The graphics card (GPU) bears a heavy load, often the heaviest load among computer components, due to the nature of tasks it performs when running games, design software, editing videos, or dealing with heavy graphics in general. As a natural result, the temperature of these graphics processors rises to alarming levels, even if the processor is handling a large portion of various operations. Therefore, we need to constantly monitor the temperature of the graphics card and ensure it does not exceed the safe limit. But wait; what is the normal temperature of the graphics card in the first place, and does it vary from one graphics card to another? And how do we measure it in more than one way? Let’s clarify the answers to these questions in detail from the following lines.
Knowing the temperature of the computer’s graphics card
First: What is the appropriate temperature for the graphics card?
When manufacturing graphics cards, they are designed to withstand heavy workloads involving 3D graphics and various technologies that require significant GPU processing power, unlike the processor that cannot handle these intensive tasks! Even the most powerful processors cannot handle high-quality graphics rendering; how can they, when the hardware dedicated to that (the graphics card) struggles against powerful graphics, and this struggle is manifested in the form of increased temperature? The more the requirements exceed their limit, which increases with technological advancements, the more graphics card manufacturers focus on providing more powerful and energy-consuming units, and consequently more heat production.
Companies strive to improve the efficiency of graphics cards to keep up with continuous advancements and withstand frightening developments in graphics; companies like NVIDIA and AMD take all necessary precautions to ensure that the graphics card temperature remains within a reasonable range. If it exceeds this range, the virtual lifespan of the graphics card is at risk.
When the graphics card is idle, its temperature ranges from 30 to 40 degrees Celsius (86 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit), and while watching videos, for example, the temperature may reach around 50 degrees Celsius (122 degrees Fahrenheit). During gaming, the graphics card temperature jumps to 70 or 80 degrees Celsius (158 to 176 degrees Fahrenheit), precisely with the fan speed curve referred to as the “Fan Curve” through specialized programs, temperatures can be much better than that, even during light tasks such as watching videos.
We can say that the danger indicator starts as soon as the graphics card temperature reaches 85 degrees Celsius (185 degrees Fahrenheit) or higher when performing heavy tasks. This may occur due to overclocking the graphics card, insufficient airflow for cooling, the presence of a defect in the manufacturing process, or excessive use, among other reasons. Fortunately, most graphics cards have built-in protection measures to prevent damage that could lead to GPU failure due to high temperatures. However, continued use of the graphics card under high temperature loads may negatively affect internal components and reduce their lifespan.
Second: Dealing with the issue of high graphics card temperature
After learning about the safe temperature range of the graphics card and the main reasons that may lead to high temperatures, if you notice an increase in the temperature of your GPU, you can take some steps to keep it cool. The solutions are much simpler than you might think; just make sure that there is sufficient airflow by checking the graphics card fans, or you can underclock and reduce the frequencies, or you can do even better by referring to our previous article where we discussed effective solutions to the problem of high graphics card temperature. If you do not know how to check the temperature of the graphics card in the first place, here are more than one method we explain below.
Third: How to check the temperature of the graphics card?
The easiest way to measure the temperature of the GPU on Windows is to use its default tools, the most prominent of which is “Task Manager,” which already includes an indicator displaying the graphics card temperature in real time. All you have to do is open the tool by pressing Ctrl + Shift + Esc together on the keyboard, make sure you are on the Performance tab, then select “GPU” from the left and look at the temperature displayed below “GPU Temperature,” knowing that the tool displays the basic temperature whether for the internal or external graphics card (if available).
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You can also check the temperature of the graphics card – on Windows – using third-party tools such as HWiNFO, which allows you to know the temperature and consumption of the graphics processor during use, and also provides information about each component of your computer; all you have to do is download the tool and run it, then check the “Sensors-only” box and click “Run.” The next screen will show you all the information you need about each component of the computer. Scroll down to the phrases containing the word “GPU,” and in front of the “GPU Temperature” row, you will see its current temperature, as well as the minimum and maximum temperatures it has reached, along with the average as well.
Note: The “Average” temperature field in the HWiNFO tool shows the average temperature of the processor since the tool was launched, so it is recommended to leave the tool running in the background for more accurate measurements.
As for the other highly effective third-party tool, it is MSI Afterburner. This tool is generally used for overclocking the graphics card and optimizing fan speed, and now, for measuring the GPU temperature, of course. After installing the tool and opening it, you will notice that its interface is much simpler and better than the previous tool, and in front of the word “TEMP,” you will see the real-time temperature of the graphics processor. Below this word or field, you will find settings for overclocking, power limiting, and other settings you may need.
For macOS users, the “Activity Monitor” tool included with macOS displays details of GPU, CPU, and other important information but unfortunately does not include the graphics card temperature. To solve this problem, you will need to install a third-party tool called iStat Menus and with this, you will be able to measure the temperature of the GPU, CPU, battery, and more.
In Linux distributions, you can check the graphics card temperature by opening the “Terminal” panel by pressing Ctrl + Alt + T and typing the command “sudo sensors-detect” (without quotation marks), then press Enter and you will see the graphics card temperature, whether it is external or integrated with the iGPU. You can also rely on the Psensor tool to display this information systematically.
Summary: If you aim to keep your graphics card running for as long as possible, monitor its temperature constantly; do not use it for long periods and avoid overclocking pleasure unless absolutely necessary, and don’t forget to ensure sufficient airflow to it. These tips begin with checking the temperature, an action that should never be neglected.
