EPTSimple Questions Simple Answers - Page 203
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
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Medrea
10003 Posts
On August 28 2012 23:48 micronesia wrote: What is RMA? I remember using thermal paste to attach the heatsink to the processor but I don't recall there being any way to use thermal paste on the GPU. When I was cleaning the GPU a few minutes ago I took a close look but didn't see anywhere where thermal paste could be used (without opening up the device which I don't think I'm supposed to do). RMA is where you return the card to the distributor instead of the manufacturer. You access the GPU by unscrewing everything off of the back, unplugging the fan, and removing three screws on the front panel of the card. I did this not too long ago. I managed to lower idle temps by 30C into the normal range, but the card was simply killing itself the moment I cut loose. On August 28 2012 23:49 JingleHell wrote: RMA is returning it to the manufacturer for a new one. Re-pasting a GPU does require removing the heatsink. It's a bit of a pain in the ass, and it's a slightly different process than a CPU (different spread and whatnot) but unless you're willing to either buy a brand that hasn't gone to shit, or find a way to force them to give you your money back, it may be your best bet. Oh i was gonna have him return it to newegg or whatever. Pretty sure XFX is just going to give him another card. EDIT: Another card with the same cooler that is. | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
But yeah, re-pasting a GPU is a pain in the ass. Totally different from a CPU cooler. Instead of not overdoing it, you want to not under-do it, instead of low viscosity being more ideal, you want a little higher viscosity, and just taking them apart is a bit of a bitch sometimes. This is why I buy EVGA. There might be a slight premium, but having a company who isn't happy unless the customer is comes in real handy when there's trouble. | ||
micronesia
United States24741 Posts
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Medrea
10003 Posts
I might be reading into it a bit much but I think the GE's in general have a heat dissipation issue. I dont necessarily need reference models for bitcoin with delta's on the market, but being able to point the hot air out of the rackmount or case is important. It gets a good front to back thing going. Im beginning to think getting a GE in general is a mistake since I can just take a 7970 and OV/OC it myself. | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
On August 29 2012 00:04 micronesia wrote: Newegg said they can't help past 30 days, but they gave me instructions for what information to give to the manufacturer. I will call them in 1 hour when their support line opens (silly Pacific Coast). Well, nice try anyway. You might have to be patient while XFX throws cards at you to see what sticks. I'm sure some of these models work. But even if they do, the VRM's get scorching hot. | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
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Medrea
10003 Posts
On August 29 2012 00:31 JingleHell wrote: Does third party VRM cooling work inside their cooler? I mean, the stuff isn't generally amazing, especially if you just thermal tape it, but anything that can make a melty card less melty is a good thing. Well here is what we are looking at. + Show Spoiler + ![[image loading]](http://www.hardwareheaven.com/reviewimages/xfx-radeon-hd-7970-black-edition/xfx-radeon-7970_cooler-off.jpg) If you are gonna be doing something, it has got to be right on top of the VRM's. | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
Have you tried getting some of the more solid type TIM, the stuff that actually sets firmly? Would be non-ideal, but at least you wouldn't have it lose connection. I mean, since you're dealing with return on investment issues here, it might be worth the effort. | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
For this GPU I applied an even layer of the paste using a plastic snack bag. I suppose I should have tried letting the paste cure for a bit before RMAing but the card wouldnt let me actually run it long enough to get anywhere. Results were 30C drop in idle temps, but load temps were pretty much the same. My miners tell me what temps I am running at and all I see is it spike to 103C and then system death happened. For reference, literally, the reference XFX 7970 I am running is 84C core and 87C VRM. Im starting to be ok with it running at 84C but I think it might be the result of my lowered standards. Newegg is giving me a full refund on both cards with paid shipping. Im just not buying a 3rd card to hold me over while I RMA these two lol. Im gonna grab one card I know that works and then buy a whole bunch of them. | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
Edit: Nevermind, saw the edit about a refund. Definitely a better option. | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
Its all still fine though because I only got a 7970 this late to pay for itself (plenty of time left for that). After October I'll have to find new work for my GPU's or sell them all. Ill prob grab a few 7970's though anyway. | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
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Medrea
10003 Posts
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micronesia
United States24741 Posts
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
On August 29 2012 01:27 micronesia wrote: They are going to either fix the card or send me a new one. I'm awaiting instructions to mail them the card. Good luck with RMA hell. | ||
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Medrea
10003 Posts
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
On August 29 2012 01:29 Medrea wrote: They might have an in house aftermarket fix they apply that solves the problem. I would be really tempted to look at what they change between original shipped and fixed models and find out what the differences are. Heh, maybe they apply thermal adhesive and pray nobody opens it to notice. Or at least maybe parrafin based thermal pads, since those have better sticking power too, and seem easier to clean, even though they're actually a bitch. | ||
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micronesia
United States24741 Posts
I realize this is common practice... just not sure what the explanation is :p | ||
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JingleHell
United States11308 Posts
On August 29 2012 03:12 micronesia wrote: One thing I don't get... I am responsible for paying for shipping. The item broke due to a mistake they ostensibly made. Why do I have to pay for shipping? Why can't they invoice me for the cost of fixing the item while they are at it? Why shouldn't I be paying for the coffee they drink while they fix the GPU? I realize this is common practice... just not sure what the explanation is :p It's probably to deter malicious or abusive uses of the system. Good brands will frequently not charge you under some circumstances, like my RMA to EVGA, out of 3 cards shipped total, I paid once. The rest was all covered. | ||
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