Nvidia’s RTX graphics cards have been hailed for their impressive performance, but one major drawback has been their size. The heatsinks on these cards are extremely large, particularly on high-end models like the RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4080, and RTX 4090. While the massive heatsink makes sense for the power-hungry RTX 4090, it seems unnecessary for the lower-powered models. This has led one Reddit user, known as TechTaxi, to take matters into their own hands and create a slim and compact version of the RTX 4080.
TechTaxi’s innovative solution involved transplanting the cooling system from a Gainward RTX 4070 Ghost OC card onto a Gainward RTX 4080 Phoenix GS circuit board. However, this task was not as simple as it sounds. The cooler from the smaller card did not fit perfectly on the larger PCB, requiring some skillful milling using a small CNC unit. After modifying the cooler, TechTaxi used a PTM7950 thermal pad on the GPU die and Upsiren UX Pro thermal putty on the VRMs and VRAM to enhance heat transfer.
Using a smaller heatsink naturally results in higher temperatures. However, TechTaxi’s modifications still yielded acceptable temperature readings. The GPU maintained a temperature of 70°C, the chip’s hotspot reached 81°C, and the VRAM stayed at 65°C. It is worth noting that these figures were obtained by running the fans at a constant 100% rpm for consistency in testing. Lower fan rates would likely result in higher temperatures.
Comparing these temperatures to those of a Founders Edition RTX 4080 tested by TechTaxi, it is clear that the modifications made a significant difference. However, it is important to consider that TechTaxi used a forced 75% power limit during testing, which further reduced the temperatures by 5°C to 10°C.
The smaller size of TechTaxi’s modified RTX 4080 offers several advantages. Firstly, it allows for compatibility with PC cases that cannot accommodate larger graphics cards. Many users face challenges when their cases do not have enough space for the hulking size of high-end graphics cards. Secondly, the smaller coolers required for a more compact design are also cheaper to manufacture. Although the cost difference may be minimal on an individual card basis, it adds up significantly when considering the number of cards shipped.
While it may be nostalgic to long for the era of single-slot graphics cards, the fact remains that as power levels have increased, so have the size requirements for coolers. However, TechTaxi’s endeavor serves as a testament to the fact that these coolers may not need to be as large as they currently are. By offering a solution that maintains acceptable temperatures with a smaller form factor, they have demonstrated the potential for a more streamlined and accessible graphics card design.
TechTaxi’s modification raises the question of why major graphics card manufacturers have not implemented similar strategies. Smaller coolers not only offer benefits in terms of size and cost, but they also contribute to quieter operation due to reduced fan noise. It is possible that future iterations of graphics cards will take inspiration from TechTaxi’s innovative approach and prioritize efficient cooling in a more compact form.
The Redditor’s successful modification of Nvidia’s RTX 4080 graphics card highlights the potential for smaller and more efficient cooling solutions. With some precision engineering and careful adjustments, TechTaxi achieved optimal temperatures without sacrificing performance. This groundbreaking achievement prompts the industry to explore the possibilities of smaller and more accessible graphics card designs in the future.
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