GPU temps for a 7970 GHz edition??

[borderdeal]

I have a Gigabyte 7970 GHz edition. I bought it from Amazon warehouse deals for $256 but when I got it the fans where not spinning so I decided to RMA the card since I got it for a really good price. I got the card back and fans are working fine now. I have been monitoring the fans though just to make sure and I have noticed something weird. Idle temp never goes below 43C. The fan speed does if the GPU reaches 43Cs. Load temp never been more than 67Cs even after playing Metro 2033 for several hours non stop. Fan speed varies a lot though from 60+ to as high as 79%. I have a raven 2 Full tower case that has really good airflow and fans:

http://static.techspot.com/articles-info/351/images/Image_30S.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm120/Quino27/IMG_20111121_035451.jpg

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/mm120/Quino27/IMG_20111121_035430.jpg

I use the fans in low for the case so that it is silent. I crancked the fans to high and the fan speed on the 7970 never went over 73%.
Now I am wondering if removing the factory thermal paste and applying some ARCTIC MX-2 would let the fans on then 7970 run cooler since the card seems to have a 43c bottom temp and 67c top temp and run quieter.
By the way I am not complaining the idle temp is a little high it seems but it is quiet and the gaming temp is lower that the reviews report for the 7970 GHz. So I am happy with the card and at load it is not too loud but it can be heard.

 

[Binky]

I would not risk breaking the card and/or voiding the warranty just to lower the temps a little. You're running well within spec.

 

[birthdaymonkey]

I've read that some GPU coolers have issues with the rotated motherboard design of the F2. It's often said that this case works best with blowers. This could account for the unusual temps and high fans speeds you're seeing.

 

[AntonioHG]

If you're capable, why not replace the paste? You can check with Gigabyte to see if removing the cooler and replacing the paste is okay and won't void the warranty, but I really don't see why it would. Unless you've got one of those stickers over the screws that explicitly states that it would void your warranty.

 

[borderdeal]

I upgraded from a Saphire Toxic 5850 and that had no wall for lower or max temps. This one seems to have a wall of 43% and then the fan speeds starts decreasing but the GPY stays at 43 which I though was kind of weird coming from the 5850. I am not worried and I do not think it is running too hot but when gaming it never goes any higher than 67C. The fan is the one that starts speeding up to keep it at a cool 67c. I will check with gigabyte and if they say ok I will replace the thermal paste. I just got it back a few day ago from RMA so I am hesitant to mess with it.