Why Correct Thermal Pads are Absolutely Crucial for Your MSI RTX 3090 SUPRIM X
For a flagship card like the RTX 3090 SUPRIM X, with its high power draw and densely packed high-performance components (especially 24GB of GDDR6X VRAM), effective heat dissipation is non-negotiable. Thermal pads bridge the microscopic gaps between these heat sources (VRAM, VRMs, MOSFETs, etc.) and the card's massive heatsink and backplate assembly.
Sub-optimal thermal pads (old, degraded, or incorrect thickness) can lead to:
- Severe Overheating: Particularly of VRAM, which can cause instability, artifacts, and performance throttling.
- Reduced Performance: The card will downclock to protect itself, negating its "SUPRIM" capabilities.
- System Instability: Crashes and freezes become more likely under load.
- Shortened GPU Lifespan: Chronic exposure to high temperatures degrades components faster.
Using precise, high-quality thermal pads is essential to maintain the elite performance and longevity of your SUPRIM X.
Understanding the Complexity of SUPRIM X Thermal Pads (Official Measurements)
The MSI RTX 3090 SUPRIM X features a complex array of thermal pads with very specific thicknesses. The information below is based on measurements reportedly sourced directly from MSI support.
Key Consideration for Back VRAM: The back VRAM cooling is noted as "tricky" due to a heatsink piece running through the VRAMs, potentially creating areas needing different thicknesses. Two approaches are suggested:
- Match Factory Pads: Use 1.5mm AND 2.5mm thick pads for different sections of the back VRAM.
- Alternative Unified Pressure: Try 2mm AND 3mm thick pads for different sections of the back VRAM, aiming for a more uniform upward pressure.
The "VRAM back" summary later also reflects these options. The detailed list of "Back side original sizes" will provide more specific targets.
Recommended Sheet Materials for a Full Replacement:
To undertake a comprehensive replacement covering the varied thicknesses, the following general sheet purchases are advised as a starting point:
- One (1) piece of 85x45x2mm Fehonda Thermal Pad.
- Two (2) pieces of 85x45x3mm Fehonda Thermal Pad (provides material for 3mm and potentially 3.5mm needs if highly compressible, or for the alternative back VRAM approach).
- One (1) piece of 100x100x1.5mm Fehonda Thermal Pad "slice" (covers the numerous 1.5mm pads and can be used for 1.25mm/1.75mm if very carefully compressed or if exact thicknesses aren't available, though sourcing exact is best).
Note on Other Specific Thicknesses: The detailed list below includes 1.25mm, 1.75mm, 2.5mm, and 3.5mm. While the sheets above cover the main bulk, you may need to source these specific uncommon thicknesses if you aim for an exact factory replication and your chosen primary sheets don't compress suitably. High-quality, adequately soft pads can sometimes accommodate slight variations.
Official Detailed Pad Dimensions to Cut (Refer to your visual guides/pictures for placement):
(Please refer to any accompanying pictures you have from the source for precise locations of these pads, especially the color-marked ones mentioned in some user guides).
Front Side Original Sizes:
- One (1) piece: 77mm × 9.3mm × 1.5mm
- One (1) piece: 79.2mm x 6mm × 1.25mm
- One (1) piece: 81.4mm × 13.5mm × 1.75mm
- One (1) piece: 88.5mm × 7.85mm × 1.5mm
- Two (2) pieces, each: 50.6mm × 14.23mm x 2mm
- One (1) piece: 14.23mm × 37.8mm x 2mm
- One (1) piece: 14.23mm × 12.23mm x 2mm
- One (1) piece: 94mm × 13.5mm × 1.5mm
- One (1) piece: 102mm x 7mm × 1.25mm
Back Side Original Sizes:
- One (1) piece: 58mm x 15mm × 2mm
- One (1) piece: 72.5mm x 7mm × 3.5mm
- Two (2) pieces, each: 50mm x 7mm × 1.5mm
- One (1) piece: 36mm x 14mm × 2.5mm
- One (1) piece: 50mm x 5mm × 2.5mm
- One (1) piece: 50mm x 7mm × 2.5mm
- One (1) piece: 12mm x 12mm × 2.5mm
- One (1) piece: 79.23mm x 7mm × 3.5mm
Simplified VRAM & Side Pad Summary (General Approach):
If not following the exhaustive list above for every single pad, a more generalized approach for key areas is also suggested:
- VRAM front: Use an 85x45x2mm sheet to cut VRAM pads. (This aligns with several 2mm VRAM-sized pads in the detailed front list).
- VRAM back: Use a combination of 1.5mm and 2.5mm thick pads (matching "Option 1" from the narrative for the tricky back VRAM).
- VRAM back (alternative): Use a combination of 2mm and 3mm thick pads (matching "Option 2" from the narrative).
- Pads on the side: Generally require 1.5mm and 3mm (This likely refers to VRMs and other components, with 1.5mm aligning with many front "side" pads and 3mm aligning with thicker pads, possibly on the back if "3.5mm" is rounded down, or specific VRM sections).
Recommendation: Prioritize the "Official Detailed Pad Dimensions" list for the most accurate full replacement. The simplified summary is best for a VRAM-focused replacement or a general idea of thicknesses.
Why Choose Fehonda Thermal Pads?
For a flagship card demanding precise thermal management, Fehonda thermal pads offer:
- Premium Quality: High-grade materials for superior thermal conductivity and durability.
- Enhanced Cooling: Engineered to efficiently transfer heat from all critical components.
- Expertise: Fehonda specializes in thermal interface solutions.
- Versatile Solutions: Available in various thicknesses and sheet sizes to meet the SUPRIM X's complex needs.
Tips for Replacing Your GPU Thermal Pads (MSI RTX 3090 SUPRIM X)
This is a highly advanced procedure. If inexperienced, seek professional help or follow extremely detailed, model-specific video guides. Refer to any visual aids ("attached pictures") you have.
- Preparation: Gather tools: Fehonda thermal pad sheets (1.5mm, 2mm, 3mm as a base, plus consider sourcing 1.25mm, 1.75mm, 2.5mm, 3.5mm if aiming for exact replication), precision screwdrivers, sharp craft knife/scissors, ruler/calipers, non-metallic prying tools, isopropyl alcohol (90%+), lint-free cloths, and an anti-static wrist strap.
- Disassembly & Component Identification: Very carefully disassemble your SUPRIM X. Meticulously identify each component corresponding to the "original sizes" list. Pay extreme attention to the back VRAM area and the heatsink piece separating them.
- Remove Old Pads & Clean: Gently remove all old pads. Thoroughly clean all surfaces with isopropyl alcohol. Ensure complete dryness.
- Cut and Apply New Pads: Precisely cut new pads from the correct thickness sheets according to the official detailed dimensions. For back VRAM, choose your preferred approach (1.5mm + 2.5mm or 2mm + 3mm). Apply carefully.
- Reapply GPU Thermal Paste: Clean the GPU die and apply fresh, high-quality thermal paste.
- Reassembly: Carefully reassemble, ensuring even pressure from the heatsink and backplate. Follow torque patterns if available. Do not overtighten.
- Testing: Install and monitor temperatures (especially VRAM junction) under heavy load.
Note on Pad Material Quantity: The initial advice "an 85x45x2mm and an 85x45x3mm piece just not enough to cover both side of the VRAMs like on most RTX 3080 / 3090 cards" underscores the need for the more comprehensive sheet list (one 2mm, two 3mm, one large 1.5mm sheet) for a full replacement.
Where to Purchase Fehonda Thermal Pads
For high-quality Fehonda thermal pad sheets suitable for the demanding needs of your MSI GeForce RTX 3090 SUPRIM X 24G, check online marketplaces like AliExpress:
FEHONDA Thermal Pad ===>>Click Here to Go to AliExpress and Buy Directly Now
Ensure you purchase sheets of 1.5mm (a larger one like 100x100mm), 2mm (one 85x45mm), and 3mm (two 85x45mm) as a starting point for a full replacement. Then, assess if you need to source additional specific thicknesses like 1.25mm, 1.75mm, 2.5mm, or 3.5mm if you aim for an exact match with the official list and the primary sheets don't offer a close enough compressible alternative.
Conclusion: Preserve Your SUPRIM X's Elite Thermal Design
Proper thermal pad replacement is vital for the MSI GeForce RTX 3090 SUPRIM X 24G to unleash its full, unthrottled potential. By meticulously following the detailed official measurements and using high-quality Fehonda thermal pads of the correct varied thicknesses, you ensure optimal heat dissipation across all critical components. This leads to a cooler, more stable, and longer-lasting elite graphics card, ready for any challenge.
