Graphics can be expensive, especially when you choose a dedicated GPU to power all your graphic-intensive tasks. Mostly gamers and editors require a solid GPU, which speeds up the rendering process. However, since hardware plays a crucial role in overall performance, the system often overuses it, and the chances of wear and tear or degradation in performance are higher.
Many users have shared their concerns about the lifespan of a dedicated GPU, which keeps going down day by year. To ensure a solid response to heavy tasks and save money, one must pay attention to the overall health of the GPU. But how?
How to keep your GPU healthy? What practices may help you increase its lifespan? Well, that is what we are going to discuss in this article.
What Factors Affect Your GPU’s Lifespan?
Before we start with effective practices that may help you extend and prolong your GPU’s lifespan, let’s first address the factors that cause the degradation.
You might have observed that over the years, the performance of a graphics unit degrades, i.e., it is not the same as it was at the time of purchase. That is because when the component is used regularly, it loses its flair. Excessive use of the GPU may lead to its failure sooner than expected.
Some of the reasons why it happens are listed below –
- Excessive Use of GPU
- Overclocking
- Exposed to Dust & Dirt
- Not Using Proper Drivers
- Lack of Airflow
There are several reasons behind the degradation of a GPU’s lifespan, these 5 being the most common. If any of these factors appear familiar to the way you use your PC, ensure you check out the next section. There you may find practices that allow you to minimize these issues on your PC, extending your GPU’s lifespan.
How to Extend the Lifespan of a GPU? 5 Effective Ways!
Practice 1 – Pay Attention to the Cooling Mechanism of Your GPU
One of the biggest concerns while using a heavy GPU is maintaining a proper cooling mechanism to contain the heat generated by it. Using your graphics for a more extended period generates a lot of heat. Keeping your PC’s case as cool as possible will allow your GPU to cool down faster.
To ensure proper cooling in the system, there are multiple things you can try, such as –
- Use a dedicated cooling mechanism like a liquid cooling system.
- Invest in an after-market GPU fan.
- Change the thermals of your GPU about every 1.5 to 2 years.
- Use both blower fans and open-air fans to improve airflow.
- Try using a bigger CPU case for better heat dissipation.
These practices may help you maintain an optimal temperature for your GPU. Keeping it cooler under pressured conditions can help you extend its lifespan.
Practice 2 – NEVER Overclock Your GPU
Many PC experts suggest overclocking PC components to make the most out of them. For instance, a GPU can unlock its full potential, more than its primary optimal state. Which in turn pushes the hardware way more intensively.
While it may help you get better performance initially, it reduces the life of your GPU by a huge margin. Avoid playing around with the core configurations of your GPU if you plan to use it in the longer run.
Tip : If you are not using the graphics to its full potential, you can try to underclock the GPU. This way, you only get the power you require for your tasks. It will heat less, giving you a better performance for a longer time.
Practice 3 – Keep the GPU Clean & Dust-Free
If by any chance your CPU cabinet is exposed to dust and dirt, there are chances that components like your RAM and GPU may suffer. That is because even the tiniest particle can cause havoc if it comes in contact with a fan or any other part of your GPU. The dirtier your GPU gets over the years, the harder it gets for the GPU fans to function properly.
Cleaning it now and then with a duster is undoubtedly an easy and effective way to keep your GPU in better condition. Keeping the GPU clean can help you avoid corrosion of the components, making it fit for use in the long run.
Practice 4 – Limit the FPS for Games as Per Hardware Requirements
If you are using a monitor with a limited refresh rate. Let’s say you use a standard 60Hz monitor; then, there’s no reason to burden your GPU for higher refresh rates as you do not have the hardware to support it.
Hence, identifying the potential of your PC and its components may help you make the most of your GPU lifespan. Overutilizing the GPU for no rhyme or reason results in the degradation of performance and life of your GPU, so if you do not have all the hardware that supports your GPU’s potential, it is better to use it in a limited manner.
Practices 5 – Always Use Dedicated & Updated Drivers
Drivers are the backbone of a GPU when establishing proper communication with the CPU. Without genuine drivers, your GPU might not understand what exactly is required. And the same goes for your PC as well. Using your GPU with outdated drivers or using driver files that are not from a reliable source might damage the integrity of your GPU, making it a struggle for your PC.
The best way to keep your drivers up to date and download genuine drivers is to use a dedicated tool. Advance Driver Updater is the first name that comes to mind. It is a solid driver updater application that finishes the job for you in just a few clicks. You should check it out!
Give Your GPU a Longer & Better Lifespan!
Include these 5 practices in your everyday PC use and see your GPU performance skyrocketing. Using your PC like it’s meant to be is the ultimate way to make it everlasting. Choose a heavy-spec machine to game or edit on your device. Else, there’s nothing that may help you save your device.
Hope these 5 practices help you make the most of your PC and extend your GPU lifespan. Let us know if you have any other practices that work for you. Let’s make the comments section a bay of ideas for other readers to learn from. Looking forward to your comments.
Thanks for reading! Good luck.
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