Desktop GPU Cooling System: dried thermal compound. Aged material no longer fills microscopic gaps effectively.

The distinguishing clue

Load temperature is high even with good airflow and fan speed.

Checks before an assessment

Record whether visual artefacts, fan noise and loss of video occur together. Stop graphics load when there is excessive heat, a burning smell or a stopped fan.

Stop point: Stop graphics-load testing if artefacts combine with excessive heat or burning smell.

Workshop confirmation and repair

Device-level check: Log graphics temperature, hotspot, clocks and fan speed while checking case airflow and card condition.

Targeted check: Exclude blocked fins and inspect the contact pattern after safe removal. If confirmed: Clean and apply the correct compound in an appropriate amount.

Repair boundary: Repair the fan, heatsink, pad, compound or controller fault confirmed on the graphics card.

Related cause to rule out

When temperature rises almost immediately under modest load, also consider Desktop GPU Cooling System: poor heatsink contact before choosing a repair.

Checks after the work

After repair or replacement, check video output, graphics load, fan response, hotspot and cooldown.

For an AEPC repair assessment in East Auckland, provide the exact model and observed clue. Call 027 908 8880 before visiting the Burswood workshop.