AMD R9 290X hot VRM 1 when under load (82-92C) - Corsair H80i

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nismozz

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Oct 24, 2015
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Hey Toms. I recently bought a reference R9 290X and installed my Corsair H80i using the Corsair HG10 bracket. The bracket sits perfectly on the PCB, no warping or anything. Of course, I keep the stock blower fan to cool the bracket as it acts as a heatsink for the VRAM, VRM 1 and 2.

While the H80i is able to keep the GPU at 50-62C depending on the ambient temp and the VRM 2 at 55-60C. The VRM 1 is still hot at around 82-92C, again, depends on the ambient temp. Some threads report that the HG10 bracket does not contact with the VRM 1 uniformly.

My concern is, is VRM 1 ok at 92C? Any suggestions on how to lower the temps? Obviously, I can't add heatsink to it (no clearance between the HG10 bracket and the VRM). I read that using thicker thermal pad would help but does it really help? As far as I know, the thinner the pad is the better.

My case is Thermaltake Chaser Mk II. 200mm fan front and 200mm fan side. I believe the side fan is providing enough air to cool the HG10 bracket but the issue is the bracket does not make contact with the VRM uniformly.

Any inputs will be appreciated.
 
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dznuts

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Oct 18, 2014
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hey, your VRM temps are ok, many run this hot and hotter. as for more cooling, you can mount the GELID Solutions CL-R9290-01-A R9 290 Series VRM Cooling Enhancement Kit on the Back of the card by getting longer screws from the hardware store. i have done this to XFX 290x DD with good effect or just aim a fan on the back of the card.
 
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nismozz

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Oct 24, 2015
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Thanks for your input. I don't think adding the heatsink is possible. The HG10 bracket is touching the VRM 1 and it acts as a heatsink. There is no gap between the bracket and the card. Do you have HG10 bracket on your card? If yes, how did you install the heatsink?
 
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Galacticfox

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Jul 4, 2014
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Hey there, im in the same boat. i have a reference 290x with the hg10 and after a three hour session of gaming my vrm 1 max temperature is 98. ive been trying to get the temps down but like you i thought adding a vrm cooling kit wasnt possible. i suppose though as long as you have a cooling kit and know where the vrm 1 is under the hg10 you could use a thermal two sided tape and mount it on that way. it should work, how well idk. but your vrm 1 is rated for temps up to 120, after that it usually will just crash you card. my card has been running temps like that for nearly a year and it performs great and is stable as anything. i wouldnt be concerned but i know the feeling of alt tabbing to check vrm temps haha. let me know if you have any success lowering your temps and ill owe you one.
 
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nismozz

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Oct 24, 2015
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I know. It is a common issue with the HG10 bracket for the R9 290(x). I found that the VRM is still ok at 100*C (not in my case but there are many people reported their VRM temp is through the roof at something crazy like 105 115*C), though, the lower is the better. I know where the VRM 1 is and I also thought about adding some small copper heatsinks but I don't think they will stick to the bracket.

And same here, I have also been using the card for about a year and it is still running strong, no throttling, no overheating or anything. The thing is I always want to lower the temp as low as possible lol. I have just found an alternative way to lower the temp.

My alternative option is to add a 120mm Static Pressure fan (smaller fans are better at directing air) to push the air directly at the HG10 bracket, the fan lowers the temp of the bracket about 5*C so it actually helps to lower the temps on both VRM 1 and 2. My GPU is right above the PSU so I put the fan on 4 screws and put it on top of the PSU, it blows the air right at the HG10 bracket. You should do the same thing, it's cheap and easy to do. The key here is to aim directly at the bracket, I believe case fans won't work since it spreads the air around. Static Pressure fans are good at this.
 
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dznuts

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Oct 18, 2014
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it does not look like that cooler has a back plate. i think you missed a key word i said you can mount it on the "BACK" of the card. im sorry i don't have any pics as i don't have 290x anymore. again the vrm1 heatsink can be mounted on the BACK side of the card. all you need is to get 2 screws.
 
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