2X970'S in SLI making Burnt smell

[mtfresh]

Hi I just got a new desktop with a s2011 5820-k cpu and 16gb ddr4 and 2x970's in sli. The precessor is water cooled and whenever I ;ve tried to run 3dmark11 or wow it pushes out a weird burning or chemical smell....it's really strange. Any idea why this is happening?...btw my psu is 850watt

 

[Termie]

Probably best to list all your components, including brands. Is everything brand new?

 

[mtfresh]

yes it's a alienware area-51 r2. 25in monitor running 2560x1440. Not sure what water cooler they use but I'm thinking that some leaked onto the top 970 and that's what the smell is from. there sending 2 new 970's, power supply etc to the local tech to come look at it in a few days but I'm curious as to why this is happening as YES it's all new. All parts running at stock as I haven't had a chance to oc gpu's etc yet
Again the smell only is present when the gpu's are being stressed

 

[Termie]

What brand of gtx 970s did they use? Could just be bearing oil smell.

Unlikely coolant leaked unless you actually see it leaking.

 

[mtfresh]

I'm pretty sure they used PNY brand...actually I think there just nvidia reference cards

 

[mtfresh]

so just ignore the smell and let it burn off?

 

[Keysplayr]

Unless you see smoke, yeah.

 

[RussianSensation]

so just ignore the smell and let it burn off?

You could try calling Alienware and just seeing what their response would be. Your new PC has warranty in any event giving you a peace of mind. Sometimes new components have that out of the factory plastic/oil smell, especially videocards and motherboards. I've often seen oily residue on the PCB of motherboards and videocards but it hasn't impacted the actual operation of the product.

 

[Elixer]

yes it's a alienware area-51 r2. 25in monitor running 2560x1440. Not sure what water cooler they use but I'm thinking that some leaked onto the top 970 and that's what the smell is from. there sending 2 new 970's, power supply etc to the local tech to come look at it in a few days but I'm curious as to why this is happening as YES it's all new. All parts running at stock as I haven't had a chance to oc gpu's etc yet
Again the smell only is present when the gpu's are being stressed

Don't suppose you can take pics of how they have everything setup?
If the coolant is dripping on the gfx card's heatsink that would be a major issue.
The stressing of the gfx cards only means they are getting hotter, and the coolant has a max temp before it evaporates, so, maybe you just didn't notice it until the video cards get hot.

I would just throw 1 piece of printer paper above the gfx cards (assuming it is a tower configuration), and see if anything leaks on it.
Do you see any moister anyplace along the tubes?

 

[littleg]

Probably just manufacturing residue, it'll burn off. Elixer's suggestion with the paper is good though, just in case.

 

[Techhog]

My PC (pretty sure it was the PSU) had a weird smell at first. I'd say give it week before being worried.

 

[mtfresh]

The tech is coming with new cooling system , 2x970's and a new power supply so everything should be normal after tomorrow. I am a tech myself but since it has warranty on everything rather just let him do it...and I only reported it yesterday and the parts and tech r gonna be here tomorrow so not to bad wait wise. From what I've read I think it's the psu tyhat's burning up as it's only 850watt and alienware brand but I thin k when I load a game the power consumption is increasing and thus causing the psu to start frying. Either that or it's the vid cards

 

[VirtualLarry]

Are all of the fans that are supposed to be spinning, actually spinning? If something is blocking a fan, and it's getting power, but can't move, it might be cooking the motor.

 

[Teizo]

Just as a point of reference, the first day I got my MSI 970 100ME I noticed the same smell as well. I figured the back plate had some residue on it (I checked for smoke and saw none) perhaps. After a few hours or so of gaming, the next day the smell was completely gone.

Give it a day or two to let it burn in and see what happens if you don't see any smoke. The reference Nvidia branded reference 970s have back plates too I believe, so perhaps that is what it is if that is what Dell used (would not be surprised).