Most modern devices, smartphones, laptops, desktops, and tablets, feature graphics cards that help generate images and 3D graphics. The graphics processing unit (GPU) is one of the most essential components of your computer; keeping it at a cool temperature is crucial to improving its lifespan. This begs the question, “What should my GPU temp be”?
The average temperature of your graphics card depends on the model you have. However, as a general rule of thumb, your GPU should be at or under 85℃ while idle or executing its task. Any mark above this will be a reason to check your device’s cooling system.
Different GPUs have different maximum and average temperature ranges; in this article, you will learn about the temperature limits of popular GPU brands such as Nvidia and AMD. You will also learn about average temperature for gaming, how to monitor your GPU temperature, and how to lower your GPU temperature. Keep reading.
What Should My GPU Temp Be?
The Average Temperature While Gaming
One common question by gamers is, “What should my GPU temp be?” while gaming? The direct answer is that irrespective of whether you use an Nvidia or AMD graphics card, your in-game temperature should not exceed 70-85℃, depending on the game’s resolution. For a medium game resolution, the temperature should be between 60-65℃. Celsius.
For a high-resolution game, the temperature should be between 65-70℃ if you play for 4-5 hours. Also, if your room’s temperature is cool, your in-game GPU temperature should not exceed 55-60℃. If you are using a powerful, high-end video card, the maximum gaming temperature should be between 95-105℃.
Average GPU Temperature When Your Device Is Idle
When your device is idle, the temperature of the graphics card should be around 30-40℃.
AMD Graphics Card Temperature Limits
AMD is the second most popular graphics card manufacturer in the world; its Radeon lineup of GPUs is the recent real deal. These GPUs share some similarities with Nvidia, especially in terms of rough max temperature. However, AMD cards have a unique method of temperature reading as their Rodeon cards feature junction temperature readings.
The junction temperature reading provides more accurate information about your graphics card temperature than the traditional reading. According to an official statement by AMD, the average temperature of the Radeon 6000 cards is 110℃; this reading was carried out via the junction temperature reading.
If you use an AMD graphics card, the easiest way to get an accurate reading is to use the Radeon software. This software makes it easy to monitor the temperature of your GPU, its components, and your device as a whole. You can use the software to monitor the in-game temperature of your GPU and detect potential issues before they get out of hand.
In addition, any upgrade made to a graphics card by a third-party manufacturer like ASUS will alter the features and average temperature. You should know that any temperature reading above 90℃ on a Rodeon Card is safe as long as it does not increase to 110℃.
Nvidia Graphics Card Average Temperature
If you use the Nvidia graphics card, you should always keep the temperature at or under 85℃, depending on the series you are using. The GeForce RTX 30 series, for instance, can hit 93℃.without overheating or throttling.
How To Lower Your GPU Temperature
Sometimes, your GPU overheats because of excess workload; at this stage, you will need to learn how to take control and lower the temperature before it damages your device. Below are some methods;
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Improve Cooling System
First, ensure your computer is in a room with excellent ventilation so that the internal and external fans can perform their tasks effectively. Do not put your device on the bare floor, on a carpet, or inside a cabinet. Also, do not place your device on the lap (laptop) as your body heat can affect the device or block the integrated cooling system.
You can also invest in alternative cooling mechanisms, such as laptop cooling stands or liquid cooling systems. If you don’t notice any reduction in temperature, it’s time to expand your PC cooling system. For example, you can get extra case fans or an AIO GPU cooler. These cooling mechanisms can reduce your device’s temperature and increase your GPU’s lifespan.
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Clean The Debris And Dust Inside Your Gpu And Computer
As you use your PC for daily activities, tiny particles of dust and debris find their way inside the components, especially the GPU. With time, the dust accumulates, blocking air from entering your device and preventing heat dissipation. Use a can of compressed air to clean out the dust, especially those in unreachable angles.
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Check Your GPU Fans
If the default fans of your GPU are not functioning as they should, your GPU will constantly overheat under any workload (even when idle). With faulty GPU fans, your GPU can overheat even when performing simple tasks such as watching movies or typing. This can cause significant damage to your device.
Check your fans and make sure they are working perfectly. Fix any faulty area, and your graphics card temperature will return to normal.
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Lower The Room Temperature
This is the hardest of all the methods, especially if you reside in a country with a naturally hot climate. The fact is that lowering the ambient temperature of your room will drastically reduce your graphics card temperature. You can purchase an external fan, fix AC inside the room, or always use your device and its GPU later in the day when the temperature is cooler.
Final Verdict
One thing you should understand as a PC user is that the performance of your GPU and other components is inversely proportional to the temperature of their internal components. Always keep your device cool. Your GPU temperature should be on or below 85℃; anything above that is a cause for worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is A Good GPU Temperature?
A good temperature for your GPU is between 65 to 85℃. When your graphics card’s temperature is within this range, its lifespan will increase, and you won’t need to worry about heat damage and other issues associated with overheating. Improve your GPU cooling system, clean the integrated fans, and avoid overclocking to maintain good GPU temperature.
2. How Can I Monitor My Graphics Card Temperature?
There are several methods for tracking your GPU temperature depending on your device, GPU, and Windows version. However, you can track your GPU temperature via the Integrated Performance Monitor on Windows 10 and 11. You can also use the “Open hardware monitor” on your device’s Windows to monitor your graphics card and CPU temperature.
3. What Does High GPU Temperature Mean?
A high GPU means your graphics card is under excess stress due to overload and has exceeded its normal temperature range. This should not be an issue if it only happens under stress. However, a constant high temperature lasting for long hours is a red flag; soon, it will begin to stall the GPU’s performance.
4. What Causes GPU Overheating?
The factors contributing to GPU overheating include overclocking, GPU-demanding games/apps, case quality, ambient temperature, airflow quality, old GPU, faulty GPU fans, and bottlenecking. Avoid all these, and your GPU temperature will reduce.
5. What Happens When My GPU Exceeds Its Average Temperature?
Modern graphics cards always have an in-built thermal protection mechanism that will throttle the GPU or shut it down when it overheats. When the mechanism throttles the GPU, it reduces the loads, causing overheating. If the issues persist, the mechanism will then shut down the device.
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