Issue resolved, order number 7900 XTX.
Issue resolved, order number 7900 XTX.
I'm dealing with a frustrating RMA situation. I've tried two Sapphire 7900 XTX cards, both experiencing overheating and throttling. The first one came from a local Richmond store who refunded me and returned the faulty card after I asked nicely. They were very helpful and responsive. I found a second Sapphire reference card on Vuugo.com, but it had problems right away. The seller there refused a return and insisted I go through the manufacturer. Sapphire suggested contacting the retailer, but they just told me to reach out to them again. Eventually I went straight to AMD since it's an AMD reference card. They advised me to contact Powercolor for the RMA process. I'm considering a DIY fix—maybe rework the card and add heat pads to the back plate to reduce heat buildup, even though the backplate isn't being used. Any tips would be appreciated!
Record all your sent and received emails about returning the card. Reach out to your credit card provider and request a chargeback, providing documentation that demonstrates the issue and several attempts to return the item.
The card seems to be experiencing a problem linked to insufficient water in the vapor chamber. Adding a few thermal pads for the backplate isn't enough to resolve the issue, as they can't supply adequate cooling. Without enough water, the vapor chamber fails to remove heat effectively from the core. If you decide to keep the card, replacing it with an aftermarket cooler would be the most practical solution. In the meantime, the problem only becomes noticeable once the vapor chamber reaches a critical temperature. Adjusting the voltage and power limits might allow limited operation, though this will likely reduce performance.
From what I remember, those reference cards performed better in vertical mode, though I wasn’t sure the same problem affected partner model cards.
These cards are based on the Sapphire design. Some users have achieved good results by reworking the card and attaching thermal pads to the backplate, which helps with cooling. It appears temperature issues can come from inconsistent contact with the cooler. I’m reviewing my setup since it won’t void the warranty, and there’s a possibility I can resolve this without much risk if I keep facing issues.
The retailer made a mistake. RMA through retailers is standard in the business. They sold you the items and are accountable for what they offer. Since they took your payment, they should provide a remedy. If that fails, reach out to your local consumer protection authority.