4 mins
How to check GDDR7 memory temps on RTX 50 with HWiNFO
Ever wished you could see which memory chip is running hottest on your GPU? In July 2026, a Brazilian-led modding effort unlocked per‑module readouts, making it possible to monitor each GDDR7 chip on GeForce RTX 50 cards. Here’s how to check GDDR7 memory temps on RTX 50 with HWiNFO, what it means for diagnosing VRAM pads and cooling, and where the limits are with this unofficial access.
The breakthrough combines new HWiNFO support with a community plugin for MSI Afterburner, exposing thermal data NVIDIA doesn’t document publicly. It also builds on earlier work that enabled per‑module readings for GDDR6 and GDDR6X on previous generations.
Quick Summary
- Modders now expose per‑module VRAM temps on GeForce RTX 50; readings appear in HWiNFO and via an MSI Afterburner plugin.
- This helps spot bad thermal pads or uneven cooler pressure by comparing each chip’s temperature under load.
- It’s unofficial (accessing hidden sensors), so accuracy, stability, and future driver support are not guaranteed.
What was unlocked—and by whom
A small international group—featuring Brazil’s Paulo Gomes, HWiNFO’s developer Martin “Mumak” Malík, MSI Afterburner creator Alexey “Unwinder” Nicolaychuk, and contributor “olealgoritme”—found a way to read thermal telemetry that NVIDIA keeps out of standard tools. The result: per‑chip DRAM temperature data alongside other hidden sensors.
The method relies on reading previously inaccessible hardware counters (via memory‑mapped I/O), and it’s not part of NVIDIA’s official documentation. That’s why support currently appears through HWiNFO builds and a community MSI Afterburner plugin rather than a standard driver panel.
How to check GDDR7 memory temps on RTX 50 with HWiNFO
1) Update to the latest HWiNFO build that includes the new GPU memory sensors. 2) Launch in Sensors‑only mode. 3) In the GPU section, expand the memory entries and look for multiple per‑module temperature lines (they may be grouped or labeled by chip/bank). 4) To view temps in‑game, install the community Hotspot.dll plugin for MSI Afterburner and add the relevant sensors to the on‑screen display.
If you prefer charts and logs, HWiNFO can record per‑module temps while you play or stress‑test. After a session, sort the log by each module to see which chip peaked highest and how large the spread was between the coolest and hottest chips.
Image credit: NVIDIA
Using the data to diagnose VRAM pads and cooling
Per‑module monitoring helps you spot contact and airflow problems you couldn’t see before. If one or two chips consistently run much hotter than their neighbors under the same workload, that can point to a poorly seated heatsink edge, a shifted backplate, or a thermal pad that’s too thin, too thick, or out of place.
Focus on the temperature spread rather than only the peak. A big gap between modules under identical conditions is a stronger clue of a mechanical issue than a single high number, especially if the hotspot chip sits near a corner or along a PCB edge where cooler pressure can be uneven.
A Quick Explanation
“Per‑module” means each individual memory chip has its own sensor reading. Older tools often showed one “memory temperature,” typically the hottest sensor available, which could hide uneven cooling across the board.
What the readouts look like on different RTX 50 cards
Layout matters. For example, the GeForce RTX 5090 uses 16 GDDR7 modules of 2 GB each, but current tools may expose around 8 read points because sensors are paired by module banks. Don’t be surprised if you see grouped readings rather than a full sixteen‑line list.
Earlier demos targeted GDDR6 and GDDR6X across RTX 30/40 desktop and some mobile GPUs. The same approach now reaches GDDR7 on RTX 50, so expect naming and grouping to evolve as tools mature.
Worth Noting
The “Memory Temperature” many apps showed in the past often reflected the single hottest sensor, not an average. Per‑module readings let you see the full picture and catch lopsided cooling.
Image credit: NVIDIA
For PC builders and overclockers: limits, risks, and good practice
This access is unofficial and could change or break with future drivers. Because the sensors are undocumented, names can be confusing, values could shift between software versions, and not every board partner will expose the same set of readings. Treat the numbers as guides, not guarantees.
Testing tips: keep a log, note room temperature, and use consistent workloads (a repeatable game scene or a VRAM‑heavy benchmark). If a few modules run much hotter, first reseat the card and check case airflow. Repadding or cooler disassembly can help—but that risks damage and may void warranties, so proceed only if you’re comfortable and accept the consequences.
The Practical Side
You can visualize temps in‑game via MSI Afterburner’s on‑screen display once the plugin is installed. It’s handy for tuning fan curves and quickly spotting runaway hotspots during long sessions.
For PC Users
Not overclocking? Per‑module temps can still flag issues early—like a loose backplate or dried‑out pads—before crashes or thermal throttling appear. If you’re unsure, log temps and share them with a trusted shop.
Bottom line: the community just gave RTX 50 owners a powerful new lens into VRAM thermals. Use HWiNFO for logging and, if you like, the MSI Afterburner plugin for an overlay. Compare modules, watch the spread, and make cooling changes carefully—this is cutting‑edge, but it’s still unofficial.
Image credit: NVIDIA
