[account42]

Zen 2 is supposed to be able to work up to 95 C so that shouldn't have caused your CPU to fail. And it should clock down before it fails anyway, way below the specified "minimum" frequency if needed - got to experience that with a failing AIO. A better cooler should only be required to make full use of your CPU not to protect it.

[trebligdivad]

I kind of agree with you and Symmetry; but having had a fried CPU I'm more careful. No electronics like running very hot - so even if you're just inside spec on something for the heat it's likely to live a shorter life than if you kept it more comfortable - and it'll let it clock faster if you keep it cool! And really my points are: * the standard spec coolers just don't manage that on these hot CPUs, even if they claim to. * If you're building a machine and you know you're pushing it hard, just check the temperatures to check that cooling you bought is working.