GPU overheating in games
What this error means
A GPU has three important temperatures: GPU (die average), Hot Spot (the hottest point, usually 10–20 °C higher) and memory (especially GDDR6X). A GPU does not “burn out” immediately — it lowers clocks. So the main symptom is not a shutdown but gradually falling performance. Temperatures are shown in Task Manager, NVIDIA App/AMD Adrenalin and tools like MSI Afterburner.
Where exactly the chain breaks
Causes — most common first
Step-by-step fix: from simple to advanced
Test the game after each step — only move on if the error is still there.
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Check temperatures under load medium ≈20 min
GPU temperature is shown in Task Manager (Performance → GPU) and in the NVIDIA/AMD panels; CPU temperature — in the motherboard or CPU vendor’s utility. If after 10–20 minutes of play the values hit the limit (GPU and CPU start throttling, a laptop runs fans at maximum), clean the cooling, check the fans and do not put a laptop on soft surfaces.
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Cap your FPS easy ≈3 min
Capping FPS at your monitor’s refresh rate (in the driver or game) lowers load and heat in light games and menus where the GPU would otherwise run at 100%.
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Set a fan curve medium ≈10 min
In MSI Afterburner or AMD Adrenalin (Tuning → Fan) set a more aggressive curve: e.g. 60–70% speed at 70 °C. Louder, but cooler.
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Clean the PC and improve airflow medium ≈30 min
Unplug the PC, blow out the GPU heatsink and case filters while holding the fans still. The case needs at least one front intake and one rear exhaust fan. Keep a laptop on a hard surface, a stand helps.
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Undervolting (optional) advanced ≈30 min
Lowering voltage at the same clock reduces heat. Do it gradually and test stability in games: too much undervolt causes crashes itself.
Diagnostics for your PC
Enter your GPU, RAM and game — we will compare them with the requirements and point out what matters for your PC. If you are signed in and saved a PC, it is filled in automatically.
This is a hint based on specs, not a measurement. Browsers cannot see your driver version or power supply model: the FPSHQ app for Windows shows your driver version and real FPS.
Key figures
Unique FPSHQ metrics from this page's data
How long each step takes
Time estimate from the guide: 5 steps, about 93 minutes. Steps go from simple to complex — the error usually disappears on the first ones.
GPU overheating in games
For most GPUs, a temperature up to roughly 80 °C under sustained gaming load is a normal operating range; maximum values are listed in the model’s specifications. Signs of overheating: clocks and FPS drop after 10–20 minutes, fans at maximum, crashes or artefacts. Fixes: a well-ventilated case, dust cleaning, a custom fan curve, an FPS cap, and for older cards — new thermal paste and pads (if you are confident or use a service).
- steps in the guide
- 5
- minutes for all steps
- 93 min
- guide verified
- Oct 2, 2026
FAQ
Is 85 °C dangerous?
Check the maximum temperature in your model’s specifications: if there is headroom, the card operates normally, though it may throttle. Still, that level is a reason to clean the system and improve airflow.
What GPU temperature is normal in games?
For most GPUs 65–80 °C on the main sensor is typical under load. Vendors set a limit after which clocks are reduced; for NVIDIA and AMD it is above 80 °C. Hotspot and memory temperatures have higher acceptable values than the core.
Does undervolting help?
Yes: lowering voltage at the same clock (curve in MSI Afterburner or Tuning in Adrenalin) reduces power and temperature, often with no FPS loss. Do it in steps and check stability in games.
When should thermal paste and pads be replaced?
If the GPU is several years old, temperatures have risen despite clean heatsinks and fans, and the gap between core and hotspot has grown large. Replacement may void the warranty — for new cards go to a warranty service.
🧭 Nothing helped?
Write down the exact error text and the faulting module from Event Viewer (Windows Logs → Application) and contact the game developer’s support — attach the crash report if the game created one. Also check our related errors.
Related errors
Official sources
Facts and links checked: 2026-10-02