Sapphire Technology has issued a warning to owners of its Radeon RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT graphics cards regarding protective foam inserts shipped with the GPUs. These inserts, designed to protect components during transit, must be removed before installation. Failure to do so can significantly impede cooling performance and potentially lead to hardware malfunction.
The gray foam inserts are located between the shroud and the heatsink fins, making them difficult to spot during installation. Their inconspicuous placement increases the risk of users overlooking them. Sapphire stresses the importance of removing these materials to ensure optimal cooling and prevent potential damage. Affected models include the Pure Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, Pulse Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming, and Pure Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC.
Identifying and Removing the Protective Foam
Sapphire Japan addressed this issue through official channels, including a post on X (formerly Twitter), directing users to a support page provided by hardware distributor Ask Corporation. The advisory explicitly states that using the product without removing the cushioning material can compromise cooling capacity and even lead to product failure.
A protective foam piece inside a Sapphire RX 9070 GPU
Ask Corporation provides detailed instructions for removing the foam. Users are advised to gently push or pull the foam from the designated area between the shroud and heatsink. Avoid using tools like cutters or screwdrivers, as these could damage the card. If the foam proves difficult to remove, peeling back the top sticker and loosening a specific screw can provide the necessary clearance for safe extraction. Sapphire Japan has confirmed that removing the sticker will not void the warranty.
The Importance of Removing the Foam Inserts
While the protective foam is crucial for safeguarding the GPUs during shipping, its presence after installation can obstruct airflow. This obstruction can lead to elevated temperatures, reduced performance, and potential long-term damage. Users experiencing higher-than-expected temperatures with their Sapphire RX 9070 series cards should immediately check for and remove any remaining foam inserts. This simple step will restore proper cooling functionality and ensure optimal performance.
Conclusion: Ensure Optimal Performance
Overheating can severely impact the lifespan and performance of your graphics card. By taking the precautionary step of removing the protective foam inserts, Sapphire RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT owners can ensure their GPUs operate at peak efficiency and avoid potential hardware issues. If you’re experiencing overheating issues, double-check for this easily overlooked foam.
