The Intel i7-14700K processor reaches 100°C instantly when running a benchmark.

[Farghaly]

Hi Intel Support,

I'm experiencing severe thermal issues with my Intel i7-14700K — it instantly spikes to 100°C under any load, including game launches like FIFA 23, not just stress testing.

PC Specifications:

• CPU: Intel Core i7-14700K

• Cooler: be quiet! Dark Rock Elite (2x Silent Wings 135mm PWM fans)

• Motherboard: ASUS PRIME Z790-P WIFI

• BIOS Version: 1820 (Updated in May 2025)

• RAM: 32GB DDR5 6000MHz (2x16GB)

• GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070

• Storage: 1TB Samsung 980 PRO NVMe SSD

• Power Supply: Corsair RM850x (850W, 80+ Gold)

• Case: Xigmatek Meta Super Tower with 6 case fans

• OS: Windows 10 Pro (latest updates installed)

Issue Summary:

• CPU reaches 100°C in less than 12 seconds during Intel XTU or OCCT stress tests.

• Launching games like FIFA 23 also causes an instant thermal spike to 100°C.

• Idle temp: ~40°C

• Ambient temp: 18–25°C, PC on open desktop

• BIOS settings: default (no overclocking)

• Tried undervolting and running all fans at full speed — no improvement

• Provided SSU logs and screenshots in previous thread

Despite all efforts, the issue persists. Other users with the same CPU don’t face this, so I suspect a faulty chip.

Should I proceed with RMA?

Best regards,
Abdelrahman Farghaly

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

It appears that you're observing high temperatures with your CPU. To assist you effectively, please help with the information below.

1. Did you observe this issue from the start of using i7-14700K?

2. Do the temperature stay at 100°C?

3. Have you recently reapplied thermal paste to the CPU?

4. Have you noticed any performance throttling or system shutdowns?

I look forward to your response.

Best regards

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Farghaly]

Hello,

Thank you for your response.

Yes, the issue has been present since I first started using the i7-14700K. The entire system is less than 8 months old and all components are brand new. I’ve reapplied thermal paste multiple times using high-quality paste, but it didn’t make any difference.

The CPU temperatures constantly stay around 100°C, sometimes dropping briefly to 95°C, but then quickly spiking back up. There’s no performance throttling or shutdowns so far, but the temperatures are extremely concerning and not sustainable.

I would appreciate your guidance on how to proceed.

Best regards,
Farghaly

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

Thank you for sharing all this information.

To assist further with diagnosing the issue, I kindly request that you generate a System Support Utility (SSU) report. This will allow me to review your system’s configuration in detail and identify any potential contributing factors.

Best regards

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Farghaly]

Here's the file.

Best regards,
Farghaly

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

I appreciate your cooperation.

To further troubleshoot the issue, please try to follow the outlined steps below.

1. Check the thermal solution

2. Check the thermal solution installation

3. Check fan operation and status

4. Check air ventilation

5. Load BIOS default

For reference: Overheating Symptoms and Troubleshooting for Intel® Boxed Processors

If you continue to observe the same issue, please let me know.

Best regards

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[Farghaly]

Hello,

Thank you for your guidance.

I have already followed all the steps you mentioned:
1. Checked the thermal solution
2. Verified the thermal solution installation
3. Checked fan operation and status
4. Ensured proper air ventilation
5. Loaded BIOS defaults

However, the issue still persists and has not been resolved.

[Starlight]

Hi, I built a14th gen i5k and had the same issues. The heat would spike to 100 in benchmarks. I was cooling with an air cooler. You could try water cooling. In the end I went with a i7 14 gen but the 65 watt version. This seems to run a lot cooler than the 125 w K i5 that I was using before.

The 14th gen 125 watt CPU’s are known to run hot.

[Farghaly]

What's the water cooler that worked for you?

[Starlight]

I went with a different i7 in the end, the cooler i7-14700 65watt version of the i7. In benchmarks it will go up to 85 briefly, but stays about 75 under load. This i7 may not be as fast as the K version but it is a lot cooler and I’m still using the same air cooler I used before.
I will ask my friend who runs his i9 14th gen what water cooling he uses as he seems to get good results.

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

I am following up to confirm whether you require any further assistance following your discussion with @Starlight. Kindly let me know so I can proceed accordingly.

Best regards

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

I would like to share that we do not provide typical temperature operating ranges for each processor or each core, as it can vary based on the system design and workload. Processors have internal protections to prevent against excessive temperatures. Operating ranges below the protection points are highly dependent on system configuration and workload. The maximum operating temperature limit varies per processor and usually is between 100°C-110°C.

For more information, you can check our public articles here:

What is the Maximum Operating Temperature of My Intel® Core™ Processor?

What Is the Maximum Operating Temperature of My Intel® Processor?

Information about Temperature for Intel® Processors

Is It Bad If My Intel® Processor Frequently Approaches or Reaches Its Maximum Temperature?

To further troubleshoot the issue, we also have some helpful article that you can follow:

Overheating Symptoms and Troubleshooting for Intel® Boxed Processors

How to keep the CPU temperature within its thermal limits?

If you continue to observe the same issue, we highly recommend that you also get in touch with your motherboard manufacturer for further investigation.

Best regards

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

I wanted to check if you had the chance to review the information I posted. Please let me know at your earliest convenience so that we can determine the best course of action to resolve this matter.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician

[JedG_Intel]

Hello Farghaly,

I have not heard back from you so I will close this inquiry now. If you need further assistance, please submit a new question as this thread will no longer be monitored.

Best regards,

Jed G.

Intel Customer Support Technician