Intel Core i7 7700/7700K users complain about high temperature spikes

The Register points attention to problems with temperature spikes experienced by users of Intel's Core i7 7700/7700K processors. Users report they occasionally see the CPU temperature spike as high as 90°C for no apparent reason and regardless of the type of cooling solution used.

It's not clear what causes the issue and Intel claims that an internal investigation didn't find anything outside of the expected behavior and recommended specifications. The chip giant claims momentary temperature spikes are normal when the chip completes certain tasks like opening a browser or an application.

"The reported behavior of the 7th Generation Intel Core i7-7700K Processor, showing momentary temperature changes from the idle temperature, is normal while completing a task (like opening a browser or an application or a program)," an Intel rep told the customers.

"In our internal investigation, we did not observe temperature variation outside of the expected behavior and recommended specifications."

Even if the high temperatures don't pose a risk to the health of the chip itself, the effect of constant spikes will wear on the nerves of PC owners who see their cooling fans constantly spinning up to top speed, only to rev back down seconds later and repeat when the next temperature spike hits.

For those annoyed by the fan noise, Intel recommends to change the speed control so the fan speed increase gradually, rather than all at once.