Users have demonstrated that some Gigabyte graphics cards are experiencing issues with thermal gel leaking, a material intended to regulate the temperature of memory and VRM when oriented horizontally. Igor’s Lab, led by expert Igor Wallossek, conducted an in-depth investigation into this problem, aiming to investigate both its cause and manufacturers’ choices regarding thermal management solutions that might seem unnecessarily complex and costly.

As detailed in Wallossek’s report, it appears that Gigabyte fell short in managing the parameters involved in applying this thermal material.

The report asserts that while it may have merit in certain contexts, the current applications of this thermal gel by Gigabyte have led to inefficiencies due to mismanagement during production.

“5070ti Aorus Master Leaking Thermal Putty” from r/gigabyte

Wallossek suggests that this gel’s use could, in the long run, complicate cooler designs if not adjusted properly, referencing specific instances where vertical setups contributed to the gel’s undesirable movement.

Ultimately, Wallossek argues for a reevaluation of the materials used, recommending a focus on enhancing the viscosity of the thermal gel to mitigate leakage issues.

Gigabyte acknowledges that some implementations of their RTX 50-series cards featured excessive gel, but maintains that these cosmetic concerns do not impact the cards’ overall performance or longevity. With ongoing scrutiny, both users and experts look for assurances regarding reliability and transparency from Gigabyte.