A Reddit user discovered that their pre-built gaming PC, equipped with an Intel Core i7-12700K processor, had been operating without thermal paste for three years. The issue was identified only after the owner investigated persistent overheating problems that had occurred since the system was first purchased.
During heavy workloads, the CPU temperature frequently reached 100 degrees Celsius, triggering thermal throttling. Despite these extreme operating conditions, the processor remained functional throughout the three-year period. The lack of thermal paste was confirmed upon removing the liquid cooling system.
The inspection also revealed a secondary assembly error: the radiator fans for the liquid cooling system were incorrectly configured to blow air into the chassis. The user has since corrected both the cooling setup and the thermal interface application. The original retailer of the pre-built system remains undisclosed.
