any settings via the BIOS.

3. Can you take a picture of the temperatures reached?

I attached a screenshot of the software studio.

4. What is the BIOS version installed?

EDADL579.2021.1220.2351

5. Are you getting an error code?

I haven't received an error so far but I generally don't leave it for very long in that condition.

6. Are the temperatures stocked at 90C or is it just for short periods of time?

Temperatures are stocked at 90+C for as long as the game is running. They quickly climb to 90+C and quickly drop to around when I stop the game.

I've also tried some fans to improve airflow around the case but it doesn't seem to have helped much.

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello IanLewis1, 

Thanks for the information provided. In order to continue further, please try the following:

1. Load BIOS defaults:

1. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Press F9 to load defaults.
3. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.

2. Check for obstructions around the Intel NUC's air vents.

3. As a test, try different fan control settings in BIOS:

1. Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
2. Go to Advanced > Cooling.
3. In the CPU Fan Header pane, experiment with setting Fan Control Mode to Balanced and Cool.
4. Press F10 to save and exit BIOS Setup.

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician  

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello IanLewis1,  

I reviewed your post, please let me know if the issue was resolved, if not, do not hesitate, just reply back.

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician 

[DeividA_Intel]

Hello IanLewis1,  

I was checking your thread and see that we have not heard back from you.  

I’m going to close your post, but if you need further assistance, please do not hesitate to create a new thread. 

Regards,  

Deivid A.  

Intel Customer Support Technician