Igor’s Lab Discovers Hotspot Issues in All RTX 50 Graphics Cards

Key Takeaways

1. Significant overheating problems exist in all partner RTX 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 (Ti), and RTX 5060 Ti.
2. Flawed power delivery design leads to high temperatures, with some areas reaching up to 107.3°C.
3. The compact design sacrifices thermal efficiency, causing high thermal density, particularly around voltage converters.
4. High temperatures were recorded during testing, with the PNY RTX 5070 hitting 107.3°C and the Palit RTX 5080 reaching 80.5°C.
5. Inadequate cooling solutions contribute to elevated temperatures, potentially shortening the lifespan of these graphics cards to just a few years.

Tech news and review site Igor’s Lab has released a new report that reveals significant overheating problems with all partner RTX 50 series GPUs, such as the RTX 5080, RTX 5070 (Ti), and RTX 5060 Ti.

Power Delivery Issues

The report, referenced by Tom’s Hardware, indicates that the design of the power delivery systems is flawed, with components too tightly packed together. This results in high-temperature zones in the power delivery area, with some temperatures reaching as much as 107.3°C.

Thermal Anomalies in the RTX 5060 Ti

Specifically, the 5060 Ti exhibited a lot of thermal irregularities in its power delivery region. The report warns that such elevated temperatures could damage the graphics cards after several years of continuous operation.

Compact Design Problems

The issues stem from the compact nature of the component arrangement, which sacrifices thermal efficiency. The report highlights that thin copper layers in the PCB, linked with power lanes, create high thermal density on the board. This is especially apparent around the voltage converters that supply power to the GPU.

The report also points out that Nvidia’s thermal design guidelines for the RTX 40 series cards focus on optimal conditions instead of worst-case scenarios.

High Temperature Measurements

Among the GPUs tested by Igor’s Lab, the Palit RTX 5080 Gaming Pro OC recorded high temperatures between the rear display outputs and the GPU die, reaching up to 80.5°C. Meanwhile, the PNY RTX 5070 hit a staggering 107.3°C in the same region.

Inefficient Cooling Solutions

The primary problem identified is the inadequate cooling for the components. Igor’s Lab performed retests on the two graphics cards after implementing a thermal modification. The Palit 5080 showed a temperature of 70.3°C post-modification, while the PNY 5070 decreased to 95°C. It’s important to note that temperatures above 80°C can lead to “ageing effects.” These elevated temperatures will likely shorten the lifespan of these graphics cards to just a few years of use.

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