I have an MSI GeForce RTX 3060 12GB that I've been using since 2022 without any issues. A few days ago, I decided to clean it for the first time and found the thermal paste was dry and the card was dirty. After I replaced the thermal paste and cleaned everything, the card started making a loud noise – the fans are spinning super fast and it sounds like they might break. Now, playing games like Fortnite hits temperatures between 80 and 90 degrees, which is way higher than before. I really need some guidance on what might be wrong since I spread the thermal paste carefully with a spatula. Any insights would be appreciated!
2 Answers
It sounds like you might have a bad remount on your cooler. Often, if there's uneven pressure, incorrect pad placement, or too much thermal paste, it can cause overheating issues. I'd recommend reopening your GPU, reseating the cooler carefully, and checking that the thermal pads are making good contact. Use just a small blob of thermal paste to ensure proper heat transfer. Loud fans usually mean the GPU is really heating up! Let me know how it goes!
Yikes, overheating can be a real pain! If reseating doesn’t work, check to see if there’s any dust build-up that might be blocking airflow. Also, try adjusting your fan curve with software if you haven't already. It helps in cooling without making them go full blast all the time. Good luck!
Thanks for the tips! I’ll definitely check the airflow and see about the fan settings. Appreciate it!
I tried reseating the cooler like you suggested, but it’s still hitting 90 degrees. Maybe I pressed too hard? What should I do next?