My 13600KF runs hotter than a month ago

[JohnDeere]

(full specs at the end of the post)

Story:
At the beginning of november I've decided to update BIOS to the newest version with "safe cpu" microcode. After that I've enabled XMP (as it was before) and found out the sweet spot Lite Load mode (7).

The results were satisfactory cause in Cinebench I got the same score as before the update, but the temps got down by 5C degrees - before it was starting the multicore test with 88C and were going to 96C and after the update it was 83C at the beginning and 89C in the peak. I've also checked temps and stability during the gameplay and in CP 2077 with almost maxed out settings I got 62-72 avarage temps with peak at something around 78 after a 3-hour session.

Yesterday I randomly found out that some of my cores hit 97C while playing Cyberpunk, and once I started a test in Cinebench I got 93C at the start, going up to 99C in about 15 seconds. I didn't change any settings (in windows or in the game), didn't install any new software or hardware, didn't hard stress the PC. The only thing that could really change was probably a few silent windows updates that I don't belive they could make CPU overheating.

Once I saw those numbers I've decided to check and change the thermal paste - it was the right time. The results got slightly better, but still worse than a month ago: 88C to 96C in Cinebench, 70-87C in Cyberpunk after a 30min session.

I got no idea what I can change and how is it possible to get a big difference in a one month.

P.S
My performance didn't get worse (until it gets to thermal throttling) . It's all about the temps which are much higher and are possibly dangerous even without stressing the whole unit.

Settings:
(I've changed nothing during that time. If You want more info, please ask in the comment)
Bios:
-Power Delivery Profile: Intel Default with P1 and P2 set to 181W
-XMP Turned On (6000MHz)
-Lite Load Mode 7
Windows:
-Power Mode: Balanced
-Nvidia PhysX set to GPU
Corsair iCUE:
-AIO fans and pump set to balanced mode

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i5-13600KF
GPU: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4070 Eagle OC 12GB (560.94 drive)
RAM: Corsair Vengeance RGB, DDR5, 32 GB, 6000MHz, CL36 (2x16, boosted with XMP to 6000MHz)
MOBO: MSI PRO Z790-A WIFI (7E07vAD BIOS version, released in september 2024)
AIO: Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite (mounted at the top of the case)
PSU: Corsair RM850x 2021 850W
SSD: Samsung 980 PRO 1TB
Case: Corsair iCUE 4000X RGB Black (3 intake fans inside at front)
Thermal paste: Thermal Grizzly Aeronaut
OS: Windows 11 Home 23H2

All of those things I bought on July 2023, brand new. According to CrystalDiskInfo, the work time is 5175 hours.

[Ethanity_su]

Intel® Processors have built-in thermal protection. If the processor gets too hot, the built-in protection shuts down the processor. If your computer isn't overclocked, and is running under the design specifications, the built-in protection can help prevent damage to your system. You mentioned using a Corsair iCUE H100i RGB Elite AIO cooler, which is great, but it’s important to check if the cooler is performing optimally. Check the pump speed and ensure it's running at the right RPM. Also, make sure the intake and exhaust airflow through the case are balanced, and that the case fans aren’t obstructed... Also, the XMP setting for your RAM could affect the overall power delivery, so try running the system without it to check for any temperature changes. 

If you use third-party software to measure the temperature or the BIOS readings, contact the software vendor to ensure the software is validated to work with your processor. you can check this intel link

EThan