Radeon HD 4850 85*C idle, 110*C under load.

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the overheating issues experienced with a Radeon HD 4850 graphics card, specifically temperatures reaching 85 degrees Celsius at idle and exceeding 110 degrees Celsius under load. Participants explore potential causes, solutions, and the implications of these temperature readings, with a focus on both technical specifications and user experiences.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested
  • Exploratory

Main Points Raised

  • One participant reports that their Radeon HD 4850 reaches high temperatures, questioning whether the card is faulty and if they should request a replacement.
  • Another participant notes that while 110 degrees Celsius seems high, the 4850 is known to operate at elevated temperatures and suggests checking the manufacturer's specifications for safe operating ranges.
  • Concerns are raised about the accuracy of temperature readings, with a participant asking what software is used to monitor these temperatures.
  • Participants discuss the process of obtaining an RMA (Return Material Authorization) for returning the card, emphasizing the need to contact tech support first.
  • One participant expresses concern about fitting a new sound card in the PCIe slot beneath the HD 4850 due to heat issues, while others suggest checking for proper airflow and compatibility.
  • A later reply speculates that the reported temperatures might actually be in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius, suggesting that such high temperatures would be unusual for the GPU.
  • Another participant confirms that the temperatures are indeed in Celsius and provides suggestions for improving cooling, such as enhancing case airflow or installing an aftermarket heatsink.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the reported temperatures, with some suggesting that high temperatures are typical for the 4850, while others question the accuracy of the readings and the potential for hardware failure. No consensus is reached regarding the necessity of returning the card or the best course of action.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the safe operating temperatures for the Radeon HD 4850, the accuracy of temperature monitoring software, and the potential impact of airflow on the GPU's performance.

The_Absolute
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I have a Gateway gaming desktop, and whenever I play a game, the temperature shoots up from it's 85 degrees Celsius idle, to past 110 degrees Celsius under load. With the fan speed running 100% which is loud enough to hear it from several rooms away. Is my card faulty? Should I send it back to the manufacturer and ask them to send me another one? It's using it's stock air cooler, and it is running on all stock clock speeds. It has not been overclocked in any way.

Eventually, the card will burn itself out and stop working, and I'll have to get a new one. People have been telling me to "RMA" my card because it could be faulty. What does that mean?
 
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110 seems a bit hot, but 4850s are known to run fairly hot. What brand is it? Have you read the manual? It should say in the specs the safe operating temperatures, if your temps are within the safe range, then its no problem.

RMA means to return the card from where you got it, they check it out and either send you a new one or what not. Most people see high temps and immediately think somethings wrong, but check the spec sheet on your card first. The engineers design these things to operate at high temps.
 
Also what are you using to record these temperatures? Different programs can give different temperatures.
 
whs said:
Also what are you using to record these temperatures? Different programs can give different temperatures.

The ATI Catalyst control center. The GPU temperature, fan speed, and activity level are displayed there. GPU-Z also reads the same temps.
 
Ok, so what is the safe operating temperature of your card.

These 'people' you speak of obviously know this already, that is why they are telling you to send it back. (Note: I wouldn't trust these people)
 
To return a part you first need an RMA. What that means is you call up tech support and if they determine you need a new card they'll give you an RMA number and shipping information. You don't just send it back by yourself - tech support does their thing first. The actual acronym means "Return Material Authorization."

I'd just call them up instead of playing around with it and get an answer from the source. Sometimes you can find a work around or a fix online that they don't know about, but the company obviously doesn't want to send you a new card if it doesn't have to. It could also be a known issue with certain cards or drivers or whatever. They could have a fix for you in a few minutes. Just call tech support :smile:.
 
I was thinking of buying a new soundcard. Since the PCIe 1x slot is directly underneath the HD 4850 GPU, I was afraid that it would either not fit, or would get fried by the enormous heat produced by my HD 4850. Is this a good idea?
 
The_Absolute said:
I was thinking of buying a new soundcard. Since the PCIe 1x slot is directly underneath the HD 4850 GPU, I was afraid that it would either not fit, or would get fried by the enormous heat produced by my HD 4850. Is this a good idea?

It's possible it wouldn't fit, but there are ATX specifications that your graphics card manufacturer will probably want to adhere to to make sure things would fit. Often when graphics cards have 2 GPUs on them they will take up 2 full slots, but you can check this easily by looking at the back of your case and seeing if it takes 1 slot or two. I would be worried more about airflow to the GPU being impaired and it heating up even more. The sound card will probably be fine if it fits.
 
The_Absolute said:
I was thinking of buying a new soundcard. Since the PCIe 1x slot is directly underneath the HD 4850 GPU, I was afraid that it would either not fit, or would get fried by the enormous heat produced by my HD 4850. Is this a good idea?

Have you any clue about what brand OR safe operating temp of your card?

I'm thinking you gave up on this simple endeavor.
 
  • #10
I strongly suspect that it's really 85 F and 110 F. If that's the case, there's nothing to worry about. It would be fairly incredible for the video chip to heat up to 85 C (185 F) when idle, unless the cooler was poorly attached or malfunctioning... and the chip wouldn't last long at that temperature.
 
  • #11
It's degrees C allright. 4850s are known for high temps: http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/radeon-hd-4850,1957-22.html

What you can do:

- get a case with better air flow,

- install an after market heatsink.

Good news is I have never heard of a 4850 burning up, they seem to like the heat. :wink: They should be good to 120 C.
 

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