GPU running hotter.

[benjii]

I've just got a replacement 290 from an RMA and I've noticed it's running hotter than my other one. 6+ degrees hotter at stock and 10+ degrees hotter when overclocked with same clocks.

Can temperatures vary with GPUs due to the quality of the components? It strikes me they probably can, but I didn't think it would be over 10 degrees. Also, I know VRMs are rated at 120c, but what's a realistic limit, 90 - 95?

 

[benjii]

Short answer is yes, and you may have had a particularly "cool" (cool R9 290? Yeah, right...) one the first time and a particularly hot one this time.

I'm running it with a Prolimatech MK-26, so by cool I mean 56c under load at stock. Seems to be 60+ now and a greater difference when OC.

My cooler is fitted securely and so on, I doubt it's that. I may try reseating it, but I won't hold my breath.

 

[benjii]

It can cary from card to card depending on Asic. However it could be your card has a pants paste job. If you're comfortable doing it id change the paste and use your own better paste and see what effect that has. If you're careful they will never know you took it apart, unless there is warranty void stickers on the screws.

For reference cooling the vrms should be cooler than the core as the fan sits on top of the vrms. I'd expect to see vrm temps well below 100c.

I guess you didn't see my post above yours!

 

[benjii]

My bad mate, i did not.

I'm not sure what the safe temp is for the vrms. I'd drop Thracks a trust and ask him.

Thanks. I only ask as with a +100mv increase under load, my VRMs were approaching 90 before I gave up. That would have been fine on my old card. I also go Elpida memory this time instead of Hynix.