Various components in the computer can cause the temperature to be significantly higher than normal room temperature. 60 degrees Celsius are not uncommon. But if your graphics card or your entire computer suddenly becomes too hot to touch, you should change something as soon as possible before the hardware is damaged. We have put together the most helpful tips for you. Here you will find further information on measuring the temperature of your graphics card.
Check the hardware of your GPU
First, you should make sure that everything is OK with your hardware. Check the cable runs: for example, is a cable hanging in a fan blocking it? All fans should be able to spin freely. If necessary, you can also clean your computer as the dust can create further problems. Read here how to clean your PC.
If you notice that the air in your computer is practically there, you can also buy additional fans. Most cases have fixtures so that at least two other fans can be installed in addition to the CPU fan. Graphics cards usually come with their own fan. But the rule is: the more fans are installed, the better. Until your new fans have arrived, it can also help in very acute cases to leave the case open for a short time. However, this puts a lot of strain on your other hardware components, as dust can penetrate into all small cracks unhindered. An open housing is therefore not a permanent solution. You should also be careful when the temperature in the room is high. For example, if you have your study in the attic, it can easily overheat in summer. Therefore, make sure thatthat your computer is well ventilated both inside and out. Your computer shouldn't be in a built-up corner, but the exhaust air should really be able to move away from the PC.
You cannot always read the age of your graphics card directly from the hardware. Sometimes it's on the type sticker. Otherwise, a look on the Internet with a search for the type designation helps. A sign of a newer graphics card: In addition to the HDMI port (in the middle), there is also a DisplayPort connection (right). This connection has only existed for a few years. Check the software of your PC
If external influences such as heat build-up have been eliminated or can be ruled out, you will have to deal with the software. Depending on the age of your graphics card, it is possible that the software you are currently running is simply overwhelming. A graphics card from 2010 is guaranteed not to cope with Cyberpunk 2077 (from 2020) because it simply demands too much performance. Unless you receive an error message straight away, your graphics card will still try to deliver as much performance as possible. This can cause your hardware to overheat. If you notice that your graphics card is relatively up-to-date, but it gets hot with some games or the fans make it very noisy, it can help to lower the graphics settings. Then you can no longer play your game on "Ultra", "High "or at least" Medium "is often still there. In such a case, investing in a new graphics card may not be a bad decision.
Another factor affecting the temperature of your graphics card is overclocking. In the case of overclocking, more is required of the graphics card than what is actually provided at the factory. This means that the graphics in the game look better or are built up faster. In the long term, however, the wear and tear on your graphics card is very high. If your GPU gets very hot thanks to overclocking, you have to switch it off again..
With special software you can get the temperature of your graphics card directly displayed. If the temperature only rises rapidly in very graphically demanding games, the first thing you should do is to lower the graphics settings of the game. If nothing helps
Is the temperature of your graphics card constantly too warm? In such a case, your GPU could be too old or there could be a technical problem. Often there is nothing left but to buy a new card.