VRAM Overheating on PhN16-72 with RTX 4060 - Recommendation on a heat pad or liquid metal?

Anasnarooeii

Hi everyone, I have been using my Acer Predator Helios 16 phn16-72 for about a year now.

Equipped with: - Processor: Intel Core i9-14900HX - GPU: NVIDIA RTX 4060 8GB (140W TGP) - Display: 16-inch QHD (2560x1600) - RAM: 32 GB DDR5 - Memory: 2TB PCIe Gen4 SSD system works great and the core temperature of the processor and GPU during the game and stress tests is in the normal range. However, I am constantly facing problems with overheating VRAM. Problem Details: - During the 2K game (QHD resolution), VRAM temperature reaches 86 to 90 degrees Celsius, even at moderate ambient temperatures. - Reducing in-game graphics settings is hardly helpful; Temperatures at best drop to 80 to 82 degrees Celsius. - This happens in several titles, including Battlefield V and The Last of Us Part II. - The GPU core stays cool (up to 75 degrees Celsius), so the problem seems to be unique. to VRAM modules. My questions: 1. Does replacing standard heat pads on VRAM with higher quality pads (for example, 12-14 W / MK) help significantly? 2. If I open the system to replace VRAM thermal pads, should I also consider using liquid metal for CPU and GPU molds, or if their temperature is already good, I should not do so. Has anyone else with this model encountered the same thermal problems as VRAM and what worked best for you? My goal is long-term thermal stability without compromising warranty or safety. Any insight or advice will be very welcome. Thank you in advance!

Puraw

https://community.acer.com/en/discussion/728483/vram-overheating-on-phn16-72-with-rtx-4060-recommendation-on-a-heat-pad-or-liquid-metal

Hi Anasnarooeii

Your PHN16-72 with RTX 4060 shows elevated VRAM temps (86–90°C) even when GPU core stays under control. Before replacing thermal pads or using liquid metal, I suggest trying this:

1. Disable Processor Performance Boost Mode
   • Go to Edit Power Plan → Advanced Power Settings → Processor power management → Processor performance boost mode.
   • Set both On battery and Plugged in to Disabled.

This limits CPU boost behavior and helps reduce internal heat buildup, which can indirectly lower VRAM temps.

1. Use Balanced power plan with Best power efficiency
   • Go to Settings → System → Power & battery → Power mode.
   • Select Best power efficiency under the Balanced plan.

These steps are reversible and won’t affect warranty. Let me know if you want help logging thermal behavior before and after changes.