GPU experiencing higher than normal idle temp

[AssumingUnicorn]

I have a XFX 7950. For a long time it's idle temp right when I turn on my computer was around 25C but lately it's been over 40C idle. I checked all the fans in my system and all of them are on and running, even the 2 fans that's integrated with the GPU. My settings on MSi afterburner has been the same; auto fan speed + user defined. If the thermal paste is going dry, I don't really want to open my GPU because I'm pretty low on money and don't want to buy another GPU if I mess up opening it, applying new paste, and resealing it.

 

[joex444]

You say the fans are on and running, did you pull the GPU out and inspect the amount of dust? Odds are your heat fins are full of dust and it can't actually move much air. Cotton swabs and compressed air should help here.

 

[Gingerbread]

Are you sure that "idle" right now is the same as "idle" before? Is it really idle, meaning at 0-5% load levels, or is some random (corrupt) process drawing power from it? Can you try running Windows in Safe Mode and checking the idle temperature of the GPU again?

 

[maxinexus]

25C idle is very low do you live in freezer?. 40 is about the normal temp. Not sure where you live but if you are heating your home during winter the ambient temps might be higher than usual. Also different software versions may have something to do with it as well. Anyway, take your card out and blow all the dust off. if that does not help then problem is/was in software.

 

[AssumingUnicorn]

You say the fans are on and running, did you pull the GPU out and inspect the amount of dust? Odds are your heat fins are full of dust and it can't actually move much air. Cotton swabs and compressed air should help here.

I forgot to mention that I did a full clean on everything inside the system. I cleaned all the air filters (my case is a 750D). I sprayed compressed air on all fans including my 212 Evo on my CPU, and the 2 fans on the GPU.

 

[Szaki]

Did you update your Radeon software to Crimson? I heard people complaining about temps after they switched to the new driver.

 

[AssumingUnicorn]

Are you sure that "idle" right now is the same as "idle" before? Is it really idle, meaning at 0-5% load levels, or is some random (corrupt) process drawing power from it? Can you try running Windows in Safe Mode and checking the idle temperature of the GPU again?

I'm on safe mode right now but MSi afterburner isn't running properly. It's not detecting any temperatures or reading anything at all.

 

[Gingerbread]

You can use a more basic program like GPU temp or anything different, try several programs.

 

[AssumingUnicorn]

It's reading around 35 on safe mode. Not sure what the problem is. @Szaki I usually install the most recent updates just cause so I might have Crimson.