AMD Radeon HD 6990M running too hot

About a year ago I purchases a Lotus (Clevo) P150HM from Malibal with the following simplified specs:

-Intel Core i7 2630QM
-8GB RAM
-500GB HDD w/ 4GB flash
-AMD Radeon HD 6990M

I was recently having problems with my GPU that I've since resolved. During the time I spent resolving said problems (It turned out to be some kind of big driver up) I removed the heatsink and screwed it back on thinking that my GPU was possibly overheating or something, which turned out not to be the case. After I got everything working again, I noticed that my GPU temps during gaming have skyrocketed. While playing just about any game, my GPU runs at a constant 103C! My idle temperatures are all approximately 40C (which has been the status quo since I received the machine so no complaints there). I tried making sure that the screws were tight and the heatsink seems perfectly stable. What could be causing my problem?

 

Did you happen to check the thermal compound when you removed the heatsink? You may need a repaste. Also, ensure that you reinserted the heatsink properly; it needs just the right amount of contact to dissipate heat properly. 103 C is over 200 F, so you will most certainly destroy the GPU if it keeps running at that temp under load.

 

Thank you for the reply. How do I check the thermal compound, what am I looking for exactly? Also, how do I properly ensure that the heatsink is making enough contact?

 

It's literally what it sounds like. It's a white-ish material on the GPU core. It's the same thing as on the CPU and it's required to manage temperatures in any machine, desktop or laptop.

 

I know what the compound looks like, I'm just not sure how to tell if I need to repaste the GPU core or not. And how can I tell if the heatsink has been properly seated as well?

 

Well, you'll know when you need to repaste based off there being hardly anything on the GPU. There will be a minimal amount of paste on the GPU, and the paste will be somewhat encrusted even (will vary depending on the quality of the compound you've used).

As for the heatsink, it's hard to elucidate - you kind of develop a feel for it.When you screw it back in, don't over do it, but use some pressure when you re-install it.

 

So it's possible to put it on too tight? This didn't seem to be an issue until I removed it the first time. From your description of the thermal paste it does sound like I need to re-apply it though.

 

Just re-do the paste. If you took it off and didn't redo the paste that is usually not a good thing to do, and is probably what is causing your problem.

 

I agree. Normally, the only time a repaste is omitted after disassembling is to check the coverage and/or cure.

You are unlikely to damage something by putting it on too tight, but there is a science behind the thermodynamics.

Too tight = possible heat trap.
Too light = too much heat escapes.

So as pathetic of a description as this might be, apply "normal" pressure.