der8auer drops Gigabyte RTX 5090 AORUS Master thermals with real/pure liquid metal
der8auer drops Gigabyte’s RTX 5090 Aorus Master’s thermals by using real/pure liquid metal thermal paste
der8auer has released a new video analysing claims that Gigabyte were not using “real” liquid metal thermal paste on its RTX 5090 Aorus Master graphics card. In this video, he confirmed that Gigabyte’s “Composite Metal Grease” is not a pure liquid metal thermal interface material (TIM). It’s a solution that mixes traditional thermal paste with liquid metal. This hybrid material is easier to apply in automated production environments. However, this material isn’t as effective as pure liquid metal TIM.
Before disassembling Gigabyte’s GPU, der8auer tested the GPU under Furmark for 15 minutes with fixed 40% fan speeds. The GPU operated at 78-79 degrees using this setup. When he reassembled the GPU and used pure liquid metal thermal compound under the same conditions, the GPU operated with load temperatures of 74 degrees. Gigabyte’s GPU ran 4-5 degrees cooler when using pure liquid metal thermal compound.
This testing confirms that Gigabyte’s hybrid liquid metal solution is less effective than pure liquid metal thermal compounds. der8auer claims that this hybrid material performs closer to a traditional thermal paste than pure liquid metal TIM.
(der8auer video from YouTube)
Liquid metal TIM is harder to apply than traditional thermal compounds. It also carries an increased risk of damage, as this material is conductive and can corrode certain materials. If liquid metal TIM leaks, it can also short-circuit electrical components and damage products. Hybrid materials carry these same risks while delivering less effective thermal results. However, their ease of application is a desirable trait for manufacturers.
While real/pure liquid metal is more effective than Gigabyte’s hybrid solution, a 4-5 degree drop in thermals isn’t worth voiding the warranty of a £2,000+ graphics card.
der8auer claims that he is working on a custom water block for Gigabyte’s RTX 5090 Aorus Master GPU. We expect to see this new DELTAMATE water block at some point in the future.
You can join the discussion on the effectiveness of Gigabyte’s “Composite Metal Grease” on the OC3D Forums.
