You can find many direct answers to your asking about what is a good idle GPU temp.
But I would like to recommend you to check the related facts and factors before leaving after knowing just only the numbers.
In this entire article, I will disclose the facts and factors related to your asking. Let’s explore.
Table of Contents
What Is a Good Idle GPU Temp?
In a word, a good idle GPU temperature should be kept between 30°C–60°C. But there are several facts you have to know about before skipping your query.
You know, idle GPU represents that the computer is on but you are not currently performing any kind of GPU-intensive task like editing videos, playing games, etc.
But do you know how to measure the temperature, what to do if GPU is overheated, how to lower the GPU temperature, and so on? To know all these facts, you need to explore the entire article.
Additionally, you may face an overheating problem. Whatever, you have to measure the GPU temperature to be sure that is it normal or overheated.
How to Measure GPU Temperature?
You need to know the present temperature to ensure whether it is ok or not. There are two basic methods how you can measure your GPU temperature. These are-
- Method 1: Through Built-in Windows 10 Feature
- Method 2: Via Third-Party Apps
Method 1: Through Built-in Windows 10 Feature
You will find a built-in feature if you are a Windows 10 user. I will explain the process to measure the temperature through the feature below in some chronological steps.
Step 1
Tap the Windows key and type ‘Task Manager’. Accordingly, you will see the preface of the Task Manager. You have to click to open it.
Step 2
Consequently, the Task Manager window will appear on the screen. From the upper menu, you need to tap the ‘Performance’ tab.
Step 3
Next, find and select the ‘GPU’ section under the appeared tab.
Then look at the right side pane. You will get the ‘GPU temp’ section with the current measurement indication.
However, if you are not able to measure GPU temperature through the windows program, you will need to do it via a third-party application.
Method 2: Via Third-Party Apps
When the Windows feature could not help you to measure the GPU temperature, you do not need to worry. Because most the GPU manufacturers have their application system by which users can easily measure the GPU temperature including voltage, fan speed, load, and other in detail data.
If you use the newest version of GPU, most probably the related control application will be installed by default. But in case, if you do not find the app installed on your PC, you will have to search for the application at your GPU manufacturer’s official website. Here you need to download and install the app. It will be easy to use.
What Are the Symptoms of an Overheating GPU?
It’s not possible to check the temperature measurement all the time you use a PC. So, how can you address if the GPU is overheated?
For this reason, I have studied a couple of signs and symptoms that will be indicating the overheated GPU. These are-
- You may experience the degradation in the Graphics Quality
- Screen misconduct can be a sign of overheating too.
- GPU may produce high circulated sound.
- Another fact, smoke may appear from the overheated GPU.
Why does GPU be Overheated?
GPU overheating is a kind of barrier to the best performance of the components. Let’s know, why GPU is overheated? I will disclose the reasons below-
Dust and Dirt
Internal dust and dirt of the case cause excessive heat. It creates a barrier to the GPU’s heatsink process from cooling the components effectively. The result is GPU is overheated.
However, blowing compressed air can remove dust & dirt and keep the GPU temperature normal.
Mismanagement Fan Speed
Many times mismanagement of GPU fan speed causes overheating. Generally, the fan bypasses the heat produced by the other CPU functions. So, you have to ensure the adequate high speed of the fan to avoid the GPU from overheating.
Additionally, you need ample ventilation inside the case to keep the GPU fan under low pressure.
Background Applications and Processes
Background processes like a graphically-intensive website or high-definition video may open in the browser. In some cases, these cause the GPU to overheat.
It can happen when you use an excessive amount of applications and processes at once. So, close the unnecessary tab and other background apps from the task manager.
Overclocked GPU
In general, it is not an issue until you overclock your GPU manually. Built-in clock speed is safe and usable but to get the GPU fan too fast to support more exclusive processes user often overclocks it. In this case, overheating trouble will be visible.
So, when you find your GPU overheated, check the clock speed and adjust it.
Unusual Heatsink Condition
Unusual heatsink conditions like damaged or inadequacy can be the reason for the GPU overheating. There are a couple of facts that can create unusual heatsink conditions. These are-
- Related components can be affected in transit
- Improper placement of the GPU card
- Liquid exposure
- If thermal paste dries up somehow
High Room Temperature
Your room temperature is playing a big role in PC management. If you do not keep the room cool or your room becomes hot somehow, your GPU will be overheated for sure. Where not only your GPU only but also your full PC package will remain in danger and hamper the PC’s longevity and sustainability.
Inadequate Power Supply
GPU overheating can occur due to a lack of adequate Power Supply according to the GPU card demand. Basically, there are two reasons for power supply inadequacy.
- Mismeasurement of the energy needed to run the graphics card
- The power Supply may get old too
Poor Cable Management
Most commonly, users manage all of the above situations but don’t look through the cable management inside the case. If you do not ensure the cable accommodation properly, it will block the general airflow system around the PC components including the GPU.
And the cooling system can not work properly if it happens. This means the inside environment gets hot and makes the fan weak. The final result, your GPU is getting overheated.
GPU Brand Can Differ in Idle Temperature
Depending on the GPU brand you are using, the idle temperature can vary from one another. So, the idle temperature of an Nvidia and AMD card can vary from one another. But that doesn’t mean one is better than the other.
It is just a minor temperature difference, and the point is it can happen. As long as the idle temperature stays within the 40 to 60 degrees Celsius mark, it is a perfectly fine GPU. However, if a new GPU exceeds this temperature mark, there may be some fault in the production.
How to keep GPU Temperatures in control?
Keeping the GPU temperatures in control should be the highest priority to get top performance from your graphics card. So, I will disclose some initial level practices you have to ensure. Let’s check the following guidelines-
Increase Fan Speed
The first thing you can try to keep the temperatures in control is increasing the fan speed. You can do it by following two ways mainly.
- From the control panel of your PC
- Using a third-party application
Concentrate on GPU’s Fan Curve Raising
The process is related to the increasing fan speed. By following the manufacturer’s preference, you can raise the curve of the built-in fans of the GPU card.
It will help to lower the GPU temperature and keep it cool and proactive.
Clean GPU
Cleaning the PC components is common for us. But many times we forget to clean GPU individually. But it is one of the most needed tasks to lower the GPU temperature.
You can use compressed air to clean the GPU. The usage process is the same as you do for the other PC components. You have to just blow the airflow inside the fan of the GPU.
Control GPU’s Clock Speed
I would like to recommend running the GPU at an average speed instead of the available maximum speed. It will help your GPU avoid overheating suffering.
You can do it by controlling the clock speed of the GPU you use. To do so, you can use GPU-related software or third-party applications.
Use FPS Caps to Keep GPU Cool
Who doesn’t like to play a game in the highest FPS like 125 to get the topmost visual output? But you may need to control the FPS cap up to 60 to keep GPU cool.
You can control the framerate by using the GPU control panel or directly from the game settings.
Close Background Processes
Often we do not address that some background process consumes more GPU speed. These are high-definition photos, videos, or graphics-based websites or programs.
To keep the GPU temperatures in control, you have to close these kinds of background processes that you do have not any need for.
Add Extra Case Fans
You can take the advanced initiative to keep the GPU cool by adding extra case fans. It will help to manage the proper case ventilation.
Big thing is that adding case fans not only helps the GPU but also helps all components of your PC.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is 50 Degrees Celsius Hot for a GPU Idle?
No. Not literally. 50-60 degrees is not hot for an idle GPU. But you have to concern if it grows above 70 degrees.
What is a Good GPU Temp at Rest?
As we discussed above, 30-60 degrees Celcius is good for GPU when it is in rest mode.
Final Words
Thus, I assume that you have experienced a compact understanding upon your asking what is a good idle GPU temp after exploring the article.
