AMD Radeon PRO W7600: Screen blackouts blamed on thermal solution.

In recent testing of the latest workstation GPUs, tech journalist Igor Wallossek encountered a perplexing problem with AMD’s Radeon PRO W7600. The GPU exhibited random black screens under load, which initially seemed to be caused by a faulty DisplayPort cable. However, further investigation revealed that the issue was related to overheating due to suboptimal thermal pads. This article explores the problem and presents a solution to address it.

The Overheating Issue:

Upon connecting the monitor to the integrated GPU (iGPU), it became evident that the system remained stable, indicating that the dedicated GPU was responsible for the black screen problem. Through comprehensive testing, it was determined that the discrete GPU was overheating due to bulky thermal pads with poor thermal conductivity. These pads also had a tendency to warp and misalign the vapor chamber, leading to operational issues.

The Solution:

To rectify this problem, Igor initiated a series of modifications that successfully resolved the black screen issue. The solution involved replacing the thermal paste, swapping out the thick thermal pads for thinner ones (specifically for memory components), and applying additional thermal paste between the vapor chamber and the frame beneath the cooler. These adjustments improved thermal conductivity and ensured proper alignment, effectively resolving the overheating problem.

Implications and Recommendations:

While it is unclear if this issue is widespread or limited to a few units, it is essential to address such problems in expensive workstation GPUs. The fact that these modifications were necessary highlights a potential oversight in the quality validation process undertaken by the manufacturing company.

However, it is important to note that performing these modifications voids the warranty. Therefore, users are advised against attempting them on their own. Instead, it is recommended to contact AMD for a Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA) to have the card repaired or replaced. This ensures that important equipment remains available and prevents any potential damage caused by unauthorized modifications.

Conclusion:

The black screen issue in Radeon PRO W7600 GPUs has been identified as an overheating problem caused by suboptimal thermal pads. Through simple modifications involving repasting and the use of thinner thermal pads, tech journalist Igor Wallossek successfully resolved the issue. However, it is crucial for AMD to address this problem in their manufacturing process to prevent such issues in the future. Users are advised to seek professional assistance through the RMA process rather than attempting unauthorized modifications that may void the warranty.

This article is based on information by Videocardz.com

Background Information

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About AMD: AMD, a large player in the semiconductor industry is known for its powerful processors and graphic solutions, AMD has consistently pushed the boundaries of performance, efficiency, and user experience. With a customer-centric approach, the company has cultivated a reputation for delivering high-performance solutions that cater to the needs of gamers, professionals, and general users. AMD's Ryzen series of processors have redefined the landscape of desktop and laptop computing, offering impressive multi-core performance and competitive pricing that has challenged the dominance of its competitors. Complementing its processor expertise, AMD's Radeon graphics cards have also earned accolades for their efficiency and exceptional graphical capabilities, making them a favored choice among gamers and content creators. The company's commitment to innovation and technology continues to shape the client computing landscape, providing users with powerful tools to fuel their digital endeavors.

  

Technology Explained

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Radeon: AMD Radeon, a product line by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), consists of graphics processing units (GPUs) recognized for their strong performance in gaming, content creation, and professional applications. Powered by innovative technologies like the RDNA architecture, Radeon GPUs deliver efficient and powerful graphics processing. The brand also supports features like FreeSync, enhancing visual fluidity and reducing screen tearing during gaming. Moreover, AMD Radeon GPUs embrace real-time ray tracing for heightened realism in lighting and reflections. With a balance between price and performance, Radeon competes with NVIDIA's GeForce graphics cards and remains a popular choice for a wide range of users.