> If OP's CPU cooler (Noctua NH-D15 G2) wasn't able to cool down his CPU below 100C, he must have been (intentionally or unintentionally with Asus multi core enhancement) overclocked his CPU. Or he didn't apply thermal paste properly or didn't remove the cooler plastic sticker?

I did not overclock this CPU. I pay attention to what I change in the BIOS/UEFI firmware, and I never select any overclocking options.

Also, I have applied thermal paste properly: Noctua-supplied paste, following Noctua’s instructions for this CPU socket.

Thank you for responding. How do you explain your CPU hitting 100C in that case? That should not have happened.

https://www.techpowerup.com/review/intel-core-ultra-9-285k/2... lists maximum temperature as 88.2C with the previous gen NH-D15 cooler.