23/02/2026 9:55 am
Topic starter
Notifications
Clear all
GPU Forum
4
Posts
5
Users
0
Reactions
129
Views
0
I have recently been monitoring my GPU stats while gaming and noticed that my memory junction temperatures are hitting the mid-90s, which is a bit higher than I would like. I am rocking a 30-series card with GDDR6X memory, and I have heard that the stock pads on these models are often pretty mediocre or tend to leak silicone oil after a year or so of heavy use. I really want to bring those temperatures down to ensure the card lasts as long as possible and maybe squeeze out a bit more performance without worrying about thermal throttling.
I have been looking into a few different options like the Gelid Solutions GP-Ultimate and the Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8, but I am getting a bit overwhelmed by the different thermal conductivity ratings. I know that softness and compressibility matter a lot too because if the pads are too stiff, the GPU core might not make proper contact with the heatsink, which could actually make my core temps worse. I am also trying to figure out if it is worth spending the extra cash on custom-cut sets like Kritical Pads or if the standard high-end sheets are the way to go.
- Current memory junction temps: 94-98 degrees Celsius
- Desired improvement: at least a 10-15 degree drop
- Main concern: pad thickness accuracy and compression
Has anyone here done a pad swap recently on a high-end card? Which specific brand and model of thermal pads would you recommend for the best balance of cooling performance and ease of installation?
4 Answers
12
23/02/2026 9:56 am
yo, I feel u on those GDDR6X temps lol. Here is how I see the options:
- Gelid Solutions GP-Ultimate Thermal Pad: Amazing 15 W/mK but basically zero squish.
- Thermal Grizzly Minus Pad 8: Softer but lower performance.
- Kritical Pads Custom GPU Thermal Pad Kit: Best choice. They are pre-cut and super soft. Honestly, grab the Kritical Pads Custom GPU Thermal Pad Kit. It literally saved my 3090. gl!
10
23/02/2026 10:30 am
Sooo I went through this last year with my 3080 and ngl I was pretty terrified of messing up the mounting pressure... i guess i just wanted to make sure i didnt break anything!! I saw the earlier suggestions but I ended up looking for alternatives that were a bit easier for a beginner like me to handle. Just sharing my experience:
- Thermalright Extreme Odyssey II Thermal Pad 12.8 W/mK
- Fujipoly Sarcon PG80A Thermal Pad Honestly the biggest thing I learned is that you gotta be sooo careful with the thickness. I actually bought a digital caliper to measure the stock ones because if ur even 0.5mm off it might actually ruin ur core contact and make things way worse. I mean it's kinda scary but just take it slow and maybe check some forums for ur specific card first... gl!! peace
5
23/02/2026 10:40 am
Just sharing my experience: I went through this last year on a budget. I was worried about mounting pressure, so I tried Arctic TP-3 120x20x1.5mm instead of those pricey kits. Honestly, it has a very low Shore 00 hardness and only cost me about $9...
- Got a 13C temp drop
- Fraction of the cost of boutique brands
- Super compressible for core contact Worked great for me tbh!
1
24/02/2026 4:55 pm
Just found this thread and ngl, the thought of opening up a high-end card like that makes me so nervous lol. I am always super worried about the long-term reliability if I mess up the mounting pressure and end up with worse core temps. Quick question though, what specific brand and model is your card? It really matters because the thickness needs vary like crazy between something like a 3080 FE versus a Strix or an FTW3. Also, have you checked if your manufacturer allows this without voiding the warranty? Some are way stricter than others and I would hate for you to lose that safety net if something goes wrong later.
