A few weeks ago, worrying problems with thermal gel began to surface. Gigabyte uses this new type of TIM for some of its cards, which is considered to be more efficient. However, it began to make headlines when a user noticed that it was literally going out of style. The brand then issued a press release stating, in essence, “don’t worry, we’ve tested it, it works, it’s an isolated case”. Except that, according to the latest feedback, it’s not such an isolated case.
Thermal gel: it’s still not working!
In the meantime, other Gigabyte card owners have taken the opportunity to inspect their equipment and have also noticed “problems” with gel moving out of place. Clearly, this seems to mainly concern users whose cards are mounted vertically. In the photos shared, it’s clear that the TIM is gradually slipping out of its housing, which raises a few concerns all the same.
The users concerned have indicated that they are being extra vigilant in monitoring the temperature of their components, although they have apparently not noticed any anomalies to date. What’s more, it’s not impossible that the users in question have come across cards from the first batches produced by the brand.
As a reminder, Gigabyte’s press release indicated that the first cards produced had an excess of gel, but that this quantity was subsequently adjusted and reduced. The company also says that there’s no need to worry because the gel is non-conductive, so there’s no risk of damaging your card if it leaks. In the end, it’s more an aesthetic problem than anything else, according to the brand. Nonetheless, this raises some suspicions on the part of owners, especially as some do not seem to have good memories of the brand’s customer service.
In short, as always, we’ll have to see how things develop, and hope that the brand isn’t trying to play down a very real problem.
