Some Sapphire RX 9070/9070 XT graphics playing cards have hard-to-spot foam inside that have to be eliminated or it ‘might lead to a lower in cooling capability or product failure’

If you have been fortunate sufficient to get your palms on a brand new AMD Radeon RX 9070 XT or non-XT, you would possibly need to give it a fast examine to verify there isn’t any foam tucked between the shroud and heatsink fins. At least, it’s best to achieve this in case you have a Sapphire Pure Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming OC, Pulse Radeon RX 9070 XT Gaming, or Pure Radeon RX 9070 Gaming OC.

Sapphire Japan has posted on X linking out to an Ask Corporation assist info submit in regards to the difficulty (Ask Corp is a {hardware} distributor). Sapphire says: “We apologize for the inconvenience, however we want to inform you in regards to the cushioning materials for the RX 9070 and RX 9070 XT.”

The info submit (machine translated) explains: “We want to inform you that the protecting cushioning materials (sponge) that’s connected to the product on the time of cargo have to be eliminated earlier than utilizing the product.

“Using the product with out eradicating the cushioning materials might lead to a lower in cooling capability or product failure, so please be sure you take away the cushioning materials earlier than putting in it in your PC.”

Of course, having to take away some cushioning is not any biggie, and this cushioning presumably has a objective—to assist forestall any of the skinny steel from warping or getting broken throughout transit, as an example—however the issue is that some would possibly miss it. It’s packed below the shroud, and judging by the Ask Corp image, it is a plain grey color… similar to the heatsink and shroud surrounding it.

One would hope and assume the cushioning is not a fabric that may go up in flames when the fins attain a sure temperature—presumably Sapphire and Ask Corporation could be making extra noise about it if that’s the case—however reducing cooling capability and even “product failure” is not nothing, both.

On the plus aspect, should you’ve been noticing excessive temps in your Pure or Pulse RX 9070/XT playing cards, possibly all it is advisable do is pull out the froth to enhance its cooling. Silver linings, eh?

Ask Corporation explains learn how to take away the froth as follows: “There is protecting cushioning materials sandwiched within the warmth sink half on the again of the product, so please take away it from the crimson body half within the picture or by pushing it within the route of the arrow. Please watch out to not attempt to reduce it with a cutter or screwdriver, as this will likely injury the product.

“If you’re unable to take away it, peel off the sticker on high and take away it by way of the hole made by eradicating the screw in yellow within the picture.”

And don’t be concerned about eradicating that sticker probably voiding your guarantee as a result of when requested about this Sapphire Japan responded by saying that the guarantee “will not go away.”

It is value noting that it isn’t the one sponge materials connected to Sapphire playing cards, although not all want eradicating. “A skinny sponge can be glued to the warmth sink of the NITRO+ mannequin, however that is used for cable safety, so please don’t take away it as it’s.”

So, a little bit of a spongey minefield then, however I suppose that is nonetheless reminder to examine your graphics card—exterior and in—for packaging. You by no means know.