Is your GPU causing game crashes, showing strange visual artifacts, or running too hot? Learning how to check if your GPU is working properly can save you from annoying problems and damage to your hardware. A healthy graphics card should stay at good temperatures (140-185°F or 60-85°C while gaming), run smoothly in benchmark tests, and show graphics without glitches.

You can check your graphics card health using Windows Task Manager to see GPU usage. Use MSI Afterburner or HWMonitor to watch temperatures. Run stress tests like 3DMark to check for problems. A healthy GPU will have steady temps, no visual glitches, and benchmark scores within 10% of what other cards like yours get.

The most common GPU failure is no POST (Power-On Self-Test), which means your computer turns on but shows nothing on screen. Heat problems are trickier to spot. The system starts up fine, but after the GPU gets hot, you might see visual glitches, crashes, or a blank screen. Common mistakes that lead to GPU problems include not cleaning the PCIe connector, using the wrong thickness of thermal pads on VRAM or VRM chips, letting thermal paste dry out on older cards, and not having a strong enough power supply.

1. Quick GPU Health Checks First

Start with these basic checks before running detailed tests on your graphics card.

  • Power Cable Connections: Make sure your GPU's power cables are plugged in all the way. Loose cables can cause crashes or stop the card from working at all.
  • Display Cable Connections: Try a different video cable or port if you're having screen problems.
  • Graphics Driver Updates: Go to NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel's website to download the newest drivers for your graphics card.
  • GPU Temperature Check: A healthy graphics card runs at 86-104°F (30-40°C) when idle and 140-185°F (60-85°C) while gaming.

Warning: If your GPU temperature goes above 185°F (85°C) often, it may be slowing itself down to cool off, or it could be at risk of damage. Fix cooling problems right away.

2. Using System Monitoring Tools

Built-in Windows tools can quickly show if your computer sees your GPU and if it's working right.

Windows Task Manager GPU Monitoring

Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager, then click the Performance tab and look for the GPU section. A healthy GPU should show:

  • Idle GPU Usage: Close to zero (0-5%) when you're not gaming or running 3D programs
  • Gaming GPU Usage: 60-100% when playing games or doing 3D work
  • Video Memory Usage: Less than 500MB when idle

Warning: If you see 0% GPU usage during games, your computer might not be detecting the graphics card. If idle usage is above 30%, something running in the background may be using your GPU.

Detailed GPU Monitoring Tool Setup

These free programs let you watch your GPU's health in detail. Here's how to use each one:

MSI Afterburner (Recommended for All Graphics Cards)

  1. Download and Install: Go to MSI's website and download the latest version of Afterburner. It comes with RivaTuner, which shows stats on your screen while gaming.
  2. Initial Setup: Open MSI Afterburner and click the gear icon to open settings.
  3. Enable GPU Monitoring: Click the Monitoring tab and check the boxes for GPU temperature, GPU usage, video memory usage, clock speed, and fan speed.
  4. On-Screen Display: Turn on "Show in On-Screen Display" for the stats you want to see while gaming.
  5. Key Numbers to Watch:
    • GPU Temperature: Should stay at 140-185°F (60-85°C) while gaming
    • GPU Usage: Should reach 95-100% during heavy gaming
    • Clock Speed: Should match what your card is rated for
    • Fan Speed: Should go up when the GPU gets hotter
    • Power Draw: Steady power use means your GPU is working well

GPU-Z (Detailed Graphics Card Information Tool)

  1. Download GPU-Z: Get it free from TechPowerUp's website.
  2. Graphics Card Tab: Make sure all the specs match what your GPU should have.
  3. Sensors Tab: Watch your GPU stats in real time:
    • GPU Temperature should be 86-113°F (30-45°C) when idle
    • GPU Load shows how hard your card is working
    • Memory Controller Load shows how busy the video memory is
    • PerfCap Reason tells you what's holding back performance (should show "VRel" or "Pwr" under load)
  4. GPU Validation: Use the lookup tool to make sure your graphics card isn't fake.

HWiNFO64 (Complete System Monitoring)

  1. Installation: Download from HWiNFO.com and install the program.
  2. Sensors-Only Mode: Open HWiNFO and pick "Sensors-only" to see live stats.
  3. Find Your GPU: Look for your graphics card in the sensor list.
  4. Key Numbers to Track:
    • Temperature Sensors (check the core, hotspot, and memory temps)
    • Power Use (compare to what your card is rated for)
    • Thermal Throttling (should say "No" during normal gaming)
    • Memory Errors (should always be zero)
  5. Temperature Logging: Turn on logging to track temperature changes over time.

Temperature Patterns: A healthy GPU warms up slowly during gaming. If you see sudden temperature jumps or wild swings, that often means the cooling system has a problem. The thermal paste might be old, or the thermal pads on the memory chips might not be making good contact.

3. GPU Performance Testing and Benchmarking

Test your graphics card's performance and stability with these benchmark programs.

GPU Health Indicators Healthy GPU Temperature 162°F (Good) GPU Usage 98% (Excellent) Clock Speed 1920 MHz / 1920 MHz Power Draw Stable: 280W / 320W Visual Quality OK Problem GPU Temperature 196°F (Too Hot!) GPU Usage 30% (Too Low) Clock Speed 1245 MHz / 1920 MHz Power Draw Unstable: Fluctuating Visual Quality X Monitor these metrics during stress testing to identify GPU issues
Comparison of healthy vs problematic GPU performance indicators

Recommended GPU Benchmarking Tools

  • 3DMark: The most popular benchmark for testing gaming performance and GPU stress
  • Heaven/Valley Benchmarks: Free tools for testing stability (run for 30+ minutes)
  • UserBenchmark: Quick way to compare your GPU to others like it
  • FurMark: Very intense stress test (be careful, it uses a lot of power)

Understanding Your Results

Signs of a Healthy GPU:

  • 3DMark scores within 10% of what your GPU model usually gets
  • UserBenchmark scores above the 40th percentile (80th or higher is great)
  • Smooth frame rates with no stuttering during tests
  • No visual glitches or weird graphics during stress tests
  • GPU temperature stays below 185°F (85°C) during long tests

Warning Signs: Sudden frame rate drops, stuttering, the GPU not reaching its full speed under load, fans running at full speed when doing light tasks, or memory errors during stress tests all point to possible hardware problems.

4. Physical GPU Inspection and Maintenance

Many GPU problems come from physical issues that software can't find. Here's how to check your graphics card hardware by hand.

Safety First: Turn off your computer completely and unplug it from the wall before opening the case or touching any parts inside. Touch a metal surface to get rid of static electricity first.

Checking the PCIe Slot and Connector

  • Remove the Graphics Card: Unscrew the bracket, push the release latch on the PCIe slot, and carefully pull out the GPU.
  • Look at the Edge Connector: Check for these problems:
    • Rust or discoloring on the gold pins
    • Dust or dirt between the pins
    • Bent or damaged pins
    • Burn marks that show electrical problems
  • Clean the Pins: Use rubbing alcohol (90% or higher) and a lint-free cloth or cotton swab to gently clean the connector.
  • Check the Motherboard Slot: Look for dust buildup, bent pins, or damage in the slot itself.
  • Reinstall the GPU: Push the card firmly into the slot until you hear the latch click.

GPU Power Connector Issues

  • 8-Pin/6-Pin Power Connectors: Make sure power cables are pushed in all the way with no gaps.
  • 12VHPWR Connector (RTX 40/50 series):
    • Push the connector in until it clicks firmly
    • Don't bend the cable within 1.4 inches (35mm) of the connector
    • Check for melting, discoloring, or a burnt smell
    • Consider using angled adapters to reduce stress on the cable
  • Power Supply Capacity: Your power supply should have at least 20% more wattage than your system needs.

GPU Sagging and Support

Important: Modern high-end graphics cards can weigh over 4.4 pounds (2kg). Without support, a sagging GPU puts uneven pressure on the PCIe slot. Over time, this can cause connection problems, slot damage, or tiny cracks in the circuit board.

  • Check for Sagging: Look at your GPU from the side. The far end should not droop down.
  • GPU Support Bracket: Install a support bracket or anti-sag stand to hold up the card.
  • Other Options:
    • Vertical GPU mount (needs a riser cable)
    • Use cables to help support the card from above
    • Anti-sag brackets that attach to case slots

GPU Thermal Paste and Thermal Pad Inspection

This section is for advanced users who are comfortable taking apart a graphics card:

Warranty Warning: Taking off the GPU cooler usually voids the warranty. Only do this if you have experience or if the warranty has already ended.

  • Thermal Paste Age: Graphics cards older than 3-4 years often need new thermal paste on the GPU chip.
  • Signs of Dried Paste: Temperatures slowly getting higher over months or years, or throttling problems that didn't happen before.
  • Thermal Pad Replacement:
    • Important: Use the right thickness (usually 0.5mm, 1mm, 1.5mm, or 2mm depending on the part)
    • Measure the old pads or look up guides for your specific GPU
    • Memory chips and power chips need good contact with thermal pads
    • Wrong pad thickness means poor heat transfer and overheating
  • Use Quality Materials: Get good thermal paste brands (Arctic MX-4, Thermal Grizzly Kryonaut) and quality pads (Gelid, Thermalright).

GPU Cooling System Maintenance

  • Dust Removal: Use compressed air to clean the heatsink fins and fan blades. Hold the fans still so you don't damage the bearings.
  • Fan Check: Spin each fan by hand to feel for grinding or resistance.
  • Bad Bearing Signs: Listen for clicking, grinding, or rattling when the fans run.
  • Airflow Check: Make sure your PC case has good intake and exhaust fans, with clear paths for air to reach the GPU.

5. Common Problems and Solutions

Here are the most common graphics card issues and how to fix them.

No Display on Startup (Most Common Failure)

Symptoms: The computer turns on and fans spin, but nothing shows on screen. No BIOS, no Windows logo, just a black screen.

  • Quick Checks:
    • Make sure the monitor is on and plugged into the GPU (not the motherboard)
    • Try a different display cable and port
    • Listen for beep codes from the motherboard
    • Check if the GPU fans are spinning (this means it's getting power)
  • Power Problems:
    • Loose or badly seated power cables
    • Power supply not strong enough for your GPU
    • Bad power cable or power supply rail
    • Try different power cables from your power supply
  • Connection Problems:
    • Take out the GPU and put it back in
    • Clean the edge connector with rubbing alcohol
    • Try a different PCIe slot if you have one
    • Check for damage to the slot or connector
  • Test Without the GPU: If your CPU has built-in graphics, remove the GPU and plug the monitor into the motherboard to see if the GPU is the problem.

Heat-Related Failures (Problems That Get Worse Over Time)

Symptoms: The system starts up fine but develops problems as the GPU heats up. You might see visual glitches, a black screen, or crashes after 10-30 minutes of use. It often works again after cooling down.

  • How to Spot It:
    • GPU temperature goes above 185-194°F (85-90°C)
    • Problems happen after gaming or heavy use
    • Symptoms go away after letting the system cool for 15-30 minutes
    • Issues get worse when the room is warmer
  • Common Causes:
    • Dried thermal paste (especially on GPUs over 3 years old)
    • Dust blocking the heatsink
    • Failing or dead cooling fans
    • Wrong thickness thermal pads on memory or power chips
    • Not enough airflow in the case
  • How to Fix It:
    • Clean the heatsink with compressed air
    • Replace thermal paste if the GPU is over 3 years old
    • Check that all fans spin freely and reach the right speed
    • Speed up case fans or add more fans
    • Try undervolting to reduce heat

Visual Artifacts and Corruption

  • Types of Artifacts:
    • Random colored dots or lines across the screen
    • Checkerboard patterns or messed up textures in games
    • Shapes or triangles stretching across the screen
    • Colors looking wrong or having a strange tint
  • Causes and Fixes:
    • Overheating: The most common cause. Fix cooling problems right away.
    • Overclocking: Turn off or reduce any overclock settings.
    • Memory Failure: Run memory stress tests like OCCT or MemtestG80.
    • Driver Problems: Use DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to fully remove drivers, then install the newest version.
    • Failing GPU: If artifacts keep happening at normal settings with good temps, the GPU might be dying.

Random Problems (Hardest to Find)

Real Example: My Asus RTX 3090 would run perfectly for days, then randomly cause blank screens or restarts. The problems went away after cooling down, which made them very hard to diagnose without long stress tests.

  • How to Diagnose:
    • Run stress tests for 2-4 hours to try to trigger the problem
    • Watch all temperatures the whole time
    • Check Event Viewer for GPU errors after crashes
    • Try different power cables
    • Test the GPU in another computer if you can
  • Possible Causes:
    • Heat problems that only show up during certain games or tasks
    • Bad solder joints that make loose connections
    • Power delivery problems
    • Memory errors that only happen at certain temperatures
    • Driver conflicts with certain games or programs

Performance Getting Worse

  • Screen Flickering: Usually a driver problem. Update your drivers or go back to an older version.
  • Lower FPS Than Expected:
    • Check if the GPU is throttling (temps above 181°F or 83°C usually cause this)
    • Make sure GPU usage hits 95-100% during gaming. Lower means your CPU might be the limit.
    • Check that the GPU is running at full speed under load
    • Make sure the power limit isn't holding back performance
  • Slow Performance: Often caused by dust buildup or bad cooling that makes the GPU slow itself down.

Maintenance Tips

  • Regular Cleaning: Use compressed air to keep your graphics card free of dust.
  • Driver Updates: Check NVIDIA or AMD websites often for new drivers.
  • Good Airflow: Make sure case fans work and nothing blocks the air vents.
  • Reinstall the Card: If problems won't go away, try taking out the GPU and putting it back in.

Tip: A well-maintained graphics card can last for many years. Regular cleaning and monitoring will help you catch most problems before they get serious.

We have created a video summary of this article on YouTube.