[Tech] GPU Troubleshooting

[Nanor]

Hey guys,

I've been getting some problems with what I assume to be my GPU as of late. I'm getting graphics artefacts and random crashes. Does anyone know of any sort of GPU Diagnostic tools I can use to figure out what the problem is?

 

[thatbloke]

look up GPU-Z

 

[elDiablo]

Hey guys,

I've been getting some problems with what I assume to be my GPU as of late. I'm getting graphics artefacts and random crashes. Does anyone know of any sort of GPU Diagnostic tools I can use to figure out what the problem is?

Sounds like overheating to me. And graphics cards are usually very difficult to completely clean. Simple option is the old compressed air in the back of case vents, and through the in case fan inlet. Harder option is to take the card out, take off the fan, clean everything, reseat the fan, and put back in, remembering to use thermal paste and shit which makes this option SUPER HARD and you shouldn't do it.

Edit - Also, is this a laptop or desktop? Cos obviously my answer is geared towards desktop...

 

[Nanor]

Yeah, it's a desktop. I'll try and get my hands on some compressed air but the GPU doesn't seem to get that hot. It usually sits around 80°C.

 

[Kasatka]

80 degrees may not seem very hot but the hotter stuff runs, the shorter it's lifespan. How long have you had the card?

For my new system i invested in water-cooling for my cpu, which now runs at 30 degrees MAX. Overkill, but i want a system that lasts a long time. Water-cooling for graphics cards can be a bit more tricky, but worth it if you plan on heavy duty graphics applications or gaming.

 

[Nanor]

I've had the card for a year and a half now.

 

[thatbloke]

I've noticed you on Civ V quite a bit recently - I know that it can be surprisingly graphically intensive with the settings ramped up, and *very* occasionally I get artifacts and tearing while playing Civ V myself, often if i have some other graphically intensive thing going at the same time.

80 degrees is about right for a graphics card, as they are designed to run at much higher temps than regular CPUs.

You aren't doing anything like running the GPU version of Folding@Home or something?

 

[Nanor]

I do get lots of artifacts on Civ, actually.

And nope, no Folding@Home.