Is your graphics card (GPU) thermal throttling (slowing down to prevent damage)?

Modified on Wed, 25 Jun at 5:08 PM

Safety First: Always turn off and unplug your PC before opening it!


1. Clean the GPU and Case:

  •     Open your PC case.
  •     Use compressed air to thoroughly blast dust out of your graphics card's fans and cooling fins (heatsink).
  •      Also clean all other case fans and the CPU cooler fan. Dust is a major cause of heat buildup!


2. Improve Case Airflow:

  •     Ensure all case fans are spinning and are properly installed (check arrows on fans for correct airflow direction – generally, front/bottom fans blow in, rear/top fans blow out).
  •     Remove any obstructions inside the case (e.g., loose cables blocking fans or pathways).
  •     Give your PC breathing room: Make sure it's not shoved against a wall or in a tight cabinet. Place it on a hard, open         surface.


3. Update Graphics Drivers:

  •     Go to NVIDIA.com/drivers or AMD.com/drivers. Download and install the latest drivers for your specific graphics card.              
  • Updated drivers can sometimes improve thermal management.


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