The size and bulkiness of Nvidia’s latest RTX graphics cards have been a point of contention for many users. Despite their impressive performance, the large heatsinks on these cards make them less than ideal for those with limited space or smaller PC cases. However, one inventive Reddit user, under the username TechTaxi, took matters into their own hands to create a compact and powerful solution. By carefully transplanting the cooling system from a smaller RTX 4070 Ghost OC card onto the circuit board of a larger RTX 4080 Phoenix GS, TechTaxi successfully achieved a dual slot RTX 4080 with improved thermal performance. This article explores this innovative solution and its implications for future graphics card designs.
One of the primary characteristics of Ada Lovelace graphics cards, such as the RTX 4070 Ti, RTX 4080, and RTX 4090, is their massive heatsinks. While the high-end models like the RTX 4090 require large heatsinks to dissipate the substantial power generated during gaming, the lower-power variants like the RTX 4080 do not necessarily need such oversized cooling solutions. TechTaxi recognized this discrepancy and sought to create a more compact alternative without compromising performance.
The process of creating a smaller RTX 4080 began with the disassembly of a Gainward RTX 4070 Ghost OC card. TechTaxi then carefully transferred the cooling system from this smaller card onto the circuit board of a Gainward RTX 4080 Phoenix GS. However, the cooler did not fit perfectly on the larger PCB, requiring some modifications. TechTaxi utilized a small CNC unit to mill out additional space underneath the heatsink for the components, ensuring a proper fit. With this modification, TechTaxi successfully achieved a dual slot RTX 4080 with a cooling system originally designed for the RTX 4070.
To ensure optimal heat transfer, TechTaxi used a PTM7950 thermal pad on the GPU die and Upsiren UX Pro thermal putty on the VRMs and VRAM. Despite using a smaller heatsink, TechTaxi managed to maintain acceptable temperatures during testing. The GPU reached 70C, the chip’s hotspot peaked at 81C, and the VRAM remained at 65C. It is important to note that TechTaxi conducted the tests with the fans running at a constant 100% rpm for consistency. Lower fan rates would result in higher temperatures, and even at the current levels, this modified RTX 4080 runs hotter than a Founders Edition card. However, TechTaxi successfully reduced the temperature by 5°C to 10°C by using a forced 75% power limit, resulting in better thermal performance.
The modification performed by TechTaxi highlights the potential for smaller and more efficient cooling solutions in high-performance graphics cards. While larger graphics cards may have aesthetic appeal, not all users have PC cases that can accommodate such massive cards. It is surprising that AIB vendors have not explored similar options, as smaller coolers are not only more practical but also cheaper to manufacture. Although the cost difference may be minimal for individual cards, it becomes significant when multiplied by the number of units shipped. The success of TechTaxi’s modification raises questions about the necessity of excessively large heatsinks and paves the way for future innovation in graphics card design.
TechTaxi’s innovative solution to create a smaller and more efficient RTX 4080 showcases the potential for improved thermal performance in graphics cards. By transplanting the cooling system from a smaller card onto the circuit board of a larger RTX 4080, TechTaxi not only achieved better temperatures but also opened up new possibilities for more compact and practical graphics card designs. The modified RTX 4080 serves as a testament to individual ingenuity and highlights the need for innovation in an industry dominated by oversized components. As power levels continue to rise, it is important to rethink the design and size of graphics card coolers, maximizing performance without compromising practicality.
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