Tag: RTX 50 Series

  • Gigabyte Addresses Thermal Gel Leaking in New Product Batches

    Gigabyte Addresses Thermal Gel Leaking in New Product Batches

    Key Takeaways

    1. Gigabyte’s thermal gel on RTX 50 and Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs is leaking, but the company states it’s not a serious issue affecting performance or longevity.
    2. The thermal gel is applied automatically to reduce human error, and it is meant to cool VRAM and MOSFETS better than solid thermal pads.
    3. User reports indicate leaking gel, with concerns about it potentially touching the PCB, although the gel is not electrically conductive.
    4. Gigabyte assures that the gel can handle temperatures up to 150 degrees Celsius and that the extra gel in early production runs is a cosmetic issue, not affecting functionality.
    5. The amount of thermal gel used has been adjusted for future production runs to prevent excessive spreading.


    Recently, it has been reported that the thermal gel used by Gigabyte on their RTX 50 series and Radeon RX 9000 series graphics cards is leaking. Gigabyte has recognized the problem and stated that it’s not a serious issue, assuring users that installing the GPU in any position won’t impact its performance or longevity. They have also mentioned that the amount of thermal gel applied has been modified for upcoming production runs.

    Automated Process for Application

    In a post on their news section, Gigabyte explained that the thermal gel is applied using a completely automated system, which eliminates the possibility of human error that could happen with conventional thermal pads. To give some background, the company decided to use a server-grade thermal gel on many of its RTX 50 series and Radeon RX 9000 series GPUs to cool the VRAM and MOSFETS, instead of relying on solid thermal pads. Nonetheless, a few users have reported instances of the gel leaking even during normal usage.

    User Experiences with Leaking Gel

    One user encountered this problem with a high-end Aorus RTX 5080 Master Ice GPU after only a month of moderate usage. They had the GPU installed vertically, and according to the pictures shared by the user, the thermal gel appeared to be leaking toward the PCB. Although the gel isn’t electrically conductive, it could still potentially touch the PCB, leading to significant problems.

    Assurance from Gigabyte

    Gigabyte reassures its customers that they have conducted thorough testing and validation, which includes checking both vertical and horizontal mounting positions. The thermal gel is designed to withstand temperatures of at least 150 degrees Celsius without melting or turning into a liquid. Regarding the reports of leaking, the company mentioned that some early production runs contained “a slightly higher volume of gel” to guarantee adequate coverage. This might result in the gel looking like it has spread beyond its intended area. “Even though the presence of extra gel could be worrying, this cosmetic difference does not influence the card’s performance, reliability, or lifespan,” the post states.

    The amount of thermal gel used has already been revised for future production batches, as confirmed by Gigabyte.

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

    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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  • RTX 50 Series GPUs: Benchmark Boost but Gaming Performance Drops

    RTX 50 Series GPUs: Benchmark Boost but Gaming Performance Drops

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia’s 576.02 driver update improves performance for RTX 50 series GPUs, with gains of 3% to 8% reported in synthetic benchmarks.
    2. The update addresses various gaming and bug issues, including black screen problems for some RTX 50 series users.
    3. Users have observed a reduction in power consumption by up to 7W while idle.
    4. Some gamers report instability with the new drivers, including frame rate fluctuations and thermal sensor issues.
    5. Users experiencing black screen issues should consider updating, while others may want to avoid the new drivers due to performance concerns.


    Nvidia has rolled out the 576.02 driver update together with the RTX 5060 Ti GPUs on April 16. This update is accessible for all RTX GPUs, but it appears to give a performance increase especially to the 50 series cards, at least according to synthetic benchmarks. Many users have noted that their GPUs are performing significantly better, with increases ranging from 3% to 8%. Conversely, some individuals are reporting problems in games, pointing to issues with thermal sensors that have arisen due to the latest drivers.

    Performance Improvements and Fixes

    The recent Nvidia driver update comes with a specific PDF containing the release notes, which outline various fixes related to gaming and general bugs, including the black screen problems encountered by some RTX 50 series users. Notably, certain users have observed enhanced performance in synthetic benchmarks, with some gains reported to be as high as 6%.

    German digital outlet Computer Base conducted a 3D Mark test on all RTX 50 series GPUs, including the RTX 5060 Ti. They discovered that the RTX 5070 and higher models exhibited performance improvements between 6% and 8% with the new drivers when compared to the original launch drivers.

    Power Consumption Observations

    Additionally, some users have reported a reduction in power consumption of up to 7W, as the clock speed dropped to just 22 MHz while the card was idle. Videocardz tested an RTX 4090 in 3D Mark Steel Nomad but only saw a mere 1 FPS gain, indicating that the boost in synthetic benchmark performance is mainly impacting the RTX 50 series cards.

    Gaming Performance Concerns

    However, when it comes to gaming performance, the situation is quite different. Numerous Reddit users have noted performance instability with the updated drivers. One user mentioned that their GPU displayed “odd clock behavior” with frame rate fluctuations causing stutters, while others reported higher clock speeds accompanied by increased temperatures. It seems there is a glitch with the thermal sensors due to the new drivers, which is causing clocks to exceed normal levels and hindering thermal monitoring software from providing accurate readings.

    Given these reported instability concerns, it may be wise to refrain from updating to the latest drivers, particularly for RTX 50 series users. Nevertheless, those facing black screen issues should either update to the new drivers or revert to a previously stable version.

  • Nvidia Fixes Game Crashing Issue with 576.02 GPU Drivers

    Nvidia Fixes Game Crashing Issue with 576.02 GPU Drivers

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia released new 576.02 GPU drivers to fix game crashing issues experienced by GeForce graphics card users.
    2. The update specifically addresses stability problems for Windows 11 version 24H2, including BSOD during gameplay.
    3. RTX 50 series GPUs faced crashes and black screen issues, which the new drivers aim to resolve.
    4. The update fixes crashes in popular games like Fortnite, Star Wars Outlaws, and Overwatch 2, among others.
    5. Users can download the 576.02 GPU driver update through the Nvidia app to resolve their issues.


    Nvidia has just put out new drivers for its GeForce graphics cards to solve the frustrating game crashing problem. The latest 576.02 GPU drivers finally bring a solution to the various trouble gamers have been experiencing globally. Here are all the specifics.

    What Nvidia’s New Drivers Offer

    In recent days, Nvidia got a lot of feedback from users of GeForce GPUs regarding game crashes, problems with stability, and issues with black screens. The new 576.02 GPU drivers have been unveiled to resolve the numerous concerns that were caused by the prior 572.83 drivers which came out back in March 2025.

    Stability Fixes for Windows 11

    According to the release notes for the Nvidia 576.02 drivers, the stability problems have been addressed for systems using Windows 11 version 24H2, which were experiencing BSOD (Blue screen of death) while playing certain titles, especially DLSS 4 games with Multi Frame Generation enabled.

    RTX 50 Series Crashing Problems

    Playing under these settings on RTX 50 series GPUs led to stability issues along with unexpected black screen troubles. The new drivers work to fix crashes in various games like Fortnite, while also dealing with the hanging problem in Star Wars Outlaws when the game is not active. Even Overwatch 2 had a stuttering problem when V-Sync was turned on.

    The update also includes fixes for Control, The Last of Us Part 1, Uncharted Legacy of Thieves Collection, and Hellblade 2. The 576.02 GPU driver update is now available and can be accessed via the Nvidia app. So, if you’ve been experiencing any of these listed issues, ensure your GPU drivers are current.

  • Nvidia RTX 50 Series Price Cuts in Europe Amid Weak USD, Low Stock

    Nvidia RTX 50 Series Price Cuts in Europe Amid Weak USD, Low Stock

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia has reduced prices for select RTX 50-series models in various European countries, including Germany and the UK.
    2. The price drop in Germany for the RTX 5090 is over 4%, while the UK sees smaller reductions, such as £50 off the RTX 5090 Founders Edition.
    3. The price adjustments are influenced by the declining value of the USD compared to the Euro and British Pound.
    4. Availability of MSRP cards is limited, making the price cuts less beneficial for most consumers.
    5. Third-party manufacturers are not obligated to follow Nvidia’s price changes, leading to higher prices for many overclocked variants.


    It’s quite rare for consumers to witness price reductions on newly launched GPUs. Recently, Nvidia has decided to reduce the prices of select models from the RTX 50-series across various European nations. VideoCardz received tips from readers who spotted these changes on Nvidia’s website. Unfortunately, only a handful of gamers will gain from these price cuts, as the availability of MSRP cards is nearly non-existent.

    Price Changes Across Europe

    Countries experiencing price reductions for the RTX 50-series include Germany and the UK. In Germany, the MSRP for the RTX 5090 has dropped more than 4%, going from €2329 to €2229. Discounts have also been noted for the RTX 5070 and RTX 5080. However, the RTX 5070 Ti, which does not have a Founders Edition, has seen no changes in its price. Meanwhile, a report from Poland indicated a small decrease in the GPU’s price.

    UK Price Adjustments

    In the UK, while the discounts are present, they aren’t as significant. The RTX 5090 Founders Edition debuted at £1,939, and Nvidia currently lists it at £1,889. As consumers look at lower models in the Blackwell lineup, they find price drops as small as £10 on the RTX 5070.

    The primary factor behind the changes in RTX 50-series pricing is the declining value of the USD compared to the Euro and British Pound. These currency shifts have influenced Nvidia’s pricing strategies in Europe. Typically, prices for European consumers are higher due to VAT inclusion. Naturally, without sufficient supply, the savings for buyers remain purely theoretical.

    The Challenge with Third-Party Manufacturers

    Third-party manufacturers are not required to follow Nvidia’s pricing adjustments. Even when Blackwell graphics cards are available, many overclocked variants are priced considerably above the MSRP. In the United States, brands like Asus and MSI continue to hike the prices of the RTX 50 series. For buyers, the best strategy may be to wait for a Founders Edition, but these cards are often targeted by scalpers due to their higher profit margins.

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  • Nvidia RTX 50 Series Prices Expected to Stabilize Soon

    Nvidia RTX 50 Series Prices Expected to Stabilize Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. Nvidia is collaborating with retailers and partners to improve supply and stabilize pricing for RTX 50 series GPUs.
    2. The company aims to sell existing inventory at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP) as supply catches up to demand.
    3. Shipments of RTX 50 series GPUs have already increased since their launch in late January.
    4. Nvidia reported shipping double the number of RTX 50 series GPUs in the first five weeks compared to the RTX 40 series, though the comparison may be misleading.
    5. The timeline for when supply and pricing issues will fully resolve remains uncertain.


    Looks like Team Green supporters got some good news as Nvidia is reportedly teaming up with partners to enhance supply and stabilize pricing for the RTX 50 series GPUs. Since the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 were launched for sale at the end of January, the stock situation has been terrible, and prices have been fluctuating wildly. The same issue was seen with the RTX 5070 Ti and RTX 5070, where only a handful of fortunate buyers managed to acquire them.

    Nvidia’s Efforts to Stabilize Supply

    In a report by Tweak Town, which references a chat with Nvidia’s Justin Walker, the firm is collaborating with retailers and AIB partners to make sure that the existing supply is sold at the manufacturer’s suggested retail price (MSRP). Walker mentioned, “the best way to do that is get more supply onto a shelf. As soon as supply catches up to demand, we expect prices to stabilize.” He also noted that shipments for the GPUs have already increased, and the company is working hard to ensure that supply meets the demand.

    Future Outlook

    When these promises will come to fruition is still uncertain, but at least Nvidia seems to be taking steps to tackle the supply challenges that consumers have faced for several months now.

    With GDC 2025 just around the corner, Nvidia has shared some sales data for its RTX 50 series. The company claims it shipped twice as many RTX 50 series GPUs in the first five weeks following the launch compared to the RTX 40 series in the same timeframe. Curiously, all four cards in the RTX 50 series were released within five weeks of each other, starting with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 on January 30 and culminating with the RTX 5070 on March 5. In contrast, only the RTX 4090, which launched on October 12, 2022, was available for most of the first five weeks, while the RTX 4080 showed up on November 16. This implies that Nvidia is making a comparison between the entire RTX 50 series lineup and just the RTX 4090, which might make their claim of shipping double the units appear somewhat misleading.

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  • Nvidia RTX 5090 Release: Customers Line Up at Micro Center

    Nvidia RTX 5090 Release: Customers Line Up at Micro Center

    Some shoppers are going to great lengths, as retailers report significant shortages of the RTX 50 series. A Reddit post from Micro Center reveals a number of tents set up outside its store in Tustin, California. Micro Center is a go-to place for PC builders in the U.S., known for keeping the most sought-after components in stock. Now, it has turned into a hotspot for eager buyers ahead of the January 30th launch of the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090.

    Cold Weather and Campers

    With the expectation of limited stock, Micro Center released a YouTube video addressing the situation. They advised customers against waiting outside in the cold winter weather, yet that hasn’t deterred some determined individuals at the Tustin location. While the climate isn’t exactly warm, Tustin’s weather is milder compared to the colder regions of the east and north in the U.S. There’s some debate on whether tents are allowed on the property, but previous customers have shared stories of similar scenes before other big product releases.

    A Plan for Launch Day

    To avoid chaos on January 30th, Micro Center is implementing a voucher system. On launch day, customers will be able to buy either the RTX 5080 or RTX 5090 GPUs, but the store will not stock the Founders Edition cards. MSI is expected to be the main supplier, although it has already dampened hopes for availability. The company cites Nvidia’s failure to provide enough chips for third-party manufacturers to produce their custom graphics cards. Consequently, scalpers are likely to attempt to grab any RTX 50 series inventory again and sell it at higher prices.

    Dedication or Desperation?

    Whenever customers turn a retail location into a camping site, it tends to spark mixed reactions. One camper at the Tustin Micro Center even took to Reddit to clarify that they had no plans to scalp. Facing the cold days before the RTX 5090’s launch, it’s tough not to appreciate such commitment.

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  • Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Subscriptions Sold Out Due to Demand

    Nvidia GeForce Now Cloud Gaming Subscriptions Sold Out Due to Demand

    With the upcoming launch of the RTX 50 series on January 30th, retailers are anticipating a huge surge in interest for the new GPUs. Currently, various Nvidia GeForce Now cloud gaming plans have become unavailable for purchase. As the number of complaints increased, the German tech site ComputerBase was the first to highlight these shortages. Eventually, Nvidia’s customer support provided a response, confirming that the service is experiencing unprecedented demand.

    Accessing a Vast Library of Games

    Nvidia’s cloud gaming service enables players to access a broad selection of games remotely, similar to what competitors provide. However, Nvidia is particular about the type of devices gamers will utilize. The service includes multiple tiers, such as a free plan, a Performance tier that supports 1440p resolution, and an Ultimate tier that offers 4K gaming at 240 fps. Many subscribers discover that GeForce Now gives them a gaming experience akin to having an expensive RTX graphics card at home. Players frequently encounter lengthy wait times, even before some subscriptions completely ran out.

    Current Availability and Options

    On the US GeForce Now website, both the one-month Free and Performance plans are currently listed as unavailable. The only option left is the Ultimate tier featuring the RTX 4080 GPU. Day passes, which allow users a chance to try out Nvidia’s cloud gaming without a long-term commitment, are also sold out. However, for those who can commit for six months, all tiers except the Free plan remain available for order.

    Recent Changes and Future Prospects

    In November, Nvidia declared a new 100-hour monthly limit for GeForce Now, along with a one-year grace period for existing users. This announcement caught many subscribers off guard, particularly given the high cost of the Ultimate tier. Nevertheless, these changes have not alleviated the shortages gamers are facing today. With the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 expected to be in short supply, the demand for a more affordable gaming solution is unlikely to decrease in the near future. Nvidia is striving to enhance server capacity, but it’s uncertain how long it will take to replenish the additional tiers.

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  • Nvidia DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation Might Reach Beyond RTX 50

    Nvidia DLSS 4 Multi-Frame Generation Might Reach Beyond RTX 50

    Nvidia is banking on the allure of DLSS 4 multi frame generation to persuade customers to move up to the RTX 50 series. This technology is unique to the new graphics cards, with the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 scheduled for release on January 30th. In a recent chat with Digital Foundry, Nvidia’s Bryan Catanzaro offered a glimmer of hope to gamers, suggesting that the standout feature of DLSS 4 might eventually be available for the RTX 30 or RTX 40 series.

    Advantages Beyond Multi Frame Generation

    While multi frame generation is the star of the show, it’s not the only benefit of Nvidia’s DLSS 4. Other features, such as Super Resolution and Ray Reconstruction, will be improved for the RTX 30 and 40 series as well. However, the enhanced frame generation is expected to deliver significant performance boosts in the upcoming graphics cards. These improvements mainly come from smarter AI, which enhances speed and efficiency. Since multi frame generation relies less on the hardware, it faces fewer obstacles regarding backward compatibility.

    Optimistic Outlook for Older Cards

    During the discussion with Digital Foundry, Bryan Catanzaro acknowledged that multi frame generation might make its way to older Nvidia graphics cards. Although the company is concentrating on the RTX 50 series, this focus might shift with proper optimization. Nevertheless, gamers should temper their expectations. Early performance tests indicate that the RTX 5080 and RTX 5090 significantly depend on the new DLSS 4 feature to achieve the claimed performance improvements. If multi frame generation becomes available for older GPUs, the incentive to upgrade could diminish.

    Currently, owners of the RTX 30 series are limited to using FSR 3, AMD’s version of frame generation. The actual performance of DLSS 4 multi frame generation in practical situations will be more evident soon. Review embargoes lift on January 24th for the RTX 5090 and on January 30th for the RTX 5080.

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  • NVIDIA RTX 4070 and 4060 Graphics Cards Discontinuation News

    NVIDIA RTX 4070 and 4060 Graphics Cards Discontinuation News

    Some gamers might be wishing for a chance to grab an older Nvidia graphics card at a lower price once the RTX 50 series hits the market. The new GPUs come with DLSS 4’s Multi Frame Generation, which claims to provide major performance enhancements. However, the RTX 40 series still holds up well in terms of power, even without this new feature. Sadly, retailers are already preparing for the discontinuation of the RTX 4070 and RTX 4060.

    Report on Stock Levels

    According to a report from the Taiwanese tech site iThome, a dealer has confirmed that the RTX 4070 will not be restocked after January. With the RTX 5060 not expected until March or even later, the RTX 4060 is likely to be available for an extended period. Since iThome primarily operates in Chinese, translations regarding Nvidia’s inventory updates quickly circulated on X accounts.

    Manufacturer’s Track Record

    This news isn’t particularly shocking, given Nvidia’s past behavior. Even without an official announcement to stop production of the RTX 3080, it became nearly impossible to find a new one once the 40 series was released. The GPU titan is shifting its focus to the RTX 50 series, with the RTX 5090 and RTX 5080 set to launch on January 30th, followed by the RTX 5070 and RTX 5070 Ti in February.

    Consumer Impact

    Halting the production of older generation GPUs so early is likely to annoy some consumers. The stock of RTX 4080 and RTX 4080 Super has already dropped quite a bit. Nvidia might be trying to prevent price hikes on these models when buyers can’t order the new 50 series GPUs. However, having fewer options usually doesn’t help consumers, especially if the new cards fail to deliver the expected performance improvements.

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