NVIDIA, this is NOT ok! - EKWB Active Backplates In a recent YouTube video titled "NVIDIA, this is NOT ok! - EKWB Active Backplates," the presenter delves into a serious thermal issue affecting RTX 3090 graphics cards. The piece highlights that the back of these cards can reach alarming temperatures, often exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. This is particularly concerning given the considerable heat generated by these high-performance GPUs.
Thermal Problems Identified
The video begins with a striking example demonstrating the overheating issue using thermal imaging, showcasing how excessively hot components can harm video memory (VRAM). The presenter notes that while video memory usually doesn't require extensive cooling due to its lower power consumption, this changes dramatically in the environment of a high TDP GPU like the RTX 3090, which has a staggering thermal design power of 350 watts.
Proposed Solutions
To tackle the heat management problem, the video introduces EKWB's solution: an active backplate. Rather than a standard metal backplate, this innovation features a water cooling system designed to keep the VRAM cool, potentially prolonging its lifespan and maintaining system performance during intensive tasks like gaming or cryptocurrency mining. The presenter tests this backplate against stock cooling solutions, revealing significant temperature reductions under stress tests.
Performance Testing
Testing involved long gaming sessions and synthetic benchmarks like Furmark to assess thermal performance. Notably, when fitted with the active backplate, the temperatures of the VRAM and GPU core showed drastic reductions, making it a preferable solution for users engaged in high-load activities, especially those involved in mining.
Market Context
The video also touches on the market dynamics that have compelled users to find such workarounds, considering NVIDIA’s awareness of the thermal issues yet lack of significant design changes in its founder models. The presenter hints at upcoming changes in the graphics market that may better address these issues moving forward, particularly with anticipated new releases.
Final Thoughts
This innovative backplate could be a game-changer for specific user segments, especially those who push their systems to the limit. However, for ordinary gamers, standard cooling solutions might suffice unless venturing into more extreme use cases.
What are your thoughts on the active cooling system? Do you think NVIDIA should incorporate better cooling solutions in their newer models? Let's discuss! Feel free to share your experiences with overheating issues or cooling solutions you've tried!