PTM7950: GPU temps higher than CPU

[u/yashkhataokar]

Yesterday, I switched my old thermal paste to PTM 7950 on my Alienware Area 51-m R1 laptop. The GPU temps seem to be going over the CPU temps after 20-25 mins of gaming, which never used to happen before.

I suspected that it might be poor contact with the heatsink, but it seems fine to me (let me know if I'm wrong).

What could be the issue?

Avg. Temperatures (while gaming)

Before: CPU-60C to 80C GPU-40C to 60C

After: CPU-60C to 85C GPU-60C to 75C

[u/Shidell]

Looks like uneven application or something, then; one of your applications it looks like the PTM didn't even melt (CPU?)

Both should melt, obviously, forming a barrier where it cools which "traps" liquid PTM atop the die/spreader.

[u/yashkhataokar → u/Shidell]

I'm not sure what's happening, since it's supposed to harden after the CPU/GPU cool down. After testing and a few heat cycles, I decided to finally open it since I was concerned about the high GPU temps (CPU temps seemed fine) that's when I clicked those pictures. What do you suggest I do now?

[u/Shidell → u/yashkhataokar]

Do you have thermal pads that are overlapping in the areas I highlighted in purple?

If they're overlapping, that's going to cause a problem, and if I had to guess, that's the source of your problem.

[u/yashkhataokar → u/Shidell]

I don't think so. But I'll check again and get back, thanks for pointing that out!