Gigabyte RTX 50 Graphics Cards — Thermal Gel Issues

The new Gigabyte RTX 50 series graphics cards have again drawn attention due to leaking thermal gel. A user on the Korean forum Quasar Zone reported that his RTX 5080 began leaking gel just a month after purchase. The GPU was installed vertically, which may have caused the issue.

Later, other users confirmed similar problems with Gigabyte models, such as Gaming OC, Windforce, and Aorus Master. All affected cards had one thing in common — vertical installation.

What caused the issue?

Gigabyte used server-grade thermal gel instead of standard thermal pads to improve heat dissipation. However, when the GPU is installed vertically, the gel can start to leak over time.

Although the gel is considered safe and non-conductive, the sight of it leaking can be alarming. It may reduce the card's cooling efficiency and ruin the build's clean look, which is essential for many PC enthusiasts.

While Gigabyte has yet to release an official statement, some distributors have confirmed the issue and are currently in talks with the main office. In the meantime, users are advised to avoid vertical installation and inspect their GPUs for any signs of leakage.

If the gel is found, it can be gently wiped off with a soft cloth or alcohol wipes. If you're unsure, contacting an authorized service center is best.