How hot is too hot for Video Card

[Home Built]

I know that the XFX GeForce FX5200 128mb AGP isn't exactly a great video card but I noticed that the heatsink on mine actually gets hot to the touch. Much hotter than the XFX MX4000 I pulled out. Is this normal for any video card to get that warm? Would a PCI slot fan help to keep it cooler?

 

[blodhi74]

vid cards do get hotter with each new generation .... and good ventilation will not hurt 🙂

 

[azel]

A typical high end graphics card now a days can heat up to 50 degrees celcius. This is definitely very hot to touch but won't damage anything as long as the hot air can escape.

 

[Home Built]

Yes, it's a warm one. I have already added 2 additional case fans to keep the case temps down.
I think I'll order a PCI slot fan to direct some additional incoming air right at the Video Card.

Thank you.

 

[imported_Phil]

Originally posted by: azel
A typical high end graphics card now a days can heat up to 50 degrees celcius. This is definitely very hot to touch but won't damage anything as long as the hot air can escape.

Most modern cards idle at 50C. 85C is not uncommon.

Oh, and 50C is not "definitely very hot to touch".