Acer Predator Orion 3000 PO3-640 high GPU temps under load

rezzin
rezzin Member Posts: 6

Tinkerer

I've had the Orion 3000 for about a year now and have noticed that my GPU temps under load are starting to stabilise above 80c. I don't think this has been an issue before and has only started to happen recently. Undervolting doesn't help. I have a couple of questions for someone more knowledgeable:

Is this normal?

If not, I have considered taking it to Acer but I'm thinking an easier and more practical solution would be to just re-paste the GPU would this void the warranty?

Is there anything else I could do to bring the temps down a bit?

Cheers

Answers

  • Puraw
    Puraw ACE, Member Posts: 13,441 Trailblazer

    You can try to lower the maximum processor power state from 100% to 95% if that option is available in your Advanced power plan settings, makes a big difference in overheating laptops.

  • GotBanned
    GotBanned Member Posts: 654 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    Repasting should help with core temps, but you may also need new thermal pads. Try forum search. If you are lucky someone has already done this and can tell you the needed thickness.

    While at it, clean the cooler fins and check that the fans are spinning properly. Could be that one of them has some problems.

  • rezzin
    rezzin Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    edited June 2023

    I'm referring to the Predator Orion 3000 desktop not the Laptop, also it's the GPU I'm having an issue with, I've already replaced the CPU fan and that is fine. Thanks

  • rezzin
    rezzin Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    edited June 2023

    Thanks for the reply! So is it safe to assume that something isn't right with the GPU temps?

    I've got some Arctic MX-6 paste coming today so will take the GPU apart, re-paste and see what difference it makes. Then if it doesn't change anything I will go ahead and measure the thermal pads and replace those too.

    & Yeah I'll definitely give it a good clean out while I'm taking it apart :)

  • rezzin
    rezzin Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Thanks for the reply! So is it safe to assume that something isn't right with the GPU temps?

    I've got some Arctic MX-6 paste coming today so will take the GPU apart, re-paste and see what difference it makes. Then if it doesn't change anything I will go ahead and measure the thermal pads and replace those too.

    & Yeah I'll definitely give it a good clean out while I'm taking it apart :)

  • GotBanned
    GotBanned Member Posts: 654 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon
    edited June 2023

    There are many GPU temps such as core, memory, junction and so called hot spot. The temp Predator Sense(?) reports is most likely core temp. Free GPU-Z reads more sensors and this gives more temp readings, if you are interested to know more.

    I would not worry about core hitting 80+C under heavy gaming. If GPU was idling over 50C I'd crack the GPU open in a heartbeat.

    It is better the lower the temps are, but anything under 90 is safe. One benefit for lowering the temps is that the fans spin slower and thus make less noise.

  • rezzin
    rezzin Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Thanks again for the information. Yes the 80c I was referring too was the core temp according to MSI afterburner. I would say it got to that temp after about 80% utilisation so not heavy heavy gaming but definitely has a load on it.

    I decided to take apart the GPU and have a look at it, the thermal pads look OK, they are still sticky so from what I understand they don't need replacing, the thermal paste however was clumpy and while it did have decent coverage parts of it were extremely thin, so I'm hoping that's the issue. A plus on taking the GPU apart was that there are no stickers on the screws like I've noticed on other cards so the warranty I imagine would remain intact.

  • GotBanned
    GotBanned Member Posts: 654 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    Thermal paste tends to dry and lose some performance in time. If the thermal pads are not crumbling and have pressure marks on them (proof of contact) there shouldn't be any problems.

    New paste and some undervolting should bring the temps down quite a bit. Keep us posted!

  • rezzin
    rezzin Member Posts: 6

    Tinkerer

    Okay so - update time!

    Firstly with taking the GPU apart - very easy, most of the screws are the same size apart from the 4 spring loaded screws and the ones that go onto the back of the case and the ones that go into the motherboard.

    Used Arctic MX6 paste, and after testing here are the results:

    Prior to repasting, fan speed was >2200rpm and 80-82c under 80-100% load.

    Now, fan speeds are <2000rpm and 77-79c under 100% load.

    Been gaming for 20 minutes at 100% load and temps have not risen above 79c.

    Overall, a resounding success. If I undervolt it and add a custom fan curve I'd bet I could get it significantly cooler, but at the minute I'm happy with under 80c.

    Thanks for all the advice!

  • GotBanned
    GotBanned Member Posts: 654 Seasoned Specialist WiFi Icon

    Nice!

    If your have the appetite for further gains, look into deshrouding and using aftermarket fans.

    If the heatsink is totally flat like it was in 3070 (see the pic below for reference) jerry-rigging two 92mm fans with zip ties is pretty easy. Sorry but I can't remember if the cables can be attached to the card itself or do the need to be powered otherwise. Maybe there are adaptors that could be used?

    Anyway, good job!