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    is testing a video card without thermal pads possible?

    Discussion in 'Hardware Components and Aftermarket Upgrades' started by destinationsky, Nov 18, 2013.

  1. destinationsky

    destinationsky Notebook Evangelist

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    I traded my 6970m for a 5870m plus cash and now need to try the 5870m out before leaving a feedback to the seller. Could I test it without thermal pads? I just want to see how it works, no usage test. Thanks
     
    destinationsky, Nov 18, 2013
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  2. ajnindlo

    ajnindlo Notebook Deity

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    No, do not test a cpu or gpu without properly attaching a heatsink, you can burn it out very fast. You could use thermal paste instead of pads. Does the heatsink cover the ram, if so you might need pads for those.
     
    ajnindlo, Nov 18, 2013
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  3. baii

    baii Sone

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    If you mean pad on the vram/electric parts, probably fine. But you want heatsink+pad/old paste at least on the die.
     
    baii, Nov 18, 2013
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  4. destinationsky

    destinationsky Notebook Evangelist

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    I have a heat sink which I believe still has the thermal pads from the front side of the gpu. The bottom side is my biggest question. Is there a picture somewhere of the areas that should be covered with the pads on a 5870m? Thanks
     
    destinationsky, Nov 18, 2013
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  5. jotm

    jotm Notebook Evangelist

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    It's fine for just powering up the laptop and booting into the OS for a short time (~10-15 minutes).

    But do not run any benchmarks without the pads, at best it will start artifacting and lock up, and at worst you'll damage something.
     
    jotm, Nov 19, 2013
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