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Right Thermal Pads Can Prolong the Life of a Graphics Card

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Frazer

Thermal Pads

A graphics card is one of the most important components of a gaming PC, but it also generates a lot of heat during operation. To prevent overheating and damage, a graphics card needs proper cooling, which involves not only a fan and a heatsink but also thermal pads.

What are thermal pads and why are they important?

It is a thin sheets of material that are used to transfer heat between two surfaces. They are often used in electronic devices to dissipate heat from hot components, such as processors and graphics cards.

What do they do?

It help transfer the heat to the copper heatsinks in GPUs as the VRAMs, VRMs, and even the MOSFETs (in some cases) don't generally interact with the copper heat spreader as the main die would (the main GPU core/chip) with thermal paste, since there's always a space between them¹. Thermal paste is a semi-solid substance that is used to fill the tiny air gaps that are left behind when the heatsink sits on the processor or any other chip.

What is the use it?

It is generally used for components that generate lesser heat compared to a CPU, which include memory chips, VRM, motherboard chipset/northbridge/southbridge or Platform Hub Controller (PCH), or other ICs. They are also used in consoles, game stations, and some laptops where the CPU or GPU is relatively less powerful and generates lesser heat compared to faster processors used in computers. They are also great for DIY cooling for routers, repeaters, and other heat-generating components.

Why choose the right thermal pads?

Choosing the right thermal pads can prolong the life of a graphics card by ensuring optimal heat transfer and preventing thermal throttling, which is when the performance of the graphics card is reduced to lower its temperature. Thermal throttling can cause stuttering, lagging, and reduced frame rates in games, which can affect the gaming experience.

How to choose the right thermal pads for your graphics card?

There are several factors to consider when choosing thermal pads for your graphics card, such as:

Thickness

The thickness of the thermal pad should match the gap between the component and the heatsink. If the thermal pad is too thick, it can crush the component under pressure or cause an uneven board where some parts may interact with the heat spreader and some won't. If the thermal pad is too thin, it may not fill the gap and leave air pockets that reduce heat transfer. The thickness of thermal pads usually ranges from 0.5mm to 3mm.

Thermal conductivity

The thermal conductivity of the thermal pad measures how well it can transfer heat from one surface to another. The higher the thermal conductivity, the better the cooling performance. However, higher thermal conductivity also means higher prices and lower flexibility. The thermal conductivity of thermal pads usually ranges from 1 W/mK to 20 W/mK.

Adhesiveness

Some thermal pads are self-adhesive, which means they have a sticky layer on both sides that can attach to the component and the heatsink without any glue. This makes them easier to apply and remove, but they may also leave some residue behind. Non-adhesive thermal pads require some glue or tape to secure them in place, which can be more difficult to apply and remove, but they also leave no residue behind².

Size

The size of the thermal pad should match the size of the component that needs cooling. If the thermal pad is too large, it can overlap with other components or parts of the board which may cause short circuits or interfere with airflow. If the thermal pad is too small, it may not cover the entire surface of the component and leave some hot spots that reduce the cooling efficiency. The size of thermal pads usually ranges from 10mm x 10mm to 100mm x 100mm².

How to apply thermal pads to your graphics card?

Before applying thermal pads to your graphics card, you need to prepare some tools and materials, such as:

- Screwdriver

- Pair of tweezers

- Pair of scissors

- Some alcohol wipes

- Paper towels

- Pair of gloves

Then you can follow these steps:

Step 1

Turn off your PC and unplug it from the power source. Remove the side panel of your PC case and locate your graphics card. You may need to unscrew some screws or release some clips to remove them from the PCIe slot. Be careful not to touch any metal parts or components on the graphics card or the motherboard.

Step 2

Place your graphics card on a clean and flat surface. Use a screwdriver to remove the screws that hold the fan and the heatsink to the graphics card. Gently lift the fan and the heatsink from the graphics card and set them aside. You may need to twist or wiggle them slightly to break the seal of the old thermal paste or pads.

Step 3

Use some alcohol wipes and paper towels to clean the old thermal paste or pads from the graphics card and the heatsink. Make sure there is no residue left behind. You can use a pair of tweezers to peel off any stubborn thermal pads. Be careful not to damage any components or circuits on the graphics card or the heatsink.

Step 4

Cut your new thermal pads to fit the size of the components that need cooling, such as the VRAMs, VRMs, and MOSFETs. You can use a pair of scissors or a knife to cut them, but make sure they are sharp and clean. You can use the old thermal pads as a reference for the size and thickness, or measure them with a ruler or a caliper.

Step 5

Peel off one side of the protective film from the thermal pad and stick it to the component that needs cooling. Press it firmly and evenly to ensure good contact. Then peel off the other side of the protective film and stick it to the corresponding part of the heatsink. Repeat this process for all the components that need thermal pads.

Step 6

Apply a small amount of thermal paste to the center of the GPU core/chip. You can use a pea-sized, rice-sized, or X-shaped dot, depending on your preference and experience. Do not spread it with your finger or a tool, as this may create air bubbles or uneven coverage.

Step 7

Align the fan and the heatsink with the graphics card and gently place them on top of it. Make sure they are in contact with all the thermal pads and paste. Screw them back in place with a screwdriver. Do not overtighten them, as this may damage the components or cause uneven pressure.

Step 8

Reinstall your graphics card in your PC case and connect it to the power source and monitor. Put back the side panel of your PC case and plug in your PC to the power source. Turn on your PC and check if everything is working properly. You can use some software tools to monitor your graphics card’s temperature and performance.

Conclusion

Thermal pads are essential for keeping your graphics card cool and prolonging its life span. Choosing the correct pads for your graphics card depends on several factors, such as thickness, thermal conductivity, adhesiveness, and size. Applying thermal pads to your graphics card requires some tools and materials, as well as some patience and caution. By following these steps, you can improve your graphics card cooling and enjoy a better gaming experience.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070: The Midrange King

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Frazer

NVIDIA has launched a new high-end graphics card, the GeForce RTX 4070, which promises to deliver outstanding performance at resolutions of 1440p and beyond. The card is based on NVIDIA's new Ada Lovelace architecture, featuring improved streaming multiprocessors, tensor cores, and ray tracing cores. It also supports DirectX 12 Ultimate, DLSS 3, and NVIDIA Reflex technologies.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - Specifications and Features

The RTX 4070 has impressive specifications, with a GPU clock of 1920 MHz and a boost clock of 2475 MHz. It boasts 5888 CUDA cores, 184 tensor cores, and 46 ray tracing cores. It comes equipped with 12 GB of GDDR6X memory running at 21 Gbps on a 192-bit bus. The card has a TDP of 200 W and requires a single 16-pin power connector. It has four display outputs: one HDMI 2.1 and three DisplayPort 1.4a.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - Performance

The RTX 4070 is designed to offer significant performance improvements over previous generation cards such as the RTX 3070 and RTX 3070 Ti. According to NVIDIA, the RTX 4070 is up to 2x faster than the RTX 3070 and up to 1.5x faster than the RTX 3070 Ti in games that use ray tracing and DLSS. The card also consumes less power than its predecessors, thanks to its efficient 5 nm process and new streaming multiprocessors.

Gaming

The RTX 4070 is the ideal choice for gamers looking to play the latest titles at high settings and resolutions, with realistic lighting effects and smooth frame rates. The card can handle demanding games such as Cyberpunk 2077, Battlefield 2042, Far Cry 6, and more with ease. The card also supports DLSS 3, which uses AI to upscale lower-resolution images to higher resolutions without sacrificing quality. DLSS 3 can boost performance by up to 4x compared to native rendering.

Creative Workflows

In addition to gaming, the RTX 4070 is an excellent tool for creators. The card supports NVIDIA Studio, which offers a suite of features and applications that enhance creative workflows. With its powerful tensor cores and optical flow accelerator, the card can accelerate tasks such as 3D rendering, video editing, graphic design, and more. The card also comes with NVIDIA Studio drivers, which are optimized for stability and compatibility with popular creative software.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - Availability and Pricing

The RTX 4070 is available now for $599 from various third-party manufacturers. Some of the best variants include the MSI Gaming X Trio, the ASUS ROG Strix OC, the EVGA FTW3 Ultra, and the Gigabyte Aorus Master. These cards offer superior cooling solutions, RGB lighting effects, overclocking potential, and additional features.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 - Comparisons and Performance

To see how the RTX 4070 compares with some of its competitors, we looked at some benchmarks from various sources. We chose the following cards for comparison: the RTX 3080 (Founders Edition), the RTX 3070 Ti (Founders Edition), the RX 6800 XT (Reference), and the RX 6700 XT (Reference). These cards are either similar in price or performance to the RTX 4070.

Here are some of the key differences between these cards:

Card	GPU	Cores	Clocks	Memory	Bus	Bandwidth	TDP	Price
RTX 4070	AD104	5888	1920 / 2475 MHz	12 GB GDDR6X	192-bit	504 GB/s	200 W	$599
RTX 3080	GA102	8704	1440 /1710 MHz	10 GB GDDR6X	320-bit	760 GB/s	320 W	$699
RTX 3070 Ti	GA104	6144	1500 / 1770 MHz	8 GB GDDR6X	256-bit	608 GB/s	290 W	$599
RX 6800 XT	Navi 21 XT	4608	2015 / 2250 MHz	16 GB GDDR6	256-bit	512 GB/s	300 W	$649
RX 6700 XT	Navi 22 XT	2560	2424 / 2581 MHz	12 GB GDDR6	192-bit	384 GB/s	230 W	$479

As we can see from the comparison chart, the RTX 4070 stands out with its impressive performance-to-price ratio. It outperforms the RTX 3070 Ti and is comparable to the RTX 3080 while being priced the same as the former. The card also consumes less power than the RTX 3080, making it more efficient.

In terms of gaming performance, the RTX 4070 shines in titles that use ray tracing and DLSS. It provides a smoother and more immersive experience compared to the RX 6800 XT and RX 6700 XT, which lack ray tracing capabilities. The card also performs well in non-ray tracing titles, but the difference between it and the competition is not as significant.

Final Thoughts

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 is a midrange graphics card that delivers high-end performance and features. It is ideal for gamers and creators who want a card that can handle demanding workloads with ease, without breaking the bank. The card offers excellent ray tracing and DLSS performance, efficient power consumption, and a competitive price.

While the RTX 4070 may not be the fastest or the most powerful graphics card on the market, it provides an excellent value proposition for its price point. It is a worthy upgrade for those who are looking to upgrade from a previous generation card, or for those who want to build a new PC with a limited budget. Overall, the RTX 4070 is a midrange king that strikes the perfect balance between performance, price, and power efficiency.

NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti: A New Era of Gaming Performance

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Frazer

Introduction

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is the latest addition to the company's line-up of high-performance graphics cards. Originally planned to be released as the RTX 4080 12GB, NVIDIA decided to rebrand the card as the RTX 4070 Ti to better position it within their product stack. Designed to deliver exceptional gaming experiences, the RTX 4070 Ti is built on the advanced Ada Lovelace architecture and features cutting-edge technologies such as ray tracing, DLSS, and more. In this article, we will explore the specifications, features, and performance of the RTX 4070 Ti, and discuss how it compares to its predecessors and competitors.

Specifications

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti boasts impressive specifications that make it a formidable contender in the gaming market. Some of the key specifications include:

- GPU Architecture: NVIDIA Ada Lovelace

- CUDA Cores: 7680

- Tensor Cores: 240

- RT Cores: 60

- Base Clock: 2,310 MHz

- Boost Clock: 2,610 MHz

- Memory: 12 GB GDDR6X

- Mem Interface: 192-bit

- Memory Bandwidth: 504.2 GB/s

- TDP: 285 W

Ray Tracing and DLSS

One of the standout features of the RTX 4070 Ti is its support for real-time ray tracing, which enables more realistic lighting, shadows, and reflections in games. The dedicated RT Cores on the GPU accelerate ray tracing calculations, allowing for a significant performance boost compared to traditional rasterization techniques.

Additionally, the RTX 4070 Ti supports NVIDIA's Deep Learning Super Sampling (DLSS) technology, which uses artificial intelligence to upscale lower-resolution images in real time. This results in improved image quality with minimal performance impact, allowing gamers to enjoy higher frame rates without sacrificing visual fidelity.

Performance

The GeForce RTX 4070 Ti delivers outstanding performance in both traditional rasterized games and those that utilize ray tracing. In 1440p gaming, the RTX 4070 Ti consistently outperforms its predecessor, the RTX 3070 Ti, by a significant margin. It also competes favorably with AMD's Radeon RX 6900 XT, offering similar performance in many titles.

When it comes to 4K gaming, the RTX 4070 Ti is capable of delivering smooth frame rates in most modern titles, although some particularly demanding games may require lowering graphical settings for optimal performance. With DLSS enabled, the RTX 4070 Ti can achieve even better performance in supported games, making it an excellent choice for gamers seeking high-quality 4K experiences.

Comparison to Predecessors and Competitors

The RTX 4070 Ti represents a significant step forward compared to its predecessor, the RTX 3070 Ti. With more CUDA cores, higher clock speeds, and increased memory capacity, the RTX 4070 Ti offers a substantial performance improvement across a wide range of games and applications.

In comparison to its main competitor, the AMD Radeon RX 6900 XT, the RTX 4070 Ti holds its own in terms of performance. While the two cards trade blows in various titles, the RTX 4070 Ti's support for ray tracing and DLSS give it an edge in games that take advantage of these technologies.

Rebranding Decision

NVIDIA's decision to rebrand the card as the RTX 4070 Ti instead of the RTX 4080 12GB was likely influenced by several factors, including market positioning and product segmentation. By positioning the card as a 4070 Ti, NVIDIA can better differentiate it from the higher-end RTX 4080 and RTX 4090 models, while still offering a significant performance improvement over the previous generation. This rebranding strategy allows NVIDIA to cater to a wider range of gamers, offering a more diverse product line-up that meets the needs of various performance and budget requirements.

Conclusion

The NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 Ti is a powerful graphics card that delivers exceptional gaming performance, particularly in titles that support ray tracing and DLSS. With its advanced Ampere architecture and impressive specifications, the RTX 4070 Ti is an excellent choice for gamers seeking a high-performance GPU for 1440p and 4K gaming. As the latest addition to NVIDIA's lineup, the RTX 4070 Ti sets a new standard for gaming performance and ushers in a new era of immersive, visually stunning experiences. The rebranding decision from RTX 4080 12GB to RTX 4070 Ti demonstrates NVIDIA's commitment to offering a diverse range of products that cater to the needs of gamers across the performance spectrum.

Power Up: Upgrading to the Right Power Supply for Your Graphics Card

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Frazer

Upgrading your graphics card is an exciting experience for any PC gamer, as it allows you to enjoy better performance, graphics, and frame rates. However, to get the best out of your graphics card, you need to ensure that it has the right power supply.

The power supply unit (PSU) is responsible for delivering power to all the components in your PC, including the graphics card. A mismatch between the power supply and the graphics card can lead to instability, crashes, and even damage to your hardware. In this article, we'll take a look at what you need to know to upgrade to the right power supply for your graphics card, with a focus on transient spikes and the importance of having headroom in your power supply.

Transient Spikes and Their Impact on Power Supply

Transient spikes are sudden and brief surges of voltage that can occur in your PC's power supply. These spikes are typically caused by sudden changes in power demand, such as when your graphics card is under heavy load. While transient spikes are normal and often harmless, they can damage your hardware if they are too frequent or severe.

The impact of transient spikes on your graphics card depends on its quality and capacity. High-end graphics cards with more power-hungry components are more susceptible to transient spikes than their lower-end counterparts. A good power supply will have built-in safety features to protect your hardware from transient spikes and other power-related issues.

Safety Features Required in Power Supply

When upgrading your power supply, there are several safety features you should look for. These features will help protect your hardware from power-related issues and ensure that your PC runs smoothly and reliably.

Overvoltage Protection (OVP)

OVP is a safety feature that protects your hardware from damage due to excessive voltage. When the voltage in your PC exceeds a certain threshold, OVP will kick in and shut down the power supply to prevent any damage. This feature is essential for protecting your graphics card and other components from damage due to transient spikes.

Overcurrent Protection (OCP)

OCP is a safety feature that protects your hardware from damage due to excessive current. When the current in your PC exceeds a certain threshold, OCP will shut down the power supply to prevent any damage. This feature is essential for protecting your graphics card and other components from damage due to power surges.

Short-Circuit Protection (SCP)

SCP is a safety feature that protects your hardware from damage due to a short circuit. When a short circuit occurs, SCP will shut down the power supply to prevent any damage. This feature is essential for protecting your graphics card and other components from damage due to power surges.

Overload Protection (OPP)

OPP is a safety feature that protects your hardware from damage due to excessive power consumption. When the power consumption in your PC exceeds a certain threshold, OPP will shut down the power supply to prevent any damage. This feature is essential for protecting your graphics card and other components from damage due to power surges.

The Importance of Having Headroom in Your Power Supply

It's important to note that your power supply should have some headroom to accommodate transient spikes. This means that the wattage of your power supply should be slightly higher than the maximum power consumption of your components.

When your graphics card experiences a sudden spike in power demand, such as during intense gaming or graphic rendering, it can draw more power than usual from the power supply. If your power supply is not designed to handle these transient spikes, it may become overloaded and shut down, or worse, damage your hardware.

Having some headroom in your power supply can help absorb these transient spikes without causing any issues. For example, if your graphics card requires 500 watts of power, it's recommended to use a power supply with a wattage of 600 or 650 watts. This will ensure that the power supply can handle any sudden spikes in power demand without being overloaded.

Additionally, having headroom in your power supply can also help extend the lifespan of your components. A power supply that is operating at its maximum capacity can run hotter and wear out faster than one that has some headroom.

Conclusion

Upgrading to the right power supply for your graphics card is crucial for ensuring the longevity and stability of your PC. When choosing a power supply, look for safety features such as OVP, OCP, SCP, and OPP to protect your hardware from power-related issues. It's also essential to have some headroom in your power supply to accommodate transient spikes and extend the lifespan of your components. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your PC runs smoothly and reliably, even during intense gaming or graphic rendering.

Elevate Your Gaming and Video Editing Experience: A Step-by-Step Guide to Upgrading Your Graphics Card

Posted on May 1, 2023May 1, 2023 by Frazer

Upgrading your graphics card is a great way to boost the performance of your computer, especially when it comes to gaming and video editing. In this article, we'll take a look at the steps involved in upgrading your graphics card, and what you need to consider before making the switch.

Step 1: Research Your Compatibility and Budget

Before you start shopping for a new graphics card, it's important to do some research to ensure that your computer is compatible with the card you have in mind. Check your computer's manual or specifications to see what type of graphics card slot you have, as well as the power supply and cooling capabilities of your computer. Also, determine your budget for the upgrade, as graphics cards can range in price from less than $100 to more than $1,000.

Step 2: Remove the Old Graphics Card

Once you've chosen a new graphics card and have it in hand, it's time to remove the old card. First, turn off your computer and unplug it from the power source. Then, open your computer's case and locate the existing graphics card. Gently disconnect any cables or connectors, and remove any screws or brackets holding the card in place. Carefully lift the card out of the slot and set it aside.

Step 3: Install the New Graphics Card

To install the new graphics card, start by following the manufacturer's instructions. First, ensure that any required power cables are connected to the card. Then, gently insert the card into the slot, being careful not to damage any of the components. Secure the card in place with screws or brackets, and reconnect any cables or connectors that you disconnected from the old card.

Step 4: Update Your Drivers and Settings

Once your new graphics card is installed, it's important to update your computer's drivers and settings for optimal performance. Visit the website of the graphics card manufacturer to download the latest drivers and software for your card. You may also need to adjust your computer's settings, such as screen resolution and refresh rate, to get the most out of your new card.

Step 5: Consider Upgrading Your Power Supply

If your new graphics card requires more power than your existing power supply can provide, you may need to upgrade your power supply. A power supply upgrade can ensure that your computer has enough power to run all of its components, including the new graphics card.

Step 6: Test Your New Graphics Card

Before you start using your computer again, it's important to test your new graphics card to ensure that it's functioning properly. Start by turning on your computer and checking that your display is working correctly. Then, run some benchmarks or games to test the performance of the new card. If everything seems to be working well, you can enjoy your upgraded experience.

In conclusion, upgrading your graphics card is a great way to improve the performance of your computer, especially for gaming and video editing. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure a smooth and successful upgrade, and get the most out of your new graphics card.