How Hot Is Too Hot For GPU?

GPU stands for Graphics Processing Unit which is one of the most important components of your PC. This chip supports illustrations and renders videos, images, and animations, both in 2D and 3D. Over the years, GPUs have constantly evolved and have become crucial elements of modern supercomputing. This component is exceptionally vital for our systems, and therefore, taking care of it becomes mandatory.

When talking about taking care of GPUs, the first thing to ensure is the temperature of the GPU should always be optimal. This is because if your GPU overheats, you could be facing a lot of issues with your system. 

In this article, I am going to explain all about the temperature of the GPU and how to reduce GPU temperature.

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How Hot Is Too Hot for GPU?

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As explained above, more than 85°C is too hot for GPU.  We all know the importance of having outstanding working Graphics Processing Units. To make sure that it always is in good shape, you must ensure that the temperature of the GPU does not dramatically increase or decrease. Although modern PCs are incredibly powerful, however, quite sometimes, they can also start crashing or stuttering.

This can be because your GPU could be getting hotter than it should get.  Let me tell you that ideally, a GPU’s temperature ranges from 65 to 85°C (149 to 185°F). This is pretty normal under usual conditions, given that the usage is not too much, that is, there is not much gaming or excessive use of the computer. 

Although GPUs can work safely at a temperature up to 85 degrees Celsius, some GPUs can function at a temperature beyond that too. However, it is wiser to keep the temperature of GPUs between 50-60 degrees Celsius. Although more than 85°C is too hot, depends upon the type of GPU, the maximum limit should be 1oo°C. Even 100 degrees is too much but some advanced GPUs(GTX 1050, GTX 750 Ti) can work well in this range too. 

However, temperatures can also vary according to the manufacturer and the model of your GPU. Nonetheless, if you are an avid gamer, you should very well be aware of how to keep GPU cool while gaming; otherwise, this could result terribly. Because, gaming experience is not great without a great GPU and its smooth working.

Therefore, if the graphics card getting hot is your complaint, you must know how to reduce GPU temperature. But first, let me tell you the various reasons as to why your GPU must be getting all heated up.

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Why Is Your GPU Getting Heated Up?

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GPU gets heated up because of number of reasons which I am going explain in different points. That will give you an idea as why is your GPU getting heated up, and how you can try maintaining its temperature well for overall good experience.

1. Accumulation Of Dust

It is imperative to clean your computer once in a while if your computer’s hardware has collected a large chunk of dust over the years. Dust accumulation can heat up your computer as well as your graphics card and GPU. This hampers the functionality of your GPU to a considerable extent. Therefore, if you are on a quest to find the answer to how to reduce GPU temperature, you could begin with cleaning your computer. 

2. Overclocked GPU

Overclocking refers to manually configure your GPU to perform higher functions than it is built for. This can heat up your GPU and hamper the system. This could be one of the reasons behind your overheated GPU. 

3. Fans Not Working

Computers are provided with multiple fans to keep the outflow of hot air and keep the system cold. If your machine’s fans are not working or they are clogged up with dust, it is high time to clean or change the fans to prevent your GPU from heating up.

4. Overworked GPUs

Although some GPUs are well equipped to perform complex functions, if you are not using such GPUs, it is wiser not to overburden your GPUs with complex tasks. Overworked GPUs often face heating issues and cause damage to the Processor.

5. Your PC Is Not Modified Enough

If you are using an old PC that is not upgraded to handle modern and high-end games or to play high-quality videos, your GPU might face the problem of heating and not function properly. It is advisable to upgrade your machine and then use it for playing advanced games or high-end animated videos.

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How To Reduce GPU Temperature?

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There are various ways that I have mentioned below in the pointers that may explain you as to how to reduce GPU temperature. This way, you can prevent your GPU from getting overheated.

1. Clearing The Hit Sink And The Fan

Dust accumulation on your GPU prevents heat from getting dissipated. Over time this starts to heat up your GPU and create a menace. The only way to prevent dust build up inside your GPU is to clean your GPU over time with air blowers. Make sure not to use any high-intensity blowers as they may end up damaging your GPU.

2. Allow Heat Flow In The PC Case

The functionality of GPU is quite reduced when it gets heated up. To prevent GPUs from getting heated up, invest in additional fans that ensure heat flow and keep the GPU temperature low. Also, you can invest in a premium top case that helps to prevent heat buildup in your GPU.

3. Increase Fan Speed

You can adjust the fan speed when your GPU is overclocking with the use of software such as MSI Afterburner. This helps to utilize the fan speed to the best of its performing ability and reduce the temperature of your GPU while conducting an important task.

4. Regular Replacement Of Thermal Paste

Thermal pastes of Graphics card often dries out due to extensive usage. This can create friction and heat up the GPU. Maintenance and regularly replacing the thermal paste can help regulate the temperature in a GPU.

5. Use Of GPU Water Cooling System

While many people might not consider this to be a safe bet, this works wonderfully if you wish to know how to lower GPU temperature. This method keeps the internal temps of the build down by circulating less hot air. This moves out the hot air, making the GPU cooler.  

Normally, if the GPU is not very old or overused, it doesn’t really get all heated up too soon. However, if you are an avid gamer, and are experiencing an excessively heated GPU, then here’s how to keep GPU cool while gaming. 

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How To Keep GPU Cool While Gaming?

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You can keep your GPU cool while gaming by doing these:

Playing high-end games with advanced graphics and AR VR visuals can heat up your GPU to a great extent. However, your GPU is built to adjust to heavy loads and high-performing actions, overuse of GPUs while gaming can cause a lot of damage to your GPU as well as your motherboard. Thus, it is advised to keep the temperature of your GPU in check while gaming or take the actions mentioned above to keep your GPU temperature low. 

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Top GPUs of 2021

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If you are a gaming enthusiast or a professional dealing with animation and video editing, investing in a high performance GPU  would be certainly a wiser decision as the they work well even on a bit higher temperatures.. Make sure to pick the GPU which can cater to all your needs. 

Here is a list of the best premium range GPUs of 2021:

Investing in these GPUs could be the right thing to do, especially if you have had an overheating issue with your GPU in the past. Moreover, if you put your GPU to excessive use, how hot is too hot for GPU might be the question in your mind. While the GPUs do not get very hot in normal circumstances, it is still better to check the GPU temperature regularly by downloading third-party tools. 

I hope you find the answer of what you have finding, and learned few more things as well. Do let me know in the comments if you have any queries.