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Is 100ºC too hot for a GPU?

Unless you're boiling water off your GPU it's probably best to rectify that

Updated: Mar 17, 2023 8:55 am
Is 100ºC too hot for a GPU?

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Great for boiling water, it might not be the same for your computer components, so is 100ºC too hot for a GPU?

Yes, operating your GPU (graphics processing unit) above 100 degrees Celsius is too hot and can damage its hardware. Most modern GPUs are designed to operate safely at temperatures up to 90°C.

Even though this is considered on the high end of their operating temperature range. Excessive temperatures can result in a reduction in performance as well as system instability and even irreparable damage to the GPU.

High temperatures may trigger “thermal throttling” (when your GPU automatically reduces its clock speed in an effort to prevent overheating) and reduced performance as a result.

Furthermore, extreme temperatures may make your GPU unstable and crash, potentially resulting in data loss as well as other damages.

Operating your GPU at temperatures of 100 °C or higher for extended periods of time can lead to permanent hardware damage. At these temperatures, the solder joints connecting it to the PCB (printed circuit board) may melt, leading to component failure and rendering your GPU unusable.

AMD Radeon RX 7900 XT 9

The high GPU temperatures could be caused by many causes. One of the most frequent causes is inadequate cooling, which could be caused by poor case airflow, insufficient or malfunctioning fans, or an improperly installed or defective heatsink.

Dust accumulation and debris buildup also interfere with cooling, so it’s essential to regularly clean your GPU and other components.

Other causes of high GPU temperatures can include overclocking, which involves increasing your GPU’s clock speed and voltage beyond its factory settings, and running demanding games or applications that place a heavy demand on it.

So there are plenty of methods how to lower GPU temperatures. These will be key to prolonging the lifespan of your card and making sure you can keep enjoying the performance up there.

Operating your GPU at 100 °C is too hot and can damage its hardware. To keep it running optimally, ensure proper cooling, avoid overclocking, and adjust settings as necessary to reduce the workload on your GPU. Doing this helps guarantee optimal performance and longevity for your GPU.


With a background in engineering and PC gaming, Seb is a staff writer with a focus on GPU, storage, and power supplies. Also one of tech supports in the office he likes helping and solving problems.

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