Open Box Alienware 17 R4: Keep or return?

I was able to nab an open box Alienware 17 R4 for ~1000 with the following specs:

Intel Core i7 6700HQ
NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1070
16GB DDR4 RAM
1TB HDD +128GB SSD

Now, as soon as I got it home, I tested it to see if it has the core temp differences. I ran OCCT, and the temps maxed out at:

Core #0: 90
Core #1:72
Core #2: 93
Core #3: 71

Without any throttling, and once the fans kicked in they settled at Core 0/2 being ~84 and Core 1/3 being 68.

I repasted and repadded with Grizzly Kryonaut and Fujipoly, bent the screw socket for the heatsink slightly as suggested, and now I get this when running OCCT:







Temps went down ~10C, but there's still a difference in core temps.

What I want to know is A) will a 10C-13C difference be catasrophic in the long run? and B) Should I hold onto it and just get an extended warranty to secure myself down the road? I don't mind periodic maintenance, but if the difference in core temp risks bricking it or something later, I'd rather know now.

Thanks!

 

You could do more heatsink balancing if you want them closer, but to be honest as long as all cores are staying cool it will be fine. (Mine have a 4C diff between them) Now on the note of the extended warranty, I recommend all that have these newer Alienware's buy it, for the simple fact that they are BGA and if one part goes out its a M/B Replacement. 300$ was a small price to pay for 4 years of assurance especially means a used MB will run you more then that for the next few years.

 

Sorry to offend you, you ran OCCT using small data set. You need to select large data set. You know, sometimes apps use core 0 or core 1 more frequently so there will be a difference. Use throttlestop and check the core difference in idle or under high load. Difference of 1-7C is acceptable. Four hours of OCCT is not needed. 15-30 mins of test is enough.

 

Not offended, this is good input! I went with small dataset just because I read that it produced the most heat, and it's what I used the first time for comparison. I'll redo the test tonight with your recommendation and post the results.

I've read that 1-7C is acceptable, and I agree that on principle the cores should be within range of eachother. That being said, I was wondering what the impact on the CPU would be if the difference were 10-12C, but not overheating, for a prolonged amount of time. Would there eventually be complications from uneven wear or use?

Also, if I've already manipulated the arm, what should I do to further balance the heatsink?

 

There could be two reasons: One, the app is using 2 cores only second one being, heatsink or paste isn't covering the die properly.
Don't bend the arm too much because you risk breaking it? Overall your temps are great than mine on 15 r2. OCCT barely runs for a minute or two.