looking for VRM efficiency tests

[nerdralph]

Although it's not a large sample, I've noticed my Gigabyte cards use 5-10% less power than my MSI cards.  While it could be just coincidence, it's also possible that the Gigabyte cards have a more efficient VRM (faster MOSFETS, lower resistance inductors, etc).  Has anyone come across any video card reviews that test VRM efficiency?  I've found motherboard reviews that look at VRM efficiency, but couldn't find anything for video cards.

[Branko]

half a year during my browsing in search of info about RX560 cards, memories used and similar stuff,
usually most detailed reviews I found were in exotic countries and languages...like Vietnam, Ukraine, Russia...
Unfortunately didn't bookmark them

back then, IXBT labs used to have pretty thorough tests

https://www.ixbt.com/video4/gigabyte-radeon-rx480-g1.shtml

[fury420]

I noticed GPU-Z reports a VRM efficiency of just ~70% for my newest cards (MSI 580), all while my MSI RX 470 report a VRM efficiency of ~90%
it's not something I've paid attention to before, but it seems the reported VRM efficiency drops when you undervolt.

It's possible this is just calculations being skewed by the undervolt and not a real efficiency drop, I've not tested at-the-wall impact.

[Branko]

I noticed GPU-Z reports a VRM efficiency of just ~70% for my newest cards (MSI 580), all while my MSI RX 470 report a VRM efficiency of ~90%
it's not something I've paid attention to before, but it seems the reported VRM efficiency drops when you undervolt.

It's possible this is just calculations being skewed by the undervolt and not a real efficiency drop, I've not tested at-the-wall impact.

Interesting...maybe easiest way would be to ask GPU-Z developers how they calculate that value

[Branko]

BTW nerdralph, did you (or anyone else) tried this thermal pad?

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Fujipoly-mod-smart-Extreme-X-e-Thermal-Pad-100-x-15-x-0-5-Thermal-Conducti/291997134284

It would be interesting to try it on VRMs, or even memory, sadly can't find someone willing to send it to Croatia
at acceptable price

[Prelude]

You might be interested in buildzoid's GPU breakdowns. He does nice VRM analysis for a lot of GPUs.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrwObTfqv8u1KO7Fgk-FXHQ/videos

[nerdralph]

You might be interested in buildzoid's GPU breakdowns. He does nice VRM analysis for a lot of GPUs.

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCrwObTfqv8u1KO7Fgk-FXHQ/videos

Hmmm... I started watching his Vega liquid nitrogen video, and stopped after he said, "as you start going below ambient temperature, you get water ... condensation".
A good scientist knows you get no condensation on a surface that is below the surrounding air temperature and above the dew point.