08/20/2026
🎮 This is why properly setting up a gaming PC matters.
This custom gaming PC came into the shop and while going through the system, I found several issues with the CPU cooling setup.
The AIO cooler’s pump and radiator fan connections were hooked up incorrectly. When I removed the CPU cooler to replace the thermal paste, I was also surprised to find very little thermal paste on the processor, and what was there had dried out.
I cleaned the CPU and cooler, applied fresh Arctic MX-4 thermal paste, and corrected the AIO connections.
But there was one more problem…
The AIO pump had never been properly configured in the BIOS. It was running at only around 1,584 RPM. After correcting the BIOS configuration and setting the pump to full speed, it was running properly at approximately 2,800 RPM.
A gaming PC can turn on, run, and even play games while still not being set up correctly. Small installation and configuration mistakes like these can make a big difference in how effectively the CPU is being cooled.
Proper connections. Fresh thermal paste. Proper pump speed. Proper cooling. 🖥️🔧