NUC6i7KYK running at >80deg C core temperature even when idle. Is this normal?

[HMuru]

NUC6i7KYK running at really high core temperature even when the machine is nearly idle. I am running windows 10. CPU load is less than 2% but Core Temp application shows the core temperature is always higher than 85 deg c.

The reported clock freq is about 900MHz.

Ambient room temperature is 25-28 dec C (depending on air con). When I tried editing a Tiff image (about 65mb) the machine crashed. On re-boot I got a message on screen "processor thermal trip".

The fan inside the NUC is running. The NUC is less than 2 years old. Is this a hardware issue?

[AlHill]

You need to start the warranty process for your nuc, as it is likely the blower has failed. You will have two choices: replace the fan, or replace the nuc. Choose replacing the nuc.

https://supporttickets.intel.com/warrantyinfo?lang=en-US

Doc

[HMuru]

Thanks @Al.Hill​ 

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @HMuru​ ,

1. Since your NUC is 2 years old, I'm assuming that until now it was working OK. In addition the blower is running. Such problems could be caused by dust contamination of the thermal solution. Before you are starting the warranty process to replace your NUC, I suggest first, try to undust the blower.
2. The blower in your NUC is easily accessible after opening the bottom cover. See this video for help: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lKBL1-ARzcM
3.  After removing the bottom cover, using Compressed Air Duster, you may clean dust from the Thermal Solution and the blower. 
4. This is only an example of Compressed Air Duster: https://www.amazon.com/Falcon-Dust-Off-Electronics-Compressed-Improved/dp/B07QJY6MKD/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=Compressed+Air+Duster&qid=1557233348&s=gateway&sr=8-3 . You will find similar item in any electronic/computer shop.

Leon

[HMuru]

Thanks @LWAKSMAN​ 

I cleaned out the blower. Unfortunately that does not fix the problem. The CPUs go to about 70 deg C a little wile after booting and just web browsing. Youtube video pushes the CPU to 80 and editing a TIFF image (large 60-70MB) gets CPUs touching 100 deg!!

I guess this has to be a warranty claim. I hope that goes through smoothly. I switched to a NUC after a Mac Mini. I wish I had stayed with a Mini :-(

[LeonWaksman]

1. Are the cooling settings in Bios set to default? Can you describe what are your cooling settings. The easiest way is to attach an image of Cooling screen in Bios.
2. Could be that the temperature sensor which controls the blower RPM is not working? Are the blower RPM increasing when the temperature is rising?
3. The Primary Temperature Sensor in Bios by default is set to Processor. If the Blower RPM is not increasing, try to change it to PCH.

Leon

[HMuru]

Hi @LWAKSMAN​

Thank you for the tips.

I dont hear the fan running faster when the temperature goes up. I have attached a pic of the BIOS page corresponding to cooling.

I also tried setting the sensor to PCH. It makes no significant difference. I have raised a warranty ticket but they havent got back so far.

Anything else I can try in the interim.

Thanks

Hrishi

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @HMuru​ 

1. I don't see anything wrong in your Bios settings.
2. In the meantime, till you will have answer from the support, you may also monitor the blower RPM while working in the Windows. You may do this by means of HWinfo: https://www.fosshub.com/HWiNFO.html . While running this application, check Sensor only. In the Intel NUC part, right click on Fan RPM and left click on Show Graph. If you will see that the Blower is stopping, you may if the rotor is not touching the blower fan. You may try with some tool, make some more clearance between the rotor and the case.
3. Of course, I agree with Al, that best thing in this case is to replace the blower or the NUC.

Leon

[AlHill]

"best thing in this case is to replace the blower or the NUC."

When given the option, replace the nuc. There may be a delay in a replacement blower.

Doc

[HMuru]

Hi

Thanks for the additional tips. Today the temperatures are touching close to 100 very frequently. I think it may be better not to run the machine till I hear back from Intel. I will ask for a replacement.

Anyone has experience asking for a replacement within warranty? How long does it take to process a support ticket and to finally get a replacement

Thanks

Hrishi

[AlHill]

For my nuc, once the replacement has been agreed to, it was a total of seven days from start to finish (my return, their processing, receiving the new nuc). Also, note that I am in the US.

Doc

[AlHill]

What you may not be seeing is that, periodically, the blower will stop/stick. Thus, heat build up, thus thermal trip. That is what happened to me. With the cover off, I monitored the blower and observed it not spinning periodically.

Problems with this blower are not uncommon. Just do a warranty replacement on the nuc.

Doc

[HMuru]

Thanks. I have opened a warranty ticket since I did not see an option to select replacement for fan or nuc. It has been almost 24 hours and I have still not heard back from Intel.

I hope they get back soon. The NUC is my main computer and not being able to use it is crippling.

[LeonWaksman]

Hi @HMuru​ 

About seven hours ago a post in the same subject was posted in this forum: https://forums.intel.com/s/question/0D70P000006HwDfSAK . My advice is that you should not disassemble the blower, since this may void your warranty.

Leon