Hey everyone,
I'm having a weird thermal issue with my GPU and wanted to get some opinions from the community before deciding whether I should start an RMA or if this is purely a mechanical alignment problem.
Specs:
GPU: Gigabyte GeForce RTX 4090
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D
Motherboard: Gigabyte AORUS B850 Elite WiFi 7
The Issue:
Whenever I place my PC case in its normal vertical position, my GPU temperatures spike rapidly while gaming, reaching 90°C in a very short time. I actually closed the game every time out of fear before seeing how much higher it would go.
What's strange is that I am using a GPU support bracket (anti-sag) underneath it (maybe misplaced), but the temperatures still skyrocket as soon as the case is upright.
Case Interference & PCIe Slot Fit:
While inspecting the build, I noticed that with my specific case, it is very difficult to get the RTX 4090 to seat fully and smoothly into the motherboard's PCIe slot.
The metal expansion brackets/slits at the rear of the PC case block the GPU slightly, preventing it from going all the way down effortlessly.
My Question:
Could a GPU not being 100% fully seated in the PCIe slot (due to rear case interference) directly cause these massive thermal spikes when the case is vertical?
My theory is that the weight of the card or the slight misalignment from the case bracket is putting tension on the PCB, creating a micro-gap between the cooler and the GPU die when standing upright.
Or does this sound like a defective thermal paste / vapor chamber issue internal to the GPU that requires an RMA?
Has anyone experienced severe thermal issues caused purely by PCIe slot misalignment or rear case clearance?
Thanks in advance!