Temp differences on cards in sli

[ChrisLandin]

Hey up.
I have 2 gtx 275's in sli and at idle there is 6 degrees temp difference between them! I was wondering if it would be worth my while taking them to bits and im assuming its the case reapplying thermal paste etc? Ive never actually done that to a gpu before so im completly new to this! My case is an antec 1200 so I have good airflow to both cards so thats not so much the issue im just amazed that there is such a difference in temps at idle. one is 43 degrees the other is 49 or is this normal? Will one card run hotter being the main gpu? I dont know!

 

[Jokester]

It's normal, the cards will have different airflow to them.

 

[ChrisLandin]

But both cards are sitting in front of the same fan! Thats why I ask the question because it just seems strange

 

[han_solo]

As other poster have said, one if the cards have substantially less air getting to it. On top of this the card behind the front will also be receiving some heat given off the card in front. Providing both are operating with temp limits and are not worryingly big then I wouldn't waste the effort in taking them apart just to reapply possibly better TIM. though upbto you

 

[Rroff]

Bare in mind one card will be running all the 2D stuff, etc. in windows so will always have a higher amount of heat to deal with - typically its the card in the primary slot too which is near the Northbridge (lots of heat) and maybe even some spill over from the CPU depending on how good your cooling is and what airflow direction.

My primary GTX260 is at 42C idle while the 2nd card is at 39C - this is only coz I put another fan in to direct heat from the NB away - otherwise it would be more like 45C on the primary card.

 

[ChrisLandin]

Cheers Rroff, as usual some good info. Ta