Maximum temperature for NVIDIA GeForce graphics cards

Graphics card temperatures typically range from 40°C to 90°C. Video cards can reach high temperatures under heavy load. NVIDIA GPUs are designed to operate reliably up to their maximum specified operating temperature. This maximum temperature varies by GPU. If a GPU hits the maximum temperature, the driver will throttle down performance to attempt to bring temperature back underneath the maximum specification. If the GPU temperature continues to increase despite the performance throttling, the GPU will shutdown the system to prevent damage to the graphics card.

How to check graphics card temperature

Windows Task Manager

Windows 11 has the ability to monitor your GPU temperature built-in, and Windows 10 has had it since the May 2020 update. The temperature monitor is found in Task Manager. To open it, hit Ctrl+Shift+Esc, and then click “More details” if it is present at the bottom left.

GPU-Z

GPU-Z is a lightweight utility designed to provide information about video cards and GPUs. The program displays the specifications of Graphics Processing Unit and its memory; also displays temperature.

The new and free version of the GPU-Z software can be downloaded from the website of the developer of this software – https://www.techpowerup.com/download/techpowerup-gpu-z/

Setting “Power management mode” from Adaptive to Maximum Performance

Setting Power management mode from “Adaptive” to “Maximum Performance” can improve performance in certain applications when the GPU is throttling the clock speeds incorrectly resulting in low fps. To change this setting, with your mouse, right-click over the Windows desktop and select “NVIDIA Control Panel” -> from the “NVIDIA Control Panel”, select the “Manage 3D settings” from the left column -> click on the Power management mode drop down box and select “Prefer Maximum Performance”. Click over the “Apply” button at the bottom of the panel to apply the changes.

The heatsink and fan assemblies on the graphics cards are designed to pull the heat away from the graphics card. Also, the fans on graphics cards can collect dust over a period of time inhibiting it’s ability to cool the GPU. It’s good practice to occasionally check and gently clean your PC components. Performance utilities such as EVGA Precision or GPU-Z can be used to monitor temperature of NVIDIA GPUs. If a GPU is hitting the maximum temperature, improved system cooling via an added system fan in the PC can help to reduce temperatures.

Last Updated on 22.08.2022 by DriverNew