author: GRG
Gamer Dismantled an RTX 3090 and Found Something Unusual
It's not just poor quality thermal pads or thermal pastes that can cause a GPU to overheat. A latex finger pad left inside a RTX 3090 Founders Edition by an employee assembling the device has just been added to the list of possible causes.
One Reddit user shared an unusual discovery he made inside his new GeForce RTX 3090 Founders Edition GPU. Concerned about the high temperature of the memory on the GPU, reaching 110 degrees Celsius within minutes of use, he decided to replace the thermopads. After unscrewing the case, he saw that the memory chips were covered with a suspicious-looking piece of rubber, which turned out to be a finger pad made of latex - standard equipment for professionals when assembling electronics. Removing it lowered the memory temperature to 84 degrees.
After reporting the problem to Nvidia, the company at first informed the user that the warranty had been voided due to him taking the card apart by himself. After analyzing the matter, however, the company decided to leave the warranty intact. A visit to the service center was not necessary.
Latex finger covers of this type are commonly used in the electronics industry. Their task is to protect small and sensitive elements from contact with human skin during manufacturing. It is a carrier of dust particles, produces grease, and leaves imprints, which is very important in the production process. In medicine, such items are most often used for local application of drugs in the form of ointments and gels. They are also widely used in the restoration of works of art. During the last presidential elections in the United States, disposable finger pads were used to vote using touch screens at polling stations.