How to tell if your GPU is failing or dead - 5 signs to look for (2024)

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Quick Answer

Artifacts on the screen, frequent crashes, overheating, loud fan noise, and performance issues are common signs of a failing GPU.

When encountering these graphical glitches, your first step should be to check for software-related issues. This includes updating your Nvidia or AMD graphics drivers. It may also be best to uninstall old GPU drivers to stop any conflicts or errors that may have come up.

If the problem persists after a software update, try reducing the load on your GPU. This can be done by lowering the graphics settings in your applications or games. Decreasing resolution, texture quality, or other demanding settings can alleviate stress on the GPU and possibly eliminate the artifacts.

Overheating is a common cause of graphical artifacts. Inspect your GPU’s temperature using hardware monitoring software such as HWInfo which will turn red when on sensors when reaching critical. Ensure that the cooling system, including fans and heat sinks, is functioning properly. Clean any dust accumulation and consider improving airflow within your computer’s case which should lower your GPU temperatures.

Persistent artifacts, even after taking the above steps, may indicate hardware failure. This could involve issues with the GPU itself or related components. In such cases, it may be necessary to consult a professional or consider replacing the GPU. You should also check your GPU power and installation, reseating the card and ensuring you have enough power going to it to meet the requirements. Lastly, if you have an overclocked GPU be sure to undo it and see if the problems persist.

Open up “Event Viewer” in Windows. This should show you any errors and failures Windows experiences, allowing you to find out what caused the issues. Then look up what the resolution of that is online to try and resolve any of that.

The first step in addressing these crashes is to ensure your GPU drivers are up-to-date. Outdated or corrupted software drivers are common causes of system instability. You can download the latest drivers from the GPU manufacturer’s website or through the device manager in your computer’s settings.

An overheating GPU can lead to crashes and the BSOD. Use hardware monitoring tools to check your GPU’s temperature during operation. If the temperature is consistently high, it may be causing your system to crash. Ensure proper cooling by cleaning the GPU’s cooling system and improving airflow within your CPU case.

One of the best software for monitoring GPU temperature is the Nvidia GeForce Experience app. This application allows you to enable an in-game overlay from the settings, using which you can monitor different aspects, including the GPU temperature.

Alternatively, you can also use the Task Manager to check the GPU temperature. All you need to do is open the Task Manager, go to Performance, click on GPU, and scroll down to see the GPU temp. However, we’d still recommend using the GeForce Experience app as you can keep its overlay open at all times, even during gaming.

Sometimes, GPU issues can be related to conflicts with other hardware components in your system. Check the device manager for any conflicts with the display adapter or other components. Resolving these conflicts can sometimes stabilize the system.

Overheating stands out as one of the most critical signs of a failing GPU. While GPUs are designed to generate a significant amount of heat during operation, exceeding their thermal limits can signal impending failure. This excessive heat generation is often noticed during high-end gaming, intensive video editing, or prolonged use of graphics-heavy applications.

Good airflow within the computer case is essential for dissipating heat effectively. Check that your case fans are working correctly and consider rearranging internal components to optimize airflow. Occasionally, the positioning of cables and other hardware can obstruct air movement, leading to higher temperatures. So, you need ensure the cable management is done properly, as you’ll run into overheating issues otherwise.

If standard cooling measures aren’t sufficient, consider implementing additional cooling solutions. Upgrading to higher-performance case fans or investing in a dedicated GPU cooler can significantly improve thermal management. These solutions are especially useful for GPUs that are regularly subjected to high workloads.

Excessively loud fan noise from your GPU often serves as a warning sign of GPU stress or impending failure. While it’s normal for the GPU fan to become louder during heavy usage as the GPU generates more heat, unusually loud noise under regular conditions is a red flag. It could indicate that the GPU is overworking or experiencing issues.

Dust accumulation on the GPU fans and heat sink can hinder cooling efficiency, forcing the fans to work harder and produce more noise. Start by cleaning these components to remove any dust or debris that might be obstructing airflow.

While you’re cleaning the GPU, it will be a good idea to clean the rest of your PC as well. This is because if there’s a lot of dust buildup inside your case, it can cause overheating issues. We recommend using a compressed air can or an air gun to clean the PC.

If the noise continues after cleaning, examine the fan speed settings in your GPU’s control software. The fan might be set to operate at a higher speed than necessary. Adjusting these settings can reduce noise while still maintaining adequate cooling.

If the GPU fan is old or has sustained damage, replacing the fan might be necessary. Over time, fans can wear out or become less efficient, leading to increased noise levels. A new fan can restore proper cooling and reduce noise.

Experiencing performance issues is a clear symptom that your GPU might be struggling and possibly heading towards failure, especially if these problems arise suddenly. This is often most noticeable during tasks that require substantial graphical processing, such as gaming or high-resolution video playback. Performance issues can manifest as stuttering, lag, frame drops, or a noticeable decrease in the visual quality of games and videos on your PC.