You are likely into gaming and PC parts, leading you to stumble across this article. One of the most significant parts of a computer is the video card, handling all graphics-related processes. As such, it typically runs hot. Just like other electronic components, there are too hot and normal temperatures.
Suppose you ever notice your machine crash or a performance decrease. In that case, it might be an overheating issue with the Graphics Processing Unit or GPU. Suppose it is running too hot all the time. In that case, it will be detrimental to your computer’s performance and reduce your unit’s lifespan.
Summary
A good GPU temperature range is 75 C to 80 C. A GPU temperature that exceeds 105 C is considered too hot. A GPU temperature between 90 C to 105 C is normal and safe while gaming, at least for newer devices. The most common reasons a GPU reaches temperatures that are too hot is due to a poor fan and dust buildup.
In this article, we will be going through the ideal temperature ranges for your GPU, keeping it healthy and safe from damage.
Normal & Safe GPU Temperatures while Gaming
The most popular GPU brands are AMD and Nvidia, each having a similar set of normal temperature ranges. Further classifications come into models, with Nvidia having the GTX and RTX series and AMD having the RX series.
There is no exact answer to what temperature a GPU should be running at while playing games. This value varies. Certain factors influence temperature variation, such as make and model. Moreover, every computer game has a specific minimum and recommended graphics card requirements when gaming. To set an example, your video card’s heat levels when playing Minecraft is not the same as when you are playing Apex Legends or Valorant.
Even if two video cards have similar specifications but come from different brands, there will be differences in operating temperature. It is best to check the manufacturer’s official website to get accurate answers. For example, the Nvidia GeForce GTX 1660 Super has a maximum operating temperature of 93 C. On the other hand, the AMD Radeon RX 6600 can operate up to 100 C without issues.
Most experts believe that temperatures ranging from 90 C to 105 C are normal, depending on specifications. As a general rule of thumb, lower operating temperatures are always better.
What is a Good CPU Temperature?
Whether you have an Intel or AMD processor, the temperature threshold varies. 75 C to 80 C is the optimal temperature these days when gaming. It can sometimes potentially run hotter, such as overclocking or during long gaming sessions.
These levels are less than what was normal a few years back. Why? Because modern architecture draws most of the work from the GPU instead of the CPU. As a result, the graphics card drives the power you see when playing. Before the shift in architecture, games heavily relied on the CPU for processing.
Why is my Computer Fan so Loud?
Your computer will process and respond as one unit. When a component gets too warm, it triggers a signal to your computer fans to increase its revolutions per minute (RPM). It causes it to be louder than usual. There are also cases when heat is not the reason for a noisy fan. It could either be defective or have collected too much dirt.
The fans speed up to drive hot air away from your computer so cold air can normalize the heat. Below are some reasons for the fans to kick into action:
- Your fans are defective – Anything with moving parts will wear down eventually. The same goes for your computer fans. If these run noisy and loud, there could be moving or loose parts. If not, there could be something wrong with the firmware. It could cause it to run weirdly. You will have to find out the issue’s root cause before determining the next steps.
- There is too much load on your CPU – It is not all the time the fans are at fault. If there is a running program taking up too many resources, it could easily bump your fans to the max level. It could be very bad in the long run. If it is randomly making noise, it indicates high CPU usage.
- No proper air ventilation – Heat ventilation in a desktop and laptop are very different. Let’s dig into it one by one. For desktop computers, the chassis typically has at least two fans. When there is no proper ventilation that brings hot air out and cold air inside, it could cause a spike in temperature. On the other hand, laptop computers are quite different. Air passes through the laptop’s bottom, which you may block when placing it on your lap or some surfaces.
- The fans are dirty – When there is dust building up around, it could prevent air from passing through without obstruction. It could render ineffectiveness, causing loud noises. To keep it from happening, you need to clean it regularly.
When Idle
Each manufacturer has its range of idle GPU temperatures. It should generally be between 40 C to 60 C when idle. There should be no problem if your video card runs along these temperatures.
Some manufacturers rate their GPUs between 35 C to 55 C, while others rate them between 50 C to 65 C. It is important to double-check your specifications.
Is a Loud Computer Fan Bad?
A loud noise indicates an issue with your system, which is not good. If it persists for an extended period, the issue may be serious and could need immediate action. Its job is to keep the components inside running at normal temperature. Excessive noise indicates they are overworking.
Fans cannot always bring the heat levels down to normal temperature. You will likely start experiencing performance issues with your device when it operates beyond the normal range for an extended period.
First, your Central Processing Unit (CPU) will regulate its performance to lower heat output. With that, you will notice a significant drop in performance and speed. Second, your GPU will also throttle its performance. When gaming, you will encounter performance lags or issues. They include but are not limited to FPS drop, ghosting, and stuttering.
When it gets too hot, performance throttling no longer works. Your CPU will shut down to prevent damages from happening. The entire system will follow through, resulting in a blue screen of death.
You may also experience issues while booting up your systems, such as an infinite reboot series or a black start screen. If you think the fans are too loud, start troubleshooting immediately or take it to the nearest service center.
