Modern graphics cards, especially the Nvidia RTX 40-series, are known for their high power consumption which generates a significant amount of heat. To counteract this heat, a cooling system is essential. However, it has been discovered that many vendors are cutting corners when it comes to the quality of thermal paste used on these GPUs. The thermal paste being applied is not up to par for the job, leading to excessively high hotspot temperatures and performance degradation over time.
After testing multiple GeForce RTX cards, it was found that the factory-applied thermal paste was sub-standard and poorly applied. This issue was further confirmed by hardware tester Igor’s Lab, who discovered that the paste used by many graphics card vendors was of low quality. The author, having four RTX 40-series cards in their possession, found that all of them had high hotspots. Upon inspection, it was revealed that the factory-applied paste had separated and spread out within a few months, leaving only an oily film behind.
Igor’s Lab examined the thermal paste used on a brand-new RTX 4080 and found it to be thin and of poor quality. The paste contained large quantities of cheap silicone oil and zinc oxide filler, which led to an inefficient transfer of heat. Additionally, the ground aluminium oxide in the paste was coarse, causing it to separate easily. By applying a higher quality paste, Igor’s Lab was able to significantly lower the hotspot temperature of the graphics card.
Poorly applied thermal paste not only results in high hotspot temperatures but also leads to performance degradation over time. Graphics cards lower clock speeds when they reach their thermal limits, causing a decrease in overall performance. While PC enthusiasts are accustomed to replacing a CPU’s thermal paste regularly, the process is more complex for graphics cards.
Investing in better quality thermal paste is crucial for maintaining the performance and longevity of a graphics card. Despite the high cost of modern GPUs, many vendors are skimping on the quality of the thermal paste used. By using a high-quality paste, the hotspot temperature can be significantly reduced, ensuring optimal performance over time.
The issue of poorly applied thermal paste on modern graphics cards is a significant one that can impact both performance and longevity. It is essential for vendors to prioritize the use of high-quality paste to prevent overheating and performance degradation. By investing in better thermal paste, graphics card manufacturers can ensure that their products run cooler and maintain optimal performance for an extended period.
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