Nvidia has recently come under scrutiny for its handling of GPU thermal monitoring, particularly with the launch of the Geforce RTX 5000 series. Since its release in January 2025, diagnostic tools like GPU-Z, HWiNFO, and MSI Afterburner have only reported average GPU and memory temperatures, omitting crucial hotspot temperature data. Early reports even showed erroneous measurements of 255 °C, raising concerns among gamers about performance inconsistencies.
The actual hotspot sensor remains intact on the PCB but is hidden from users, as illuminated by a recent investigation from Brazilian repair specialists led by Paulo Gomes. For owners of the Geforce RTX 5000 series experiencing unexplained performance drops and high fan noise, understanding the causes is crucial.
Nvidia’s MODS Tool: Unveiling Secret GPU Throttling
A recent video from Gomes’ workshop has revealed alarming details about the Geforce RTX 5070 Ti. This workshop recently achieved an overclocking world record with a modified GPU, further indicating their expertise in this area. Customers have been bringing in their graphics cards, complaining about poor gaming performance despite normal GPU temperature readings—prompting the investigation.
Using MODS Instead of GPU-Z: Accessing Hotspot Temperature
Nvidia’s internal diagnostic tool, known as MODS (Modular Diagnostics Software), can still access the hotspot temperature of the Geforce RTX 5000 series. This proprietary software is typically used for manufacturing and return merchandise authorization (RMA) cases.
Operable directly from a Linux environment, MODS has resurrected the previously believed defunct measurement. It appears Nvidia has merely hidden this sensor from consumers, although it continues to provide real-time readings of the highest temperatures across the GPU’s sensors.
W1zzard, the developer of GPU-Z, confirmed the removal of hotspot readings at the launch of the Blackwell series. Consequently, users only have access to average GPU and memory temperatures. While the hotspot temperature can create drama, it remains a useful metric for diagnosing issues like improper cooling due to misaligned coolers or water blocks.
Geforce RTX 5070 Ti: 107 °C Hotspot and 68 °C Under Windows
In testing, a Gigabyte Geforce RTX 5070 Ti recorded hotspot temperatures of up to 107 °C while Windows tools indicated normal readings of 67 to 68 °C. At this critical temperature, the Blackwell architecture throttles the chip’s performance to prevent damage.
Upon disassembling the cooler, it was discovered that thermal paste had collected at the edges of the chip, leaving the center nearly dry. After reapplying fresh thermal paste, the hotspot temperature fell to around 100 °C, allowing the graphics card to pass the temperature tests successfully. Gomes noted that this is not an isolated case; all examined models with similar complaints have been traced back to inadequate contact with the cooler or poorly applied thermal paste.
Hidden Throttling: Implications for Blackwell Owners
Without access to the hotspot temperature, throttling issues with the Geforce RTX 5000 series go unnoticed in everyday use, as the displayed average temperature may be misleadingly low by 30 to 40 degrees. Assembly and thermal paste issues are not new for the Blackwell generation; earlier in 2025, concerns regarding leaking thermal paste from Gigabyte models stirred discussions among players in the PCGH-X forum.
In contrast, AMD transparently displays the junction temperature for its Radeon graphics cards. Nvidia’s data center accelerators come with a diagnostic package that includes hotspot detection. Technologically, there is nothing stopping Nvidia from restoring this value for consumer models; the sensor is present, and access could be reinstated via a driver update. As of now, Nvidia has remained silent on this matter.
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Source: Paulo Gomes via Wccftech
