Graphics cards, especially modern ones, are known to consume a lot of power which ultimately gets converted into heat. Naturally, a powerful GPU comes with a high price tag, and one would expect the cooling system to be top-notch. However, it has come to light that many Nvidia RTX 40-series vendors are cutting corners by using cheap and poorly applied thermal paste. This leads to extremely high hotspot temperatures and performance degradation over time.
Having four RTX 40-series cards in my possession, including an RTX 4080 Super, 4070 Ti, and two 4070s, I noticed that all of them exhibited high hotspots. Upon investigation, I found that the factory-applied thermal paste had deteriorated within a few months, leaving behind only an oily film with patches of thermal compound. This aligns with the findings of hardware tester Igor’s Lab, who discovered similar issues with the thermal paste on Nvidia cards.
It is essential to understand that poor quality thermal paste not only results in high temperatures but also leads to performance issues. When thermal paste degrades, GPUs tend to lower clock speeds to prevent overheating. While enthusiasts are accustomed to replacing a CPU’s thermal paste, the process is more challenging with graphics cards due to their intricate design.
Igor’s Lab conducted experiments with a brand-new RTX 4080 and found that replacing the factory thermal paste with a high-quality alternative significantly reduced hotspot temperatures. In one instance, the hotspot temperature dropped by nearly 30 °C after applying suitable thermal paste. This emphasizes the importance of using the right thermal paste for optimal performance and longevity of graphics cards.
If you’ve invested a substantial amount in a graphics card, it is reasonable to expect that you should not have to replace the thermal paste within a few months. While Nvidia may enjoy substantial profits from GPU sales, it is crucial for graphics card vendors to prioritize quality thermal paste to ensure customer satisfaction and product durability. By using superior thermal paste like PTM7950, vendors can enhance cooling efficiency and prevent premature performance degradation.
The choice of thermal paste plays a significant role in the performance and lifespan of graphics cards. By investing in high-quality thermal paste and applying it correctly, users can maintain optimal temperatures and maximize the longevity of their GPUs. It is time for graphics card vendors to prioritize quality over cost-cutting measures to deliver exceptional products that meet the expectations of consumers.
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