Need assistance? Issues with high core temps and throttling on my 3080 FE after changes.
Need assistance? Issues with high core temps and throttling on my 3080 FE after changes.
Hey there, I'm working through some issues with my 3080 FE. The temperatures have been higher than expected, so I thought it was time to update and replace the pads. So far, I've used 2mm Gelid Extreme pads with Arctic MX-4, based on old forum discussions from around 2021. But the pads were too thick, causing poor contact and high core temps. Then I switched to 1.5mm pads, which helped a bit but still left me with elevated temperatures and throttling.
I tried UX PRO Ultra Putty for the VRAM and FETs, and re-applied the core using Arctic MX-6. The VRAM temps are good, but the core is still too hot and throttling. I wondered if the pads were getting too firm to compress properly. I've experimented with various thermal pastes, thick layers, a pea-sized blob, thin spreads, cross patterns, and 4-dot formulas—everything I could think of.
I’ve disassembled and re-pasted multiple times, adjusted the bracket tension, replaced screws, and changed pads/putty. Still no improvement. I’m not sure what’s causing it. Could the cooler be misaligned or bent? Is this normal with the VRAM handling extra heat?
The system runs at 100% power with a 24°C ambient target, but temperatures hit around 83°C during gameplay. I’ve checked HWInfo64 data while playing Split Fiction—high idle temps, 100% power usage, and a 75°F setting. Any suggestions?
I didn't note the thermal paste. I replaced the MSI MECH OC Radeon RX 5700 XT, which tends to overheat. Applied the recommended 1.5 and 2mm pads from Gelid. Heard that pump-out issues can occur with certain pastes, so I used Thermalright TFX spread directly onto the chip with an applicator. It performed well for me, maintaining good temperatures even under stress. I've also seen that enhancing memory cooling can increase chip temperatures.
I used Arctic MX-6 which is reportedly very reliable for pump-out. I’m hoping it’s that straightforward, even though describing it like a jet engine while gaming isn’t the best idea. I’ve included additional photos to my original post. Edited March 18, 2025 by Oxious
I thought I'd share this update in case anyone encounters the same problem. After some research, I noticed exposed copper on the part that touches the die. I checked eBay and found an original cooler from a 3080ti FE. I used the same putty and paste, and it worked! It looks like my old cooler's vapor chamber might have been damaged, so it was just a metal block trying to cool the card. Now it's running fine.