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Image: AMD
Some AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX owners have claimed that their graphics cards are getting way too hot, and the reason for that may be a defective vapor chamber, according to Roman “der8auer” Hartung, a popular overclocker who has tested red team’s latest flagship GPU in various orientations, including developing a custom stand, and determined that there appears to be some kind of design flaw with the $899 RNDA 3 product.
“It is the vapor chamber,” Hartung confidently states at the end of the video, published on New Year’s Day, before opining that AMD is going to be in “big trouble” for this alleged misstep in engineering.
AMD critics have pointed out that this is an especially bad look for the company, being that it tried to publicly shame NVIDIA for its 16-pin power connectors, which burned up and failed for some GeForce RTX 4090 owners.
Now it looks like AMD has its own major controversy to worry about.
“We are aware that a limited number of users are experiencing unexpected thermal throttling on AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics cards (reference models made by AMD),” reads a statement from AMD.
“Users experiencing unexpected thermal throttling of an AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX should contact AMD Support.”
Update: January 9th, 2023, to add the below from AMD.
We are working to determine the root cause of the unexpected throttling experienced by some while using the AMD Radeon RX 7900 XTX graphics cards made by AMD. Based on our observations to-date, we believe the issue relates to the thermal solution used in the AMD reference design and appears to be present in a limited number of the cards sold. We are committed to solving this issue for impacted cards. Customers experiencing this unexpected throttling should contact AMD Support (https://www.amd.com/en/support/contact-call).
I mean, they do make the reference design, do they still make their own cards? Seems like it would be on the AIBs who are implementing a cooling solution... with the exception of AMD branded cards.
LazyGamer
👍 2
"Brian_B, post: 65217, member: 96" wrote:
Is AMD responsible for the vapor chamber?
I mean, they do make the reference design, do they still make their own cards? Seems like it would be on the AIBs who are implementing a cooling solution... with the exception of AMD branded cards.
A category I've become aware of as of this latest release is 'Made By AMD' cards that are then sold by their partners, thus 'MBA' cards. Yes, this is AMDs cooler design, sold to their partners, unfortunately.
Brent_Justice
👍 3
So, the issue is either two-fold I believe: 1.) An inherent design issue, that needs a revision 2.) Just a batch of defective chambers made in manufacturing, and not an inherent design flaw.
Only the manufacturer and AMD knows or hopefully are investigating.
Marees
"Brian_B, post: 65217, member: 96" wrote:
Is AMD responsible for the vapor chamber?
I mean, they do make the reference design, do they still make their own cards? Seems like it would be on the AIBs who are implementing a cooling solution... with the exception of AMD branded cards.
The reference cards are sub-contracted to manufacturers in China, including AIB reference cards.
Last I checked Zotac (PC Partner) was a major supplier for AMD GPUs
Marees
👍 2
Today Igor weighs in by sharing a note from a board partner. It is reported that the undisclosed OEM suspects at least one faulty batch of Radeon 7900 series might have left the factory. The possible issue being described is insufficient coolant added to the vapor chamber.
Possible explanation of Radeon 7900 thermal problem, Source: Igor’sLAB
Igor does not want to spoil the der8auer’s new findings, so what is important is that the YouTuber is to share a new video tomorrow which should provide us more information.
According to that claim, then, it is sounding like a 'bad batch' and not an inherent flaw of the design.
Unlike 12VHPWR, IMO, is an example of a poor design.
G
GunShot
Uh-huh!
"But... but... but... these temps are 'normal' - by design thermals... CPUs 90°-ish and GPUs 100°-ish!" ?
Sorry, Su... but, uhm... I know it's frightening and all, especially knowing about your broken earnings numbers at your last quarter reports but all your MBA's cards needs a massive recall... NOW! ?
Unlike 12VHPWR, IMO, is an example of a poor design.
I agree with you about the bad design end of the connector, but they considered that a "bad batch" of cables at the beginning as well until they realized it was something different. So in other words I am skeptical on this whole AMD fiasco just like everyone was on the Nvidia issue until they get to the bottom of things. This is actually going to be a big recall unlike Nvidia's issue though.
Grimlakin
👍 1
"Niner51, post: 65319, member: 106" wrote:
I agree with you about the bad design end of the connector, but they considered that a "bad batch" of cables at the beginning as well until they realized it was something different. So in other words I am skeptical on this whole AMD fiasco just like everyone was on the Nvidia issue until they get to the bottom of things. This is actually going to be a big recall unlike Nvidia's issue though.
Nvidia stuck it's head in the sand on its connector issue. Still a design flaw in my mind. Not that I wouldn't get the card if the money were ample.
LazyGamer
"Grimlakin, post: 65334, member: 215" wrote:
Nvidia stuck it's head in the sand on its connector issue. Still a design flaw in my mind. Not that I wouldn't get the card if the money were ample.
Given how long it took to replicate, and that the issue is rooted in user error - you didn't see review houses having the same issue until one happened upon the actual problem - I can see Nvidia remaining silent. Anything they said would have created potential liability where there should be none.
Niner51
👍 3
"Grimlakin, post: 65334, member: 215" wrote:
Nvidia stuck it's head in the sand on its connector issue. Still a design flaw in my mind. Not that I wouldn't get the card if the money were ample.
I see it as more of a split between bad design and end user error, but more on the end user error. Not too much to ask to make sure your cable is plugged into you $1,600 video card securely. Could it have been a better design? Yes, but let's not let everyone off the hook that easily. I'll be curious how AMD handles this issue and how many people carry the angry mob torches against them like they did Nvidia.
Denpepe
👍 3
I wonder if this is the reason XTX cards have been delisted on certain shops around here.
Brent_Justice
👍 2
AMD responds
[embedded media]
TLDR: batch issue, not enough liquid Promised: no more "up to" messaging
Discussion (19 replies)
Join Discussion →Is AMD responsible for the vapor chamber?
I mean, they do make the reference design, do they still make their own cards? Seems like it would be on the AIBs who are implementing a cooling solution... with the exception of AMD branded cards.
A category I've become aware of as of this latest release is 'Made By AMD' cards that are then sold by their partners, thus 'MBA' cards. Yes, this is AMDs cooler design, sold to their partners, unfortunately.
So, the issue is either two-fold I believe: 1.) An inherent design issue, that needs a revision 2.) Just a batch of defective chambers made in manufacturing, and not an inherent design flaw.
Only the manufacturer and AMD knows or hopefully are investigating.
The reference cards are sub-contracted to manufacturers in China, including AIB reference cards.
Last I checked Zotac (PC Partner) was a major supplier for AMD GPUs
Today Igor weighs in by sharing a note from a board partner. It is reported that the undisclosed OEM suspects at least one faulty batch of Radeon 7900 series might have left the factory. The possible issue being described is insufficient coolant added to the vapor chamber.
Possible explanation of Radeon 7900 thermal problem, Source: Igor’sLAB
Igor does not want to spoil the der8auer’s new findings, so what is important is that the YouTuber is to share a new video tomorrow which should provide us more information.
https://videocardz.com/newz/amd-partner-suspects-a-faulty-batch-of-reference-radeon-7900-gpus-is-affected-by-thermal-issues
According to that claim, then, it is sounding like a 'bad batch' and not an inherent flaw of the design.
Unlike 12VHPWR, IMO, is an example of a poor design.
Uh-huh!
"But... but... but... these temps are 'normal' - by design thermals... CPUs 90°-ish and GPUs 100°-ish!" ?
Sorry, Su... but, uhm... I know it's frightening and all, especially knowing about your broken earnings numbers at your last quarter reports but all your MBA's cards needs a massive recall... NOW! ?
Followup, he opens up the Vapor Chamber
[embedded media]
Update from Igor Wallossek :
AMD preparing to offer exchange/refunds.
https://www.igorslab.de/en/amd-radeon-rx-7900xtx-reference-cards-mba-and-the-hotspot-multiple-batches-of-vapor-chamber-affected-the-replacement-begins/
Hotspot problem of AMD’s Radeon RX 7900 XTX (MBA): Even several batches of the vapor chamber affected, replacement of thousands of cards starts
I agree with you about the bad design end of the connector, but they considered that a "bad batch" of cables at the beginning as well until they realized it was something different. So in other words I am skeptical on this whole AMD fiasco just like everyone was on the Nvidia issue until they get to the bottom of things. This is actually going to be a big recall unlike Nvidia's issue though.
Nvidia stuck it's head in the sand on its connector issue. Still a design flaw in my mind. Not that I wouldn't get the card if the money were ample.
Given how long it took to replicate, and that the issue is rooted in user error - you didn't see review houses having the same issue until one happened upon the actual problem - I can see Nvidia remaining silent. Anything they said would have created potential liability where there should be none.
I see it as more of a split between bad design and end user error, but more on the end user error. Not too much to ask to make sure your cable is plugged into you $1,600 video card securely. Could it have been a better design? Yes, but let's not let everyone off the hook that easily. I'll be curious how AMD handles this issue and how many people carry the angry mob torches against them like they did Nvidia.
I wonder if this is the reason XTX cards have been delisted on certain shops around here.
AMD responds
[embedded media]
TLDR: batch issue, not enough liquid
Promised: no more "up to" messaging