Went from a 1660ti to a 3080 and I wanted to shove my fist through my face.
Posted by Xx_Arch_xX@reddit | buildapc | View on Reddit | 24 comments
So this is a mix of asking for advice and a story. For the record, I'm not a PC builder. I know a bit, but enough to be the equivalent of changing my own oil and brakes on a car and having other basic knowledge compared to a full-on Mechanic.
I've been running an old 1660ti for a while. A long while. It can run Helldivers 2, Cyberpunk, Oblivion Remaster, it's getting the job done. I figured I'd be crazy not to throw a 3080 in it.
I have a 16x17x7.5" case and tho I have a modular power supply, i couldn't find the other cables so I could have 2 separate plugs, so I used the same plug that had 2 ends. And it got hot. 90-98C (194-208F). The 1660ti hits 75C to 80C (167-176F) on a bad day.
Lost almost a full, literal 24h to this thing. I hate this piece of shit 3080. Probly a great card, but not for me.
Now I got a question. The 1660ti is likely similar in it's build to other better cards. What else is about the same size (2 fans, etc) and runs as good but is better?
Parking_Cress_5105@reddit
You need to repaste it.
Any used GPU that doesnt use PTM pads that was shipped/moved has to be repasted after.
Old paste gets hard, and when the cooler moves it loses a lot of contact.
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
I see. I know what that means, but it's beyond my ability. A friend sold it to me, he doesn't screw around so he likely didn't think to do that. Also that means im not out the money, he'll take it back.
prashinar_89@reddit
Just find damn technician capable of replacing thermal paste and pads. I fixed a random guys that asked me on reddit from my country to fix overheating 3080 Ti.
Thermal Grizzly Phasesheet + Thermal Putty Advanced.
Material was 40$ and 1.5h pf work another 15$.
He is very happy with his GPU now.
DarkKumane@reddit
Repasting the core is significantly easier than you think. If you can use a screwdriver and don't rip things apart (gently pry away the casing and be sure to be careful unplugging the fans) you will be fine. Get some 99% isopropyl and a qtip or microfiber cloth.
beirch@reddit
Repasting is the equivalent of changing brakes on a car. It's not hard at all.
There are tons of youtube tutorials out there.
jamiemgr@reddit
I bought a 3080ti, temps were ridiculous, slightly better after a repaste. Next day sold it on ebay and got a 4070 instead. Similar performance and temps are a lot better
cstatus94@reddit
How much did you pay?
MaleficentBig1153@reddit
Try a 4060 ti. They can be found with one plug.
ItyBityGreenieWeenie@reddit
I feel your pain. General rule is to stay in the same class for power/heat/noise. The 3080 is two classes up, so more power/heat/noise. The 3060 might not be enough for your upgrade. How would a 5060 be? Or AMD alternate?
Another option is explore undervolting your 3080... but that is a whole can of worms that might take even more of your time and you will need to sort out the cable/PSU side as well.
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
I tried undervolting by 70% but it got hotter than satans balls while he was in his kitchen during a hell summer. I'll look into the 3060 and 5060, I also heard the 4060 might work too, but idk.
loliii123@reddit
Just as a sanity check, can you also underclock by 10-15% and check the power draw before and after with something like hwinfo. You'd be surprised how far they push the cards, you can probably save like 30% power draw (and heat) for a minor reduction in performance.
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
I tried that. Not sure if I did it right, I decided I'm not knowledgeable enough to mess with unndervolting and stuff. I wana plug and go.
ItyBityGreenieWeenie@reddit
Staying in the xx60 should keep you in the same envelope with your existing system. If you want to keep the 3080, you'll need to figure out the PSU/cable problem. Modular need the EXACT cable they came with, too risky buying after market. It may behave better then. Undervolting has two sides, the voltage and the various clock settings. You generally need to find a balance where it is stable, lower the frequency and voltage. The fans also may not be working properly, they usually have a curve and spin up and down, but at that temp would be at max. Also a repaste of the GPU heatsink won't hurt, like the other poster said.
If you post the exact model of video card and PSU you might get better advice.
But all in all I would expect the 3080 to run much hotter than a 1660. A 4060 will be a good upgrade to a 1660 and should be more similar in the power/heat department.
michael_1215@reddit
The power wire gets to 98C, or the GPU core? The cooler might need to be repasted, if it's 6 years old
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
The temp in task manger was 90-98c. I have no idea what the wire was.
DarkKumane@reddit
Repaste the core, add new thermal pads, and check the general cooling of your pc. The most important thing right now is repasting the core, so start there.
Zuokula@reddit
1660ti/super was the last good value GPU from ngreedia imo.
geemad7@reddit
Throw the 3080 into what? please give some details. Right now this is a garbage question with garbage answers as a result.
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
What details do you want?
Separate-Ad9638@reddit
U might want to check if your PSU is safe for high wattage card for sustained use. I run rtx 5060, so I don't worry about this aspect, but I've seen people with burnt cables etc ... Might need an atx 3.x power supply or whatever.
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
im looking to move away from the 3080 and to a lower wattage card, like 150w or less.
Legitimate_Payment49@reddit
thats a lot of current drawing from one cable. i wouldnt worry about frying that rtx 3080 as much as burning down your house...
Xx_Arch_xX@reddit (OP)
The card is out, my house is fine.
NotChillyEnough@reddit
Any time you buy a used GPU, you should expect it to need to be dusted. You don't know how dirty the prior owner's house was. While you're at it, reapplying new thermal paste can also help.
The power cable isn't an issue. The PSU's 2-plug cables are perfectly safe.