Should it be like this?

[CM7]

Hi I just got my new SAPPHIRE DUAL-X Radeon R9 280 3GB and it looks like the pipe could be dented. Its the first time for me buying a higher end graphics card and it seems a little off. Could you guys tell me if it is should I send for a replacement. I haven't been able to test it in my rig so far, but I might try soon. thanks for the help     

[Jerakl]

As long as it doesn't leak it shouldn't matter.

[TheKDub]

I doubt there will be any impact from it as long as there are not any cracks/holes in it.

[TheSLSAMG]

Pipes naturally look like that if they aren't finished with a fancy but unnecessary pipe. The tops of every Hyper 212 EVO look a little different for example.

[Rorgash]

since it looks really shitty i would talk to them and send them the picture, even if the card will work just as well, if it had major scratches on the pain no one would accept it either

[i_build_nanosuits]

Hi I just got my new SAPPHIRE DUAL-X Radeon R9 280 3GB and it looks like the pipe could be dented. Its the first time for me buying a higher end graphics card and it seems a little off. Could you guys tell me if it is should I send for a replacement. I haven't been able to test it in my rig so far, but I might try soon. thanks for the help

the heatpipes on my hyper 212 look exactly like that and it's normal...other people talking about ''leaks'' are clueless these contains nothing but air they are meant to move the heat out and away from the GPU for the fans to cool it down. it's absolutely fine.

[dragoon20005]

the heatpipes on my hyper 212 look exactly like that and it's normal...other people talking about ''leaks'' are clueless these contains nothing but air they are meant to move the heat out and away from the GPU for the fans to cool it down. it's absolutely fine.

good point

 

but some heatpipes contain some fluid to wick away the heat faster

 

the cooling method is called vapor chamber

[i_build_nanosuits]

good point

 

but some heatpipes contain some fluid to wick away the heat faster

 

the cooling method is called vapor chamber

the vaper chamber in the vaporX cards is contained between the die and the heatskink itself, not in the pipes mate

[dragoon20005]

the vaper chamber in the vaporX cards is contained between the die and the heatskink itself, not in the pipes mate

 

whoops

 

CPU cooler like the CM V8 uses horizontal vapor chambers too

 

*drools at the V8 GTS cooler*

[Aniallation]

Hi I just got my new SAPPHIRE DUAL-X Radeon R9 280 3GB and it looks like the pipe could be dented. Its the first time for me buying a higher end graphics card and it seems a little off. Could you guys tell me if it is should I send for a replacement. I haven't been able to test it in my rig so far, but I might try soon. thanks for the help     

Geez the mess in this thread.

 

Long story short, no. It's part of the manufacturing process and it may or may not happen to whatever heatpipes roll off the assembly line. It's perfectly fine and will not affect performance.

[CM7]

Thanks everyone for the help! It means a lot.

[Carde]

the vaper chamber in the vaporX cards is contained between the die and the heatskink itself, not in the pipes mate

 

A vapor chamber is just in essence a smashed heatpipe. Heatpipes work with a bit of liquid which turns into vapor which than moves out gets cooled and condenses back into a liquid and flows back.

 

For the full story I would point you to the marvel that is Wikepedia (please donate to the folks to if you can) http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heat_pipe