How Hot Is Too Hot for GPU? – Keep the Temperature of GPUs at a Sustainable Level

GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) is one of the most important components of modern computers that makes the computers ready for high-quality tasks like graphics rendering, video editing, gaming, etc.

Hence, it’s known as the soul of computers to many users.  

Now, the GPU can get too hot sometimes due to the excessive use of graphics.

As a result, you may have to encounter lots of problems while operating the computer.

So, it’s an important thing to keep the temperature of GPUs at a sustainable level. 

Before going to that, you will need to know how hot is too hot for GPU?

Generally, a temperature between 90 to 100 degrees celsius is considered to be too hot for a GPU.

If it goes more than that, there might be permanent damages to your processor. 

To help you in this case, we have discussed everything you need to learn about GPU heat and how to control the heat. 

How Hot Is Too Hot For GPU?

The high temperature of  a GPU creates many performance issues and reduces the lifespan of GPUs.

So, you should be extra careful when it comes to exceeding the limited temperature level of GPUs. 

According to experts’ reviews, the hot range of GPUs is 90-100 degree celsius.

When the temperature reaches 100 degrees or more, the GPU starts to work slowly so that it can control the temperature itself.

As a result, you have to tolerate lower FPS (frames per second) or reduced image fidelity while gaming. 

Again, you may go through a lengthy process while rendering graphics or editing videos.

However, in some cases, the GPU might just turn off due to this excessive heat.  

In that situation, you should detect the sources of overheating and solve them quickly to increase the efficiency of performance. 

What is the normal temperature of a GPU?

There is no uniform range of normal temperatures for GPUs. It varies from model to model and manufacturer to manufacturer.

But most of the GPUs grant 65- 85 degrees celsius ( 149- 185 degree F.) which is also the range of their ideal temperature under normal use such as gaming. 

However, you should have a good idea about the ideal temperature of your GPU before measuring the wrath of it. 

The Temperature at Which You Should Worry about Overheating

You may often wonder which temperature is a warning for an overheating GPU and when is the exact time for you to stop your PC.

As I mentioned earlier, 65 to 85 degree C is the tolerable range of temperature for maximum GPU models. If the temperature of GPUs exceeds 85 degrees, that is when you should start worrying about the internal condition of your GPU if you want to avoid unwanted situations. 

How to monitor the temperature of a GPU? 

Since you know what temperature is too hot for a GPU, it will be really easy for you now to monitor the temperature of the GPU.

Fortunately, there are many software available nowadays to help you monitor the GPU temperature easily. 

If you are using the Windows operating system, you won’t get any default software to monitor the temperature.

In that case, you will have to install a third-party tool to do the job for you.

For your benefit, we have listed some of the most used tools for tracking the temperature of GPUs below. 

• HWiNFO 
• CPU Z
• Open Hardware Monitor
• MSI Afterburner 

You can use any of these tools based on your interest.

However, we have explained the steps of using HWiNFO in Windows 10, so that you can easily operate it and solve the heating problem.

Windows 7 users can follow this direction as well. 

How to check GPU’s temps with HWiNFO: 

Step- 1: Install the HWiNFO on your computer. 

Step- 2: Activate the Sensor-only mode at the time of installation.  

Step- 3: Scroll down the sensor status until you get your GPU’s temperature. 

Why does the GPU get too hot? 

Why the GPU gets too hot is one of the biggest questions that many users ask most frequently.

So, in this part of the article we are going to discuss all the reasons that might be responsible for your overheated GPU. 

Common Reasons for Overheating of GPUs

Generally, there isn’t any single reason that might be held responsible. If your GPU is getting too hot frequently, a variety of things can be causing it. So, we are going to walk you through all the things to you need to consider for an overheated GPU. 

Dust 

Accumulated on the GPU (graphics cards), dust can easily impede the usual heat- radiations of the GPU. As a result, it can’t cool itself down and you find your it overheated pretty soon. This is why it’s important to keep the CPU components clean regularly. 

Overclocking

You might have already heard about overclocking. Overclocking is a way to run the PC faster than before without making any expensive upgrades. If you can’t detect a stable overclock for your PC, then you will do nothing but hamper your device. The same way when your GPU exceeds the safe overclocking range, it starts to work frenzy and gets too hot. 

Non-working Position of Computer Fans

Every computer has one or more fans that emit hot air from the internal part of the computer through its casing.

This is how your computer keeps its interior cool and stress-free. If the cooling fans stop working or work occasionally, then the GPU gets too hot. 

So, you need to check the CPU’s internal fans properly. In case you need to repair or replace something, don’t waste time and fix it immediately. 

Overuse 

There are different types of GPUs available in the market. Their usability and power vary with their models and manufacturers.

However, each of them has its maximum usability that you should not exceed.

So mostly, when you overload your GPU with lots of complex tasks beyond its capability, your GPU heats up and crosses the ideal temperature level. 

Old PC

Over the years, the performance level of our PCs reduces notably. This is because just like most other things, computers get older with time.

So, when you carry on high-quality tasks such as video editing, graphics rendering, gaming etc. on your PC, the GPU gets overheated. To solve this, you will have to replace the hardware instantly. 

Ways to Control The Temperature of GPUs 

Now that you know the reasons behind a hot GPU, you should know the ways to remove those problems so that you can enjoy it longer. For your convenience, we have come up with some effective ways to control the temperature of GPUs. 

Sufficient Ventilation 

To keep your GPU cooler, you must ensure sufficient ventilation to the interior parts of your device.

So, place your computer in a place where it can get the flow of air from all sides. Don’t make the mistake to put it inside a drawer or on the carpet. Rather, choose a smooth surface like a table or tiled floor to set your computer. 

Dusting the PC and GPU

As I mentioned earlier, dust resists the natural ventilation of the computer greatly. So, keep your computer free from dust and debris to maintain the airflow.

You can easily achieve this goal by cleaning it up regularly. 

Open up the casing of your computer and remove the dusts from the internal parts.

Use a can of compressed air so that you can get rid of the dust from the unreachable parts too.

While performing this task, give special attention to the graphics card, its fan, and its heat sink. 

Change the Thermal Paste

Thermal paste is located between the GPU and its heat sink. Mainly, it helps to transfer the heat from the GPU to the sink. 

With time as it gets older, it loses the ability to radiate heat properly. Consequently, the GPU exceeds the sustainable level of temperature.

So, it’s highly recommended to replace the thermal paste on a regular basis.

Upgrade the Cooling System

You should know that cooling fans maintain the temps of computers while performing the tasks. But they also get older within their lifespan.

Which is why you need to replace them after a certain amount of time. 

You can also add more fans to strengthen the cooling system.

However, you can choose an alternative cooling system such as a laptop cooling stand and liquid cooling system to keep the GPU cool for a long time. 

Reversing the Overclock

Due to the overclocking, it’s normal for the GPU to heat up frequently and cross its normal temperature range. 

And a long time practice of this unsafe clocking, your GPUs lifespan can reduce significantly.

So, you should revert your GPU to its default setting, in case you manage to change it earlier. You can also underclock your GPU to control overheating. 

Don’t Change Your Older Graphics Driver 

If you are using an older model of the graphics card, you should not upgrade your graphics driver to its new version.

If you do that, there will arise a mismatch between the graphics card and the graphics driver.

As a result, you may find your GPU getting too hot. To avoid that, keep your graphics driver to its older version. 

FAQs

1. How to cool down GPU fast?

If you’ve been gaming or working on graphics-heavy projects for a while, you know the importance of keeping your GPU cool.

Most GPUs come with their own built-in cooling system, but sometimes that’s not enough. If you’re looking for ways to cool down your GPU fast, here are a few tips:

2. Make sure your case has good airflow

This is one of the most important things you can do to keep your components cool.

Invest in a good quality case and make sure it has plenty of fans to keep the air moving.

3. Use a fan controller to regulate the speed of your fans

This way, you can have them running at full speed when you need it, and dial it back when things are running cooler.

4. Make sure all the fans in your system are clean and unobstructed

Dust buildup can impede airflow and make it harder for your components to stay cool.

5. Consider upgrading your cooling system if you’re still having trouble keeping things cool

Water cooling is one option that can provide better cooling than air cooling, though it is more expensive and requires more maintenance.

6. What are normal GPU temps?

There is no definitive answer to this question as different GPUs will have different normal temperatures.

However, as a general guide, most GPUs should operate at around 70-85 degrees Celsius when under load.

If your GPU is regularly reaching temperatures above 90 degrees Celsius, then it is worth checking for any potential issues.

7. What temp does the GPU fan turn on?

GPUs are designed to operate within a certain temperature range, and if the GPU starts to get too hot, the fan will turn on in order to help cool it down.

The exact temperature that will trigger the fan to turn on can vary depending on the make and model of your GPU, but it is typically around 80-85 degrees Celsius.

8. What are good temps for CPU and GPU while gaming?

Assuming you’re asking about safe temperatures: For a CPU, anything below 70 degrees Celsius is good, but the average is actually around 40-50 degrees.

For a GPU, anything below 80 degrees is good, but the average is actually around 60-70 degrees.

Of course, these are just averages and it’s always best to keep an eye on your own temps to see what range is best for your system.

9. Should I overclock my GPU?

Overclocking your GPU can be a great way to improve your gaming performance, but it can also cause some serious problems if not done correctly.

Before you overclock your GPU, you should research how to do it safely and what risks are involved.

Overclocking your GPU can void your warranty, so be sure to check with your manufacturer first.

If you do decide to overclock your GPU, be sure to monitor your temperatures carefully to avoid damaging your hardware.

Conclusion

I hope you got a thorough explanation on how hot is too hot for GPU. It’s important to remember that an overheated GPU does not only make the images and videos bad but also causes damage to your CPU since they are connected. 

So, you need to take proper steps and care to keep your GPU as cool as possible. Every time you think that it’s going beyond the ideal temperature, you need to stop working instantly. 

The best way to keep your GPU healthy is to monitor the heat every day. I hope this article has helped you to find a good solution.