How to lower your GPU's temperature

The GPU, or graphics processing unit, is one of the core components of a PC that does a lot of heavy lifting, even when you are not playing a game. It's constantly generating varying degrees as it's used by multiple applications, and it is important to keep it cool at all times to ensure smooth performance, even when you are not gaming.

It's not particularly difficult to lower the temperature of a GPU, but there are times when you may need to put in some additional effort to maintain optimal performance. Nobody likes a GPU that constantly overheats and has throttled performance, so read on to find effective ways to control and lower GPU temperatures, thus safeguarding your graphics card's performance and longevity.

Improve your PC's airflow

A simple and effective way to lower temperature

Improving the airflow in your computer's case is one of the most important ways you can control the temperature of your GPU. Modern GPUs use an array of fans that force air straight down through the card, dissipating the heat from the heatsink in the process. Adequate case airflow ensures a continuous flow of cool air and efficient removal of hot air, which is essential for maintaining a balanced temperature for your GPU.

To enhance case airflow, consider installing additional case fans in strategic locations, changing the fan orientations for optimal air movement, and establishing positive air pressure within the case to prevent dust buildup and maintain efficient cooling. If you want your GPU to run at peak performance, then make sure that you constantly keep an eye on this and clean your PC and air vents.

Increase the fan speed of your PC

If you can, you should set a custom fan curve

Modern GPUs come equipped with built-in fans that adjust their speeds automatically based on temperature. However, you can take control of the situation by manually increasing fan speed using software tools like MSI Afterburner or your fan manufacturer's proprietary software. Modern software offers you a slew of customization options for both esthetics and performance.

So, not only can you change the lights on newer fans, but you can also set up custom performance settings for them and manage your PC's airflow manually. You probably just don't want to choose the max setting for your fans. While this can effectively cool the GPU, be prepared for increased noise levels as a trade-off. Constantly running GPU fans at their maximum speed can also accelerate the wear and tear process.

Control your room temperature

Try to lower the room temperature of your PC

The resting temperature in the room where your computer lives can play a large role in GPU temperature management. A warmer room means the GPU has to work harder to stay cool, potentially leading to overheating. To mitigate this, ensure that the room has proper ventilation, consider using air conditioning or fans to lower the room temperature, and avoid placing the computer in direct sunlight or in a confined space with limited air circulation.

As a general rule of thumb, your GPU and CPU resting temperatures should be 5–10 degrees higher than your current room temperature. This is how you know if your PC is healthy and running smoothly. If it is much higher than this, it could indicate that your PC's airflow is not sufficient, there aren't enough fans in the PC, or the fans don't have enough power.

Prevent dust buildup

Make sure to regularly clean your PC

Open up that PC and have a good look inside. Dust accumulation on the GPU's heatsinks and fans is a common reason for elevated GPU temperatures. Although it may seem rather harmless, dust is a menace to electronics, particularly those that work in a confined space like inside a PC case. Regular cleaning is an important part of preventing dust buildup.

Keep your PC dust-free, and make sure that all the case filters are regularly cleaned as well. Use compressed air to remove dust from your GPU and other components, allowing for better airflow and efficient cooling.

Make space for the GPU

Let the GPU have space to breathe

The location of your GPU within the case can significantly impact its temperature. Ideally, you should install your GPU in the top PCIe slot to ensure it has ample space for airflow and heat dissipation.

It is also important to consider what orientation you want to install the graphics card. Although the rising trend of vertical GPU mounting is quite attractive from an esthetics point of view, it does also raise the temperature of the GPU due to reduced airflow in the case.

If you can, install the GPU in a horizontal position, with plenty of space between the GPU fans and the bottom of the case. Avoid obstructing the GPU with other components, cables, or storage drives, as this can impede the airflow and lead to increased temperatures.

Improve your PC's cable management

Don't slack with cable management

Disorganized and tangled cables can block airflow and disrupt the heat dissipation process. If you want to neatly organize your cables, you should have cable ties at the ready, and if possible, remove and re-install your CPU cooler and add better fans to it.

You should always fasten the cables in a manner that ensures a clean and tidy interior. This will boost the airflow within your PC and will ultimately reduce GPU temperatures. As a final tip, always make sure that nothing is blocking the airflow from the intake fans to the GPU fans.

Undervolting your PC's GPU

For those who don't mind tinkering

Undervolting is our first “invasive” step that can significantly improve your GPU temperatures, albeit with a bit of effort. This process involves decreasing the voltage of your GPU while maintaining stability in terms of performance. Undervolting is essentially the opposite of overclocking, lowering the default voltage while maintaining performance.

Undervolting can be done using software like MSI Afterburner or with manufacturer-provided tools. Essentially, it involves reducing the voltage provided to the GPU core while maintaining the stock clocks of the graphics card. Each round of undervolting should be followed by thorough stability testing if you don’t want to run into a sudden crash. To get a good measure of the overall stability, it is important to run multiple cycles on various software, like Unigine Heaven, Unigine Superposition, 3DMark Suite, Furmark, and your favorite games.

By undervolting your GPU using manufacturer-provided tools or third-party applications, you can significantly reduce heat generation and power consumption. However, it's essential to find the right balance between undervolting and maintaining optimal performance, as excessive undervolting can lead to instability and a reduction in potential boost clocks.

Change the thermal paste in your PC

It is not difficult, but it voids the warranty

The thermal paste that is applied between the GPU and its heatsink degrades over time, reducing its ability to transfer heat efficiency. Replacing the old thermal paste with a fresh, high-quality thermal paste can substantially lower temperatures and improve your GPU cooling ability.

For this step, you will need to open your graphics card to separate the card from the heatsink. Most GPU manufacturers void your warranty by opening up the graphics card, so be mindful of this caveat. Once the two components are separated. Try to thoroughly scrape the old thermal paste from the GPU chip as well as the heatsink plate, cleaning it carefully with isopropyl alcohol on a swab.

Once it has been cleaned, apply the new thermal paste onto the GPU chip (preferably in a small X pattern or a light dab, to avoid spillage when compressed). Make sure to use high-quality thermal paste for your PC. It is also advised to change the thermal pads after you have opened the GPU, as relevant. The thermal pads sit between the heatsink assembly and the VRM/VRAM components and are responsible for heat dissipation from the hardware.

To change the thermal pads, you will need to acquire new thermal pads of the same dimensions (especially the height) since any variation in height can lead to improper contact between the GPU die and the heatsink. Once all thermal components are replaced, you can go ahead and close the graphics card again.

Install a water cooling system

For those who seek the best cooling system

For users seeking more advanced cooling solutions, installing a water cooling system is an option that can yield extremely impressive results. Water cooling systems circulate a liquid coolant through a water block attached to the GPU, providing highly efficient heat dissipation. However, this particular step requires that a custom liquid cooling loop is already present in your PC.

Essentially, you can remove the heatsink from the GPU and attach a custom water block directly to the PCB to bring the GPU into your custom loop. Water cooling setups can maintain significantly lower temperatures than air cooling systems, but they do require more careful installation and maintenance, as well as having a higher cost.

This method is often preferred by overclockers and PC enthusiasts seeking maximum cooling performance. It also comes with a risk of damaging the internal components of the graphics card during installation, in the event of an unfortunate accident.

Reduce your in-game settings

When nothing else works

If all else fails, then the most straightforward way to lower GPU temperature is by just adjusting the in-game graphics settings. Lowering settings such as resolution, texture quality, anti-aliasing, and shadow details can significantly reduce the load on your GPU.

This, in turn, leads to lower heat generation during gameplay without compromising on the overall performance. This is, however, a workaround rather than an actual solution, which is why it's considered a last resort.

Final words

At the end of the day, effectively managing and lowering GPU temperatures is essential for both the longevity and optimal performance of your graphics card. By implementing a combination of the methods discussed, you can ensure your GPU operates within safe temperature ranges.

This will result in a more stable and reliable computing experience. Remember, that a well-cooled GPU will allow you to enjoy better performance and extend the card's lifespan.