Is this normal?

Hardware Hub GPU
1

Hello!
Im using a radeon HD 6970 its the Wind Force x3 version and last week I noticed that the temperatures are going up by just idling at Windows fans are at 55% and the temperatures are:

50C idle in Windows

70-80C in game Arma 2 OA all on max

90C in game Battlefield 3 settings on auto (most of them are on high)


I Cleaned the entire computer yesterday and its still 50 C-55 C fan speed is on 55% (auto configure) should i take it back to a store or should i try and replace the thermal paste i did see some cases that the protective plastic was not removed (not on a graphics card but on a cpu laptop)

What should i do?

2

Forgot to mention room temperature is 19C.

3

IF it's running at stock, AND under warranty, return it, as that is way too toast; even reference cards cool better. My OC'd Radeon 5830 (925/1250) doesn't even kick up that much heat. If not, replace the thermal grease.