New GPU smell a thing?

[FrostNJ]

I just upgraded my GPU to the Astral 5090 OC (got lucky on a Newegg release before the price hikes), and with it upgraded to an MSI Ai-1300P PSU. All of my other parts are the same as I had been using for a few months without issue. Since I’ve been using it, the performance has been great and temps have ranged from 62-65 deg C at max load both in 4K gaming and in a 30min Furmark test. However, I notice a metallic/furnace like smell is emanating from the GPU, but only when at max load (there’s no smell at lower temps/usage). I am confident it’s the GPU as I was able to open the side of my case while the pc is running and the heat coming from the GPU fins on the side is clearly the source of the smell. 

I’ve seen a few posts here and on Reddit and on here saying that this can be the solder flux “burning in” after manufacturing, and in week or so it should go away. Has anyone else experienced this? Can certainly provide the rest of the parts on my build if it’s helpful, but I have been using everything other than the PSU/GPU for a few months without any problems.

[Silent_Scone]

Hi @FrostNJ 

It's not uncommon for high-performance GPUs to initially emit a faint chemical or metallic odor due to burn in, much like PSUs, but it shouldn't persist. Have you installed GPU Tweak III to check the load balancing (Power Detector+)? It's most probably just the fact the unit is brand new, but I'd recommend checking the cable amperage levels given these cards draw upward of 600W.

https://www.asus.com/campaign/GPU-Tweak-III/dk/index.php 

[FrostNJ]

Hi Silent_Scone,

Thanks for the reply. I had not yet setup GPU tweak, though I was aware of the per pin safety/monitoring mechanism on the Astral. I will do this today and take a look.

When this first happened I was obviously concerned about the cables and so looked at the 12V-2x6 headers both on the PSU/GPU, and inspected the cable itself and did not notice anything abnormal. To your point, the smell seemed to be associated with the heat that was being expelled from the fins on the side of this new unit and then is ultimately circulated out of my case by the case fans. If this is the situation (and power detector+ is reassuring), how long would I expect the smell to stick around? I had planned to reassess in roughly a week’s time.

[FrostNJ]

FWIW, here are the values from PD+, which would suggest to me the 12V-2x6 connections are functioning appropriately.

Full Load after 15 min in Furmark:

 Idle:

 

[Silent_Scone]

Ok, cool. Yeah, I wouldn't be concerned.

What's the current draw showing in HWINFO at full load in Furmark?

[FrostNJ]

So, I have to admit that I've run a few stress tests over the last few days and started to get bored of staring at that eyeball thing over and over lol. I was just playing Horizon Zero Dawn Remastered at 4K, max settings DLSS off which really stressed the unit. Max power draw was 537W, but was mostly hovering in the 500-510W area. Why do you ask, curious about undervolting?

[Silent_Scone]

Was curious why the amperage was so low but it depends on the load. Try Futuremark's Steel Nomad.

[darkiria]

How can the power consumption of your 5090 be so low? Have you implemented voltage reduction? The TDP of 600W cannot be such a value.

https://rog-forum.asus.com/t5/gaming-power-supplies/gpu-tweak-iii-v1-8-7-3-12vhpwr/m-p/1076830/highl...