How to lower your GPU temperature on Windows computer

In this post, we will show you how to lower your GPU temperature on a Windows 11/10 computer. If GPU temperature rises a lot while using some GPU-intensive applications (some video editors) or games, then the solutions covered in this post will be helpful. If you have some doubts, first, you should check your GPU temperature while playing a game or working with a GPU-intensive application. If you find that the temperature is beyond the normal range always, then you need to take the necessary actions.

How much GPU temp is OK?

While your GPU temperature may range between 65°C to 85°C normally, it still depends on your graphics card, and depending on the GPU, a temperature around 90°C should also be fine. However, if the temperature goes beyond 100°C and it remains increased till you are playing a game or using an application, then it is a matter of concern as it can do some serious damage to your graphics card or decrease the GPU lifespan.

Why is my PC GPU temp so high?

If the GPU airflow is obstructed and it is not able to throw out the heat from the computer case, then it may raise the GPU temperature including the overall temperature of your computer. In addition, overclocked GPU and dried thermal paste could also be why your GPU temperature is so high.

How to lower your GPU temperature on a Windows computer

To lower your GPU temperature on a Windows 11/10 computer, use the solutions added below:

Clean the dust
Use a case with better airflow
Undervolt your graphics card
Set Maximum Frame Rate cap
Disable overclocking
Change the thermal paste.

1] Clean the dust

This is a very simple solution but can be very helpful in lowering the temperature of your graphics card. You should clean the dust from the cabinet or case as well as from the graphics card. Dust can affect the fan speed of the GPU as well as airflow in the case, which in turn can increase the heat level.

Unscrew or remove the side panel or main cover of your computer case and use some compressed air can or spray to blow off the dust, a paintbrush, or a soft cloth for cleaning the GPU fans, other parts, and the case. Do this carefully. Check for other obstacles or blockages (if any) in the airflow and remove them.

2] Use a case with better airflow

Make sure you are using a computer case with better airflow that will be helpful to maintain the temperature. If you have a computer case with only one fan that isn’t sufficient, as the GPU won’t get enough airflow, you should consider adding more fans or installing a large fan instead (if possible). That will help in maximizing the airflow, which will ultimately help in lowering the temperature as much as possible inside the computer case and GPU.

3] Undervolt your graphics card

GPU undervolting is another effective solution that can help lower the GPU temperature. This process includes the steps to lower the operating voltage of the GPU from factory or default settings to an optimal level and keep the core clock speed or frequency unchanged. With low voltage, power consumption is reduced, GPU fans will make less noise, and heat generation is also reduced, which will ultimately lower the GPU temperature.

4] Set Maximum Frame Rate cap

Limiting the peak frame rate can be helpful in keeping your GPU cool as it will consume less power, generate less heat, and fans will be less noisy. If some games can run smoothly with 70 FPS (frame rates per second) or 80 FPS and you are using uncapped FPS or the frame rate limit is set to 100 or more, then you may be consuming more power than is required for a smoother game experience. So, you can set a maximum frame limit for playing games. Both NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards support the maximum frame rate limit. Let’s check how to do this for both graphics cards separately.

Set Maximum Frame Rate in NVIDIA graphics card

Here are the steps:

Open the NVIDIA Control Panel window
Expand the 3D Settings section
Click on the Manage 3D settings option
On the right-hand section in the Global settings tab, use the drop-down menu available for Max Frame Rate option. A box will pop up. If you want to apply the maximum frame rate limit for a specific game, then switch to the Program Settings tab, select the game using the drop-down menu, and then use the drop-down menu available for Max Frame Rate option. A pop-up will be there
Use the On button in that pop-up
Move the available slider to set the maximum frame rate
Press the OK button.

If you face any trouble in playing the game(s), you can use the above steps to change the maximum frame rate or turn off this setting.

Use Frame Rate Target Control for AMD graphics card

AMD Radeon users can also use a native Frame Rate Target Control feature of AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition to set the maximum frame rate. These are the steps:

Download the AMD Radeon software from the official website (if you haven’t already) and install it
Launch the software interface
Click on the Settings icon available on the top right part
Switch to the Graphics menu
Select the Custom option from the right-hand section
Expand the Advanced section
Toggle the Frame rate target control button
Now you will see a slider that you can move to set the peak frame rate
Click on the Apply Changes button on the top right part.

In case the peak frame rate limit causes any issue, use the steps mentioned above to turn off the Frame rate target control option or change the peak frame rate.

5] Disable overclocking

If you have overclocked your GPU, then that can also be one of the main reasons why your GPU temperature is higher. Though GPU overclocking helps boost performance, it also raises the GPU temperature. Therefore, you should disable the GPU overclocking if it is causing any trouble and set it back to the factory settings. In addition to that, you can also underclock GPU by lowering the core clock speed of the GPU. After underclocking the GPU, you should also check if everything is working fine. If not, you should revert the changes and keep the core clock speed to default settings.

6] Change the thermal paste

A thermal paste (or thermal compound) in GPU is a cooling agent placed between GPU and the cooler for heat transfer and helps in cooling the GPU and increasing the overall lifespan of GPU. But, if the thermal paste is dried out or its performance is decreased over the period of use, then it may result in GPU heating. So, you need to change the thermal paste.

While this solution will surely benefit you, you should use this option very carefully. Or else, it is better to head to an authorized service center for this. Do not do it by yourself if the graphics card is in warranty (as the warranty will be void) or if you have any doubts. Here are the steps:

Remove the computer case and unscrew or detach the graphics card
Place the graphics card on a surface
Remove the GPU backplate (if available). Use a screwdriver and start removing all the screws. Not all GPUs have back plates on them though
Now you can see the PCB (Printed Circuit Board) of the GPU. Unscrew the screws available on the PCB board
Detach the fan cables and then carefully separate the PCB part with the GPU chip and cooler part
You will see a silver-gray type substance over the GPU chip and cooler plate or cooler part. That is the thermal paste. Clean it properly. You can use cotton swabs, cotton cloth, etc.
Use a good-quality thermal paste and apply it on the GPU part. Put it just a little so that it will cover the entire surface of the chip
Now start the reassembly process. Plug back the fan cables
Connect the PCB board with the cooler part of the GPU and put the screws back in their places
Attach the back place of the GPU.

Finally, you can attach or connect the GPU to your computer.

That’s all! I hope this will help you.