How to Check GPU Health – Simple & Expert Guide (2025)

Knowing how to check GPU health is more important than ever in 2025. With demanding games, AI workloads, and ray tracing pushing graphics cards to their limits, a failing GPU can cause crashes, poor performance, or permanent damage.

This complete guide explains everything step-by-step, from basic built-in Windows tools to professional stress testing, so you can easily monitor GPU health, prevent overheating issues, avoid sudden crashes, and keep your graphics card running smoothly for years.

Why Checking Your GPU Health Matters in 2025:

Graphics cards today work much harder than older generations. Running games like Cyberpunk 2077 with path tracing, editing 4K videos, or using AI processing loads the GPU heavily. Over time, dust build-up, poor cooling, outdated drivers, or damaged VRAM can lead to serious problems.

Many people end up losing expensive GPUs simply because they didn’t check their health regularly. By monitoring your GPU health, temperatures, and performance early, you can:

• Prevent overheating
• Avoid system crashes
• Increase GPU lifespan
• Maintain stable performance

A few regular checkups can easily add extra years to your GPU’s life.

Signs Your GPU Is Unhealthy:

If your GPU is not in good health, you will likely notice:

• Frequent game crashes
• Random system freezes
• GPU fans are running all the time loudly
• Visual glitches or artifacts
• Sudden FPS drops
• Black screen or no display
• Overheating even during normal use

If you experience multiple symptoms, start testing immediately.

How to Check GPU Health in Windows?

The best part? You don’t need to download anything to get a solid baseline check.

Task Manager Method:

1. Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc
2. Go to the Performance tab
3. Click GPU

You will see:

• GPU usage
• Temperature (on supported GPUs)
• VRAM usage
• Clock speeds
• Performance in real time

This gives a quick and clear overview of your GPU health.

Device Manager Check:

1. Right-click the Start button
2. Select Device Manager
3. Expand Display Adapters

If there is no yellow warning icon, it’s a good sign.

Double-click your GPU and check the Properties, look for “This device is working properly.”

DXDiag Tool:

1. Search dxdiag
2. Open it
3. Go to the Display tab

This shows GPU information and automatically detects major issues.

These built-in checks already give you a strong health overview without installing anything.

Best Tools to Check GPU Health:

If you want deeper monitoring and professional-level details, these tools are highly recommended.

HWInfo:

Perfect for deep diagnostics.
It shows:

• Detailed temperature sensors
• Power draw readings
• Hotspot temperatures
• VRAM health indicators

MSI Afterburner:

Most popular GPU monitoring tool.
You can:

• Track temperatures
• Monitor GPU load
• Check clock speeds
• View FPS overlay while gaming
• Log performance data

GPU-Z:

A lightweight and extremely useful tool:

• Shows GPU specs
• Real-time monitoring
• Voltage and clock analysis

Great for spotting throttling or voltage issues.

What Is a Good GPU Temperature?

Temperature is one of the most important factors in GPU health.

Safe GPU Temperature Range:

• Idle: 30°C – 40°C
• Gaming / Load: 60°C – 85°C
• Above 90°C = Dangerous Zone

If your GPU overheats, you may experience:

• Lag or stuttering
• Sudden crashes or shutdowns
• Reduced lifespan
• Hardware failure risk

Keeping temperatures under control is critical.

Also Read: Is 50°C Safe for CPU at Idle? – Expert Guide 2025!

How to Run Basic Benchmark Tests:

Benchmarks help you compare your GPU performance with expected performance.

Using 3DMark:

Fire up Time Spy or Fire Strike and run a few loops. Then check online scores for your exact GPU model if you are 20% or more below average, dig deeper.

Unigine Heaven / Superposition:

Both are free and excellent for stress testing.

• Run in loop mode
• Watch temperature and stability
• Look for major score drops

If performance keeps falling, it may indicate GPU health issues.

How to Stress Test GPU Health?

Stress tests push your GPU to its maximum limits to reveal hidden problems.

FurMark 2 (Maximum Heat & Power Test):

Best for: Detecting overheating, thermal throttling, and fan issues

1. Download and launch FurMark 2
2. Select your resolution and enable stress mode
3. Run the test for 15–30 minutes
4. Closely monitor temperature and GPU usage

What you should see:

• Temps stabilizing between 70°C – 85°C = Healthy
• Temps exceeding 90°C or instant shutdown = Cooling problem

Stop immediately if:

• GPU hits 90°C+
• Artifacts appear
• System crashes or freezes

MSI Afterburner + RTSS (Real-World Gaming Stress):

Best for: Real-time monitoring while gaming or benchmarking

This combo lets you stress test while actually playing games or running benchmarks.

You can:

• Monitor temperature
• Track GPU usage
• Check clock speeds and voltage
• View FPS in real time

Run a demanding game or benchmark for 30–60 minutes.
If temperatures stay stable and performance remains smooth, your GPU is likely healthy.

AIDA64 Stability Test (Full System Stability):

Best for: Deep stability + system-wide stress testing

AIDA64 doesn’t just test your GPU. It checks:

• GPU load stability
• Power draw behavior
• Combined CPU + GPU stress (great for weak PSUs)

Run for 20–30 minutes and monitor temperatures and stability.

Also Read: How to Check Motherboard Damage From GPU (Signs & Fixes)

How to Fix GPU Health Problems:

If your GPU is unhealthy, follow these solutions.

1. Clean Your GPU

• Remove dust from GPU fans
• Clean case airflow
• Use compressed air safely
• Ensure ventilation is clear

2. Update GPU Drivers

Use official software:

• Nvidia: GeForce Experience
• AMD: Radeon Adrenalin
• Intel: Arc Control

Driver updates often fix:

• Crashes
• Performance issues
• Compatibility errors

3. Improve Cooling

• Improve case airflow
• Add extra fans if needed
• Replace thermal paste (advanced users)
• Avoid blocking air vents

Also Read: How to Remove GPU – Step-by-Step Guide 2025

How to Check GPU VRAM Health?

VRAM damage is very common, especially on used or ex-mining GPUs.

OCCT has a dedicated VRAM test that works great. For older NVIDIA cards, MemTestG80 is still useful. Run it for at least 30 minutes any errors mean trouble.

I have seen mining-damaged cards fail VRAM tests first, even if they look fine otherwise.

Laptop vs Desktop GPU Health Checks: Key Differences:

Laptop GPUs:

• Naturally run hotter
• 85°C – 90°C under load can be normal
• Avoid extreme stress tests

Instead, monitor temps while gaming.

Desktop GPUs:

• Better airflow
• Easier to clean
• Safe for full stress testing

Physical Inspection and Cleaning for Better Health:

Software can’t show everything. Physical inspection is also important.

Check for:

• Dust buildup
• Damaged capacitors
• Loose power cables
• Dry thermal paste

Cleaning and repasting every 2–3 years greatly improves lifespan.

Common Mistakes When Checking GPU Health:

Avoid these mistakes:

• Only checking idle temps
• Ignoring driver updates
• Stress testing without temperature monitoring
• Testing only once instead of multiple times

Expert Tips for Long-Term GPU Maintenance:

To keep your GPU healthy:

• Keep drivers updated
• Maintain airflow
• Clean regularly
• Consider undervolting
• Avoid extreme overclocking
• Tested used GPUs thoroughly

Tool Comparison Table:

Tool	Type	Key Features	Best For	Free
Task Manager	Built-in	Temp & usage	Quick check	Yes
DxDiag	Built-in	Diagnostics	Detecting issues	Yes
GPU-Z	Monitoring	Sensors & stats	Real-time info	Yes
FurMark	Stress	Extreme load	Stability check	Yes
OCCT	Stress + Errors	VRAM & power	Deep testing	Yes
MSI Afterburner	Monitor/OC	Overlay + logs	Gaming	Yes
3DMark	Benchmark	Score comparison	Performance testing	Basic Yes

FAQs:

Conclusion:

Checking GPU health is essential to keep your PC stable, fast and reliable. Regular monitoring, proper cooling, updated drivers, and maintenance will ensure your GPU performs smoothly and lasts longer.