Overheating XFX HD 4890. Is it dangerous?

I have an XFX HD 4890 which is known to be a hot card & it has been overheating and shutting down my computer recently.
It also has a long standing problem with the fan which is the cause of the overheating.

This image was taken while playing and episode of Stargate & surfing the internet on Windows 7, which is not very demanding for a GPU.
I have three questions that I would like some help with…
1. Does anyone know at what temps the card will actually cut out & shut down?
2. Is there any chance of damaging the other components in my computer by running a GFX card at temperatures so high it causes the system to crash/shut down?
3. Would I be best off removing the GFX card & rely on the onboard GFX that my MoBo has?
THX for any advice.
Answer #1
No onboard will compare to this card, it should not damage you computer at all and while these graphics cards say they can go over 100C, that’s damn hot, and I would expect to start seeing issues once you hit 100C.
Do you have good cooling in your case? I think that might be the issue here, also make sure your GPU is not clogged at all!
Answer #2
In general – 60c for idle and 80 or so at peak is normal.
Not sure what benchmark techpowerup uses, but many of these apps test the cards in a seriously aggressive manner that give you results that will never be found in normal use.
I would go with SmAAsHeDr’s thought – your general cooling should be looked at.
One thing you didn’t mention, how hot is the room? Now if you are in Australia and the ambient temp is 40c already, then your computer temp will also be much higher
Answer #3
Do you have good cooling in your case? I think that might be the issue here, also make sure your GPU is not clogged at all!
My case is fine & is not the problem…
1-2 years ago the fan on the card stopped working & XFX didn’t want to send me a replacement (v. bad support) so I drilled a couple of holes in the plastic cover & screwed another fan over the hole left by the broken (removed) fan.
This has worked fine untill recently, I have removed the card & cleared dust from it & the PC to be sure a few times over the past month (while the crashing has become more regular)
I may try to replace jerry rigged fan soon but it won’t be easy & I’m not eager to do. I am looking for advice in the short term TBH.
I know I need a new card but should I leave the current one in? or is it a nuke that’ll destroy my MoBo (PCIe slot)?
Not sure what benchmark techpowerup uses, but many of these apps test the cards in a seriously aggressive manner that give you results that will never be found in normal use.
This was under normal use, not a torture test… My card is as good as dead, I just want to know if it is dangerous to run a card at these temps & higher while under stress, it has been shuting down my PC recently, will I do any lasting damage, should I remove the card?
One thing you didn't mention, how hot is the room?
I’m in England & it’s bloody cold here atm so not a worry, this will be much more of a prob come summer tho.
THX for the replies!
Answer #4
Putting a mini-furnace into a box filled with silicon…..never a good thing!
Knowing that the fan has been fixed using the only remedy available to you, I would suggest it’s time to replace the card. So much inexpensive than frying everything. Well it won’t fry, but the higher temps will shorten the life of other components.
Answer #5
my 4890 went the same way (i think).
people say you can try to re-flow it in an oven (albeit I have never tried this). i just got a newer GPU instead.
Answer #6
Video cards like to overheat if your power supply is very bad.
Answer #7
I added a custom water cooling system to my pc, also covers the gpu. That should definitely solve your issue!




Answer #8
have you check your gpu for bloated capacitors? how many years does this gpu serves you?
you mention that you made some mode about the fan.. might well check on the heatsink of it..
maybe it needs thermal paste replacement..