EVGA GTX 660 (non-ti) temp issues HELP

Hardware Hub GPU
1

About 2 months ago, I think, or about 2 days after the BF3 End Game DLC came out. My GPU crashed for the first time ever, lets just call this event 'the crash'. I started getting NIVIDIA windows kernel has stopped working. Prior to 'the crash' I had no overclock, and I never tampered with it in any way. It is 100% stock. Now even at 68% load it is barely keeping itself under 75C (167F). As of today it is about 4 months old.

EDIT* : Room temps 23C to 25C

MINOR NOTE: I noticed that any temperature below 75C (167F) it would rise predictably to 74C (165.5F) and then hover there for 1-2 mins then rise expotentially until it crashes.

SYSTEM Specs:

CPU:    Intel 3570k 3.4GHz (OC'ed to 4.5 GHz) (doesn't really matter because the crash occured way before I OC'ed it)

RAM:    8GB Corsair Vengance 1600 MHz

MOBO: Asus P8Z77 - V LK

PSU:     Corsair VX550W (I know, I know don't laugh)

HDD:     Intel 520 SSD (for boot drive) + WD Black (for general storage)

 

1) PSU 12v rail is stable

2) Tried uninstalling and reinstalling GFX drivers and updated drivers.

3) RAM is stable

4) No artifacts

5) I do not have another computer to test out my GPU

6) Tried switching PCI slots

I contacted EVGA support and after providing them with the same information, they concluded not their fault.

I am nearly at my wits end and the next step is a aftermarket cooler. Please don't make me go there. Please!

Help is gladly appreciated.

2

Have you tried using EVGA's Precision X?  Even though your not overclocking, the fact that your GPU's temperatures jump back up to 75 C whenever it drops below that makes me think it's a problem with your fan curve.  It's possible that right now your video card's fan will reduce its RPM too significantly whenever the temperature drops, causing the card to heat up again.  Precision X will allow you to monitor and control the fan speed yourself.  I'd set the fan to 100% to start, and if your temps remain high, then the problem is your GPU's heatsink not doing its job, in which EVGA should allow an RMA.  That's my suggestion, hope it helps!

Also as a quick note, I have that exact card, and I've never had the card go above 61 C, so try to aim for that if a bad fan curve turns out to be the issue.

3

I slightly updated my first post stating my ambient temps are 23C to 25C.

I am already using EVGA Precision X

How do you set the fans to 100%? I am limited to 74%.