Are you sweating over your PC’s graphics card temperature? While it may not be a concern during standard operations, monitoring your GPU’s heat becomes crucial when you have an older system, poor airflow, or if you’re into overclocking or undervolting. As the summer heat ramps up, keeping your temperatures low is a must for PC enthusiasts.
Checking your graphics card temperature has never been easier, thanks to Windows 10 now including a native monitoring tool in the Task Manager. Additionally, various free GPU monitoring tools are available to keep an eye on your PC’s CPU temperature as well. Let’s explore how to monitor your GPU’s heat and ensure your system stays cool.
- How to Check Your Graphics Card Temperature
Getting your discrete GPU’s temperature in the Windows Task Manager is a breeze since Microsoft added this feature in the May 2020 update. Simply open the Task Manager and head to the Performance tab to view your current GPU temperature. While this is a basic tool, third-party options offer more comprehensive tracking features.
- AMD Radeon Graphics Card Monitoring
If you’re using an AMD Radeon graphics card, the Radeon Overlay provides an easy way to monitor your GPU temperature during gaming. The Radeon Settings app includes a Performance Monitoring tool that displays crucial stats like temperature. You can also check the temperature through the Wattman tool in Radeon Settings.
- NVidia GeForce Graphics Monitoring
For NVidia GeForce graphics card users, the GeForce Experience software now includes performance overlays, including GPU temperature. Enabling this feature involves a few extra steps, but once set up, you can monitor your GPU heat seamlessly.
- Specialized Monitoring Software
Many graphics card manufacturers offer software for GPU monitoring and overclocking. Tools like MSI’s Afterburner provide comprehensive monitoring options, allowing you to keep a close eye on your graphics card’s temperature.
- Hardware Monitoring Software
If you’re not into gaming, dedicated hardware monitoring software like HWInfo or Open Hardware Monitor can help track your GPU temperature. NZXT’s CAM software also offers similar functionality with a user-friendly interface.
Knowing what tools to use to monitor your GPU temperature is essential, but understanding what constitutes a good GPU temperature is equally important. While the ideal temperature varies across GPUs, keeping it below 90 degrees Celsius is generally recommended, especially for desktop systems with good airflow.
If your GPU temperature runs hot, consider improving airflow by adding more case fans or opting for a more spacious case. Additionally, checking and potentially replacing the thermal paste between the GPU and heatsink can help lower temperatures in older graphics cards.
Keeping your PC cool is vital for optimal performance, so stay vigilant about monitoring your graphics card temperature and take necessary steps to prevent overheating. A well-maintained system ensures smoother gaming and overall longevity for your hardware.
