RTX 3090 VRAM Temps Hitting 100°C After Repaste – Should I Repad ASAP?

[Newwbie]

Hey everyone,

 

So I’ve got a Gigabyte RTX 3090 that I've been using since launch. Recently, I noticed the hotspot temps were getting dangerously high (~102°C) while gaming and even spiking during something as simple as watching YouTube videos in fullscreen. I decided to repaste the GPU, which brought the hotspot temps down to a much safer ~70°C under load now – so that part seems resolved.

However, I’ve been monitoring the VRAM (Memory Junction) temps using HWInfo64, and they still regularly hit 100°C during heavier games like MH wilds. For lighter games like Dota 2, the VRAM temps stay in the 70-80°C range, which seems fine.

 

I had the GPU repasted by a mechanic, and he checked the pads, saying they were in good condition . I even checked them myself – no visible damage or drying out. But I’ve heard that even decent-looking stock pads on 3090s can just lack the thermal conductivity needed for these heat-heavy cards.

The card hasn't crashed yet post-repaste, but I did experience a black screen once (screen went dark, fans ramped up to 100%, but audio continued). Not sure if that’s directly related.
Basically im asking is should i change the Pads or its okay ?
And if so what would you recommened ?  

[Skiiwee29]

The 3090s have split chips, meaning chips on both sides. Usually the hot ones are the ones on the back side of the board cooled through the backplate. I have a 3090 FE and I have it under a full water block for both sides to keep them cool. For Air cooled, its usually a good idea to make sure you have a fan directly pointed on them or at them to move that hot air away to exhaust it quickly. 

[Newwbie]

22 minutes ago, Skiiwee29 said:

The 3090s have split chips, meaning chips on both sides. Usually the hot ones are the ones on the back side of the board cooled through the backplate. I have a 3090 FE and I have it under a full water block for both sides to keep them cool. For Air cooled, its usually a good idea to make sure you have a fan directly pointed on them or at them to move that hot air away to exhaust it quickly. 

my case is such that i cant have a fan directly pointed at them , though there is one at the bottom blowing in air to the GPU , nothing on the top side 

[leclod]

I know people overclock their VRam so probably you could underclock yours. Probably without much downsides.

Just an idea.

Edited June 14 by leclod

[Newwbie]

1 hour ago, leclod said:

I know people overclock their VRam so probably you could underclock yours. Probably without much downsides.

Just an idea.

by how much and how big will be the temp change ? 

[leclod]

9 hours ago, Newwbie said:

by how much and how big will be the temp change ? 

I'd just try it (-100MHz), nothing to lose.

(undervolting might help too and that's free)

Edited June 15 by leclod

[Newwbie]

On 6/15/2025 at 12:29 PM, leclod said:

I'd just try it (-100MHz), nothing to lose.

(undervolting might help too and that's free)

Thanks will try this 

[Timme]

Maybe even get a tub of Thermal Grizzly putty to replace the pads. 
For reference

[Newwbie]

On 6/16/2025 at 4:28 PM, Timme said:

Maybe even get a tub of Thermal Grizzly putty to replace the pads. 
For reference

will see if i can find this