In what can only be described as an informative article, AMD uncovered some design features on the RX 5700 series in terms of internal temperatures, they are also saying that any RX 5700 is pushed close to its maximum performance 'so you don't have to tweak it'.
If you read through the blog post well, you'll find some interesting and even shocking points as apparently the Radeon RX 5700 XT can reach GPU "hotspot" temperatures passing 100 °C, actually hitting 113 °C with stress-testing, but that would be Furmark which we deem a viral on the GPU application. In its blog post, AMD mentions that 110 °C hotspot temperatures under "typical gaming usage" are "expected and within spec." I'm not sure that information will be good for their sales - though kudos for being open and transparent about it. AMD also talks "Maximized Performance, Right Out of the Box" and basically is saying that the card will go as far as it can right out of the box. I'll leave the paragraphs for you to digest, it will be interesting to see the comments"
Junction Temperature: Enhanced Thermal Monitoring
In the past, the GPU core temperature was read by a single sensor that was placed in the vicinity of the legacy thermal diode. This singular sensor was used to make all power-performance optimization decisions across the entire GPU. However, depending on the game being run, the type of GPU cooling and other related metrics, different parts of the GPU might have been at different levels of utilization. As a result, ramping up or throttling down the entire GPU based on this single measurement was inefficient, often leaving significant thermal headroom – and resulting performance – on the table.
With the AMD Radeon VII GPU we introduced enhanced thermal monitoring to further optimize GPU performance. We built upon that foundation with the Radeon RX 5700 series GPUs, and now utilize an extensive network of thermal sensors distributed across the entire GPU die to intelligently monitor and tune performance in response to granular GPU activity in real time. Paired with this array of sensors is the ability to identify the ‘hotspot’ across the GPU die. Instead of setting a conservative, ‘worst case’ throttling temperature for the entire die, the Radeon RX 5700 series GPUs will continue to opportunistically and aggressively ramp clocks until any one of the many available sensors hits the ‘hotspot’ or ‘Junction’ temperature of 110 degrees Celsius. Operating at up to 110C Junction Temperature during typical gaming usage is expected and within spec. This enables the Radeon RX 5700 series GPUs to offer much higher performance and clocks out of the box, while maintaining acoustic and reliability targets. We provide users with both measurements – the average GPU Temperature and Junction Temperature – so that they have the best and most complete visibility into the operation of their Radeon RX 5700 series GPUs.
Maximized Performance, Right Out of the Box
Under typical gaming workloads the Radeon RX 5700 series GPUs will have their clock speeds at or above the published Game Clock frequencies. Leveraging the RDNA architecture and advanced 7nm process technology, completely out of the box, the GPUs will automatically and opportunistically utilize all available electrical, acoustic and thermal headroom in real-time to ramp clock speed and deliver improved performance.
Since all of this is done in real time, on a per die basis, some AMD Radeon RX 5700 GPUs may exceed published Boost frequencies regularly, and with no input whatsoever from the end user. Of course, using the RadeonWattMan tool built into Radeon software, gamers and enthusiasts alike have additional control and insight to adjust the frequency, voltage, and acoustic/power limits as they see fit for their unique setup and environment – and to enable the best possible gaming experience. At the end of the day, we know that gamers have different preferences. Some prioritize acoustics while others want to crank out every last bit of performance from their GPUs. This is why we provide them with the flexibility to tweak and customize settings as they see fit. We’re thrilled to see so many of you embrace the new AMD Radeon RX 5700 series graphics cards to push the boundaries of high-performance mainstream gaming, and we’re just getting started.
Happy Gaming!
AMD Talks Radeon RX 5700 Temps And Max Boost on Their Blog
