Why is the max temp of a gpu so much higher than a cpu?

[Martin 71]

Hey,
Just curious, why is it that the max temp of a cpu is usually ~60c but a gpu's max temp is about 80-90c?

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

Theres been gpus running full time 105-110c, normal temps

 

[jryan388]

Umm well the max for my Athlon II x2 is 74C I think... So CPUs can't reach the same temp as GPUs... But IDK why not.

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

This is a good question for Ape, as he remembers the older cards better than I, plus ther are structural differences

 

[wa1]

Read this:
http://www.hardwaresecrets.com/article/143
I hope that link can help you...

 

[Martin 71]

thanks guys, and I guess my numbers were a little off... but the point still applies... why is it that gpu's have a higher temp threshold?

 

[notty22]

You have to compare generation to generation also.
cpu's are at 45nm, gpu's at 40nm.
The g100 has 3 billion transistors compare that to the i5 750. It has 775 million. About the same for i7 920.
The other reason, is the software. The coding of games. It executes in a way that puts full load across all the stream processors its version of cores. Like running prime 95 or encoding a video on a cpu.
This is a layman explanation , but I think explains why gpu's get hot while gaming. At least partially.
Most of us, don't utilize cpu power under the hood of our rigs , unless we are gaming or running benchmarks. So the cpu is always only partially utilized.
Web browsing , document work, the cpu can even run with power saving features, lowering clock speed, core voltage, and shifting load from core to core which decreases heat and increases electrical efficiency.
The gpu goes to work , over time mode the moment you start 3d gaming.

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

I think hes around, just taking a long deserved break

 

[Martin 71]

okay... so it's ok for my eah5850 to hit 60c then? 'cause my old one only went up to 45... but I had to rma it... are these norm temps? it idles at 46

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

No problems atr all
What you need to look at is, see what the same gen card/cpu temps run at in reviews, others comments, and youre safe, anything cooler is preference mainly, say by adding better coolers, water cooling etc, or if you OC

 

[Martin 71]

No problems atr all
What you need to look at is, see what the same gen card/cpu temps run at in reviews, others comments, and youre safe, anything cooler is preference mainly, say by adding better coolers, water cooling etc, or if you OC

well, it's not oc'ed, but I have seen higher temps than before. It's a lot hotter out right now though.

 

[Martin 71]

I'm not worried about my cpu though... it's at 3.8ghz, and it's under 50c always in prime 95.

 

[JAYDEEJOHN]

60s are great for gpus, even 70s.
My preference is 70s, even on hotter cards

 

[Martin 71]

ok thanks

 

[Martin 71]

Best answer selected by Martin 71.

 

[Mousemonkey]

This topic has been closed by Mousemonkey