Table of Contents
A computer system is a group of numerous parts that work together to accomplish a single objective. Every part plays an important role, and collectively they play a significant part in the system’s efficiency. Gamers are more inclined toward graphic cards.
Introduction To Graphic Card
Before discussing How Long Do GPU Last, take a look at the short intro to Graphic cards. A graphic card is a vital component in any computer system that is responsible for rendering and computing graphical data. This means that any form of graphical output, be it in the form of video or gaming, relies heavily on a powerful graphic card to produce high-quality visuals. Graphic cards are typically found as expansion cards and feature their own processor and dedicated memory (known as VRAM) to provide fast access to graphics resources.
Modern games require increasingly more advanced graphics processing power, often needing high-end GPUs with larger amounts of dedicated RAM to run without issues or lag. A good quality GPU can make the difference between crisp visual effects and smooth gameplay, while also supporting 4K resolution displays so users can enjoy all the details modern games have to offer.
How Long Do GPU Last?
Let’s say it generally has a life span of 4 to 5 years. If you are a heavy user and you only exploit the graphics processor to its full capacity, it can also shorten the average life of the typical GPU by 4 to 5 years to 3 years or less.
Causes That Fail Your Graphics Card
A Graphics Card is a vital part of your computer system and is prone to damage if not handled with care. There are a lot of factors that can affect the normal functioning of a Graphic Card. Here we discuss all of them:
1. Overclocking
Gamers may overclock their game cards to squeeze every last ounce of efficiency from their GPUs. The cards are often underclocked by default; therefore, Strider Alloy has headroom for overclocking in the future.
However, overclocking has its risks, your cards will lose power if you push them to their physical limitations. Consuming too much voltage can damage your GPU if your system runs on an insufficient power supply.
Heat generation will be considerably increased during this overclocking process, and your card will operate at 100 loads. This could shorten the average lifespan of your card, and in some cases, if your card is already outdated, it may malfunction or break.
2. Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrency mining is currently at its peak. Miners are using graphics cards extensively to develop rigs. They run rigs 24 hours a day at 200 percent loading, maximizing performance to generate the most speedy outcomes possible. Mining on your graphics card is harmful as it rapidly generates a lot of heat. Anything that reaches 80 °C on the GPU will be lethal to these components.
An inexperienced miner might not think about undervolting the graphics card or maintaining good air ventilation in the mining rig. Operating the graphics card under these conditions harms health significantly and shortens the computing device’s lifespan.
3. Bad Airflow
Good ventilation is a crucial part of keeping your graphic cards at low temperatures. Overheating is harmful to these cards as it can damage components.
High-performance components can result in excessive heating, which can be prevented with proper airflow. Your PC case plays a significant role in providing cooled airflow.
You can control your CPU fan speed via software such as MSI Afterburner and SpeedFan. Maintaining adequate airflow is the key to reducing overheating and maintaining the longevity of your graphics card.
4. Malware/Virus
Malware is code that takes over your whole system and carries out whatever the attacker decides. It can penetrate your essential data, steal files or just start applications. Malware can usually be introduced through various techniques, typically unknown to users.
There could be a virus on your graphic card that can harm it or make it not work correctly as your PC does not recognize it. At a more advanced level, a virus can rewrite your GPU firmware or flash its BIOS, rendering your graphics card useless since your PC will not recognize its specifications.
5. Thermal Paste
Thermal paste is a cooling adhesive that is applied to CPU or GPU chipsets. The thermal paste acts as a good connector between your chipset and heat sink, allowing efficient transfer of heat. Without it, your GPU will overheat when you boot something game-oriented.
GPU or CPU require continuous cooling during busy workloads. If you buy a brand-new GPU, it comes with thermal paste applied by its manufacturer. The life expectancy of thermal paste is roughly 3-5 years, depending on its usage.
If you’re a heavy user, your thermal paste’s lifespan may be shortened due to overheating. The old or damaged thermal paste may be damaging to your constituent parts. The dried-out thermal paste on your chip may cause air bubbles to develop, and if you don’t rectify this issue, your component could catch fire.
Most users do not consider applying thermal paste until they are purchasing a used computer. If you are going to buy a used graphics card, make sure you consider applying thermal paste before you turn on the GPU on your PC.
6. GPU Fans Not Working
GPUs are designed to operate at high levels for the benefit of the user, and for that reason, they need special cooling systems to avoid overheating.
Fans are designed to deliver superior cooling output under excessive load, ensuring your GPU will stay cool. If you have at least one heavy-duty task handling one task most of the day, your GPU’s fan will run constantly, shortening its life expectancy.
If the fan stops operating, this indicates your GPU is on its deathbed, and you will observe frequent reboots, crashes, and glitch screens, stemming from your adapter’s death.
Also Read: HOW TO CHOOSE THE RIGHT SOFTWARE FOR YOUR MANUFACTURING BUSINESS?
Best Ways To Extend GPU Life
For the time being, a lot of people refrain from buying brand-new graphics cards each time they release a new version. They like it the way it is, and if we consider the present situation of the graphics card market, you might want to hold on to your computer’s graphic card for the time being.
Unless you have a particular use for your GPU in the near future, you might want to extend its life as long as possible so as to endure the present GPU market issue. There are a number of ways in which you can safely prolong your GPU’s lifespan while still keeping it in good condition so you can sell it when you need it most.
1. Keep The Card Case Cool
Gaming cases have pre-fastened fans in purchase if you buy a new case. These fans improve positive airflow inside the case so your other components run smoothly and efficiently.
A good airflow means having more intake of air than outflows, which means you have more fans pulling in the air. Any positive airflow allows your graphics card to operate below its maximum temperature. That allows them to operate efficiently, preventing overheating.
2. Avoid Cryptomining
As the popularity of bitcoin mining continues to rise, people have started investing in massive computers to mine the currency.
GPU plays a significant role in this process as it is responsible for producing hash rates, It needs GPU 24 hours of working a day at high loads. Late-night maintenance can damage hardware if inadequate ventilation is not available.
Overheating shortens the working life of a single GPU and can possibly damage sensitive transistors. Cryptocurrency mining should not be undertaken no matter what, as doing it may harm your GPU.
3. Reduce Your Graphic Settings & Features
As the latest graphics cards incorporate raytracing capabilities, more and more people are looking to play at the highest game resolution possible, which makes the experience more thrilling. The RTX 3000 series will allow you to play on 4K at the highest possible settings.
However, high settings will result in a deterioration of your GPU. The GPU will run at 100 loads at a high setting. It will help reduce the lifespan of your GPU, but in a way that won’t affect it dramatically.
You can alter the settings that don’t have much effect on the overall experience of your gaming. It will help boost frame rate and cooler temperatures and a much smoother run.
4. Don’t Highly Overclock Your GPU
Overclocking can help you in critical situations. Let’s say you want to play a video game but your graphics card is not powerful enough to play that game.
Obviously, you might decide to overclock your graphics card in order to boost its frame rates. If you do not have grounds to stop, you might wish to make overclocking your graphics card a routine practice. This procedure will certainly harm your graphics card in the long run.
During overclocking sessions, an overclocked GPU’s temperature can rise above the rate it is operating at. You may get more frames per second, but you’ll have to do so at the expense of generating an enormous amount of heat that is damaging to sensitive components in your card.
5. Always Run At a Lower Frame Rate
A few video games require that you play at high fps to be successful. Intrinsically esports with fast fps delivers low latencies, which can lower the rate at which you act and increase responsiveness to your actions.
There are also games that have no plot or conflict but usually consist of extraordinary graphics and scenery. These games function as a movie, and you do not have to play at high frame rates to enjoy them. You can use the in-game feature V-sync to limit your frame rate according to your monitor refresh rate and still experience the same high quality.
This can also help your GPU to run cooler and more efficiently; as the framerate goes down, your GPU operating power appears as well. Reduced stress on the GPU allows you to play your game for a long time without worrying about overheating issues, thereby helping to enhance the life of your GPU.
6. Keep an Eye on the Temperature
When your computer isn’t in use, temperatures can fluctuate into and out of the range. If you’re just browsing the web and social media, your graphics card won’t spin its fans. However, as soon as you turn on graphical heavy applications such as video editing software, your graphics card will be operating at full capacity.
Prior to long breaks or lengthy gaming sessions, it is useful to check your temperature. Softwares such as Afterburner allow you to track your GPU and CPU performance by taking advantage of MSI.
You want your graphics card to last as long as possible, so take some time to ensure that it doesn’t overheat. There are various ways to troubleshoot this problem if it does occur.
Wrapping Up
I hope you will enjoy this blog and quickly get essential facts about How Long Do GPU Last. We will also discuss the causes that reduce GPU lifespan and also discuss the best ways to extend the lifespan of your GPU.
