I recently picked up an RX 6700 XT, specifically the MSI Mech model, which isn't great in terms of airflow. I prefer a quieter PC since I don't use headphones, so I undervolted the GPU a bit. Most games ran fine except for Red Dead Redemption 2, which I had to set back to default settings due to crashes. The GPU usually runs at 82°C, but I noticed the hotspot quickly jumps to 110°C under load. I've read that a hotspot shouldn't exceed 25°C above the average GPU temperature. Could this be a sign of old or ineffective thermal pads? I can't find any guides for replacing them on this specific card. Also, should I consider swapping it for a 3060 Ti? The benchmarks suggest it's slightly worse, but I assume performance would be comparable in games.
2 Answers
If the fans are working fine, it sounds like the thermal paste might be worn out. It's a common issue with GPUs. You could consider reapplying thermal paste or replacing the thermal pads. Those temperatures are on the high side.
That hotspot temp is definitely concerning! I had an RX 6700 XT with just basic case fans and it stayed cooler than that. It might help to reseat the cooler to ensure good contact. Is your case airflow decent?
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