The reference designs for AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XTX and XT are apparently prone to excessive hotspot temperatures.
In the past few weeks, there have been increasing reports of problems with AMD graphics cards that are too hot. Specifically, it is about the two new models Radeon RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT. According to this, the reference designs in the so-called hotspot become so hot that they start to throttle, i.e. to automatically downclock and throttle the power consumption.
On Reddit userswho claims to be the lead developer of the new Radeons, confirmed the problems a few days ago and pointed out that there might be a solution via firmware update, but he wasn’t sure.
RX 7900 XTX im Test
Benchmarks against RTX 4080, 4090 and RX 6900 XT
Some links included on this page are affiliate links. Depending on the provider, GameStar receives a small commission for purchases made via these links without affecting the price.
More info.
The Europe Youtuber and extreme overclocker Roman der8auer
Hartung brings some clarity to the discussion in a recent post (we have embedded the video for you below in the text). Accordingly, the problem with heat development is much greater than previously assumed.
What is the problem with RX 7900 XTX and RX 7900 XT?
As soon as the cards are installed horizontally – and this is the normal case – the temperature rises rapidly and the throttling occurs. However, this does not happen in a vertical position, as is often the case with open structures and test systems.
So the trail leads directly to cooling. However, Roman cannot confirm previous assumptions that the contact pressure of the heat sink was too low. On the contrary. After a week and tests with various cards sent to him by affected users, he believes there is only one possible explanation:
The so-called vapor chamber of the reference designs must have been fundamentally wrongly constructed, which is why the cooling liquid cannot circulate properly in it. In an upcoming video, he therefore wants to cut open the vapor chamber and provide definitive proof of his hypothesis.
How many cards could be affected?
According to Roman, not only the reference designs from AMD itself, but also all partner models that use the reference cooler are affected or at least vulnerable to the heat development. We’re talking about potentially tens of thousands of graphics cards here. In his opinion, a simple RMA procedure is not enough. AMD should probably start a recall:
link to YouTube content
How do you know if your card is affected?
If you own either the Radeon RX 7900 XTX or the RX 7900 XT, you can identify the problem with the GPU-Z tool, for example. Among Sensors
all relevant metrics will be displayed to you. Clock rates of around 2,400 MHz under load with a simultaneous fan speed of 2,700 RPM are striking.
A hotspot temperature of 110 degrees is clearly problematic when the GPU temperature is only around 70 degrees (at a GPU temperature of 90 degrees, a hotspot of 110 degrees and throttling are normal). The GameStar editorial team meanwhile has divided views on the new graphics cards:
Are you affected by the problems? Do you think AMD will start a recall? Write it to us in the comments!
