How To Lower GPU Temperature

Surely, you have heard that overheating is not good for your computer. Yet, your computer will not stop hitting high temperatures every time you use it. You are worried because you do not want this problem to extend to other parts of your computer.

You are already on the right path if you are worried about your computer’s temperature. If you read this article to the end, you will find ways to lower your GPU’s temperature yourself.

What Are the Causes for a High GPU Temperature?

To know how to lower your GPU temperature, you should know the causes and how to prevent them in the future. If there are no faults with your computer components, the most likely reason will be some of the software you are using.

Using GPU-intensive software will raise your GPU’s temperature, especially if you use it for a long while. This GPU-intensive software includes video games, photo and video editing apps, 3d editing apps, etc.

If you keep using this software for an extended period at a high temperature, your computer might crash, and other components can be damaged. 

How to Lower GPU Temperature

Here are the four methods to lower your GPU temperature.

Method #1: Clean the Dust Off the Fan

Accumulation of dust on your fan is one primary reason your fans are not working as effectively as they should. You can either take it to an expert or clean it yourself, taking the following steps:

• Get the required items – a can of compressed air, a screwdriver, and alcohol wipes.
• Take out the graphics card and clean it.
• Take the graphics cards apart with the screwdriver.
• There is a cooler on the graphics card; remove it by twisting it off.
• Disconnect the fan and clean it.
• Use the compressed air to remove the remaining dust on the cooler and the fan.
• Use the alcohol wipes to clean the fan blades.
• Using the alcohol wipes, clean the dust off the graphics card also.
• Leave it to dry.
• Retrace your steps to assemble the components.

Method #2: Replace the Thermal Paste

The thermal paste helps to transfer and dissipate heat. Over time, the thermal paste will burn away or wear off due to heat, and you might not know until you take apart the GPU components.

1. Open the graphics card case: To access the components you need, you must open the graphics card case.
2. Detach the heatsink: On the other side of the graphics card, you will see screws holding the parts together. Remove the screws.
3. Clean off residual thermal paste: Get a soft material to clean off the remaining thermal paste from the heatsink and surrounding parts.
4. Replace thermal paste: You can apply the paste by making it draw an ‘X’ mark. It should even out when you put the parts together.

Method #3: Improve Airflow

The fan can be working to the best of its capabilities, but if there is not enough airflow in its case, it will not be effective. To improve its effectiveness:

• Get more fan cases or increase the number of fans.
• Manage your cables not to generate more heat or interrupt air circulation.

Method #4: Underclock Your GPU

When your GPU is overclocked, you will need an external fan to keep the computer cool; else, you will overwork your computer’s fan. If you overclocked your GPU, follow the same process to underclock it.

Also, you should ensure your GPU is up to date; this also plays a part in lowering your GPU temperature.

Why Should You Reduce Your GPU Temperature?

Apart from being able to run your software smoothly, reducing your GPU temperatures ensure other parts of your computer are not subjected to harm.

When a graphics card overheats, it shuts down to protect the computer. But if it overheats constantly and it does not shut down, it can cause damage to important parts of the computer.

Symptoms of Overheating GPU

When your GPU or computer is overheating, you will notice these conditions.

• System reboot: The GPU has been programmed to shut down at a certain temperature. If your computer suddenly shuts down without notice, it could be a case of overheating.
• Burning smell: The smell might not be strong, but you should check to confirm if you perceive subtle smells of burning or melting wires.
• Buzzing noise: When you overwork your fan, it might get to the point where the fan starts making a lot of noise due to exhaustion.
• Slow response: An overheating computer can not function to the best of its ability. Overheating might slow down activities and cause freezing sometimes.

Conclusion

Taking good care of your graphics card is taking good care of your computer. If you ensure low temperatures at all times, you will be assured of a long-lasting graphics card and an efficient computer.

The methods given to lower your GPU temperature require little stress and cost little. Do not overlook the overheating; use the most comfortable method to lower your GPU’s temperature.

Frequently Asked Questions