Question What is normal?

[IBMJunkman]

Ultra285K, ROG STRIX Z890-E GAMING WIFI, graphite thermal pad, Kraken Elite 360 AIO, 3 side intake fans, 1 exit fan, NO video card. This is not a gamer system.

At idle, AIO reports, on average, 44 for CPU temp and 32 for liquid temp. Is this 'normal'?

 

[Seba]

Depends on room temperature, fan rpm and so on. This might not be the best ever, but it does not look abnormal either.

More relevant would be the temperatures under full load.

 

[IBMJunkman]

Depends on room temperature, fan rpm and so on. This might not be the best ever, but it does not look abnormal either.

More relevant would be the temperatures under full load.

Not being a gamer not sure what would be a full load for this setup. 😊

 

[crashtech]

Not being a gamer not sure what would be a full load for this setup. 😊

This response seems to indicate that a powerful cooling solution isn't really necessary for your application. Apps like Coretemp etc. retain a record of your maximum CPU temp, so just use it as heavily as you ever might, and see if your CPU temps stay within a sensible range. Peaking at 80°C or so during heavy loads wouldn't cause me any concern, but if it's heading toward 100°, you have a problem.

Alternatively, you could run a synthetic benchmark to see how hot it will get. I haven't used one in years, because I have other means, but Prime95 used to be a very popular one that will reveal any weakness immediately.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

This response seems to indicate that a powerful cooling solution isn't really necessary for your application. Apps like Coretemp etc. retain a record of your maximum CPU temp, so just use it as heavily as you ever might, and see if your CPU temps stay within a sensible range. Peaking at 80°C or so during heavy loads wouldn't cause me any concern, but if it's heading toward 100°, you have a problem.

Alternatively, you could run a synthetic benchmark to see how hot it will get. I haven't used one in years, because I have other means, but Prime95 used to be a very popular one that will reveal any weakness immediately.

If I "build one" I will consider an Ultra 265K rather than the OP's top-end choice. Usually I would've picked the 285K. But I'm not planning to overclock -- departing from a continual habit since 2005. I have to think about which benchies I would use.

 

[BonzaiDuck]

The 285K Core Ultra is going to push wattage above 250W under serious load. Under those load conditions, the user/owner/builder might want to use an AIO water-cooler kit, but some air coolers might be adequate if the system doesn't get that sort of gaming or similar stress.

OP reports use of an NZXT Kraken 360, with plenty of case fans. Take a look at fan speed and CFM to see if this low-hanging fruit might lower your idle temperatures and bring it down from 44C. At this juncture, and if fan speed and CFM make a difference, then there is only some trade-off with noise in decibels and it might not be significant as a practical matter.