When buying a new GPU, most people think about how long it can serve them. As much as a GPU cannot serve you forever, there are several things you can do to improve its lifespan.
Some of the ways you can increase the durability of your GPU is by decreasing the graphics feature and settings, not overclocking, decreasing resolutions, running it at lower frame rates, and keeping it cool at all times.
Decrease Graphics Feature
By decreasing the graphics feature and settings, you can help increase your GPU’s lifespan. This is because bad settings like adjusting the graphic sliders to max put excessive pressure on the GPU. Doing that frequently will significantly reduce the device’s lifespan.
Therefore, if you want it to last longer, reducing the graphics settings will help. However, don’t put the setting too low to the point that you can’t enjoy the game. It would help if you kept it at moderate points that can’t put excessive pressure on the GPU and let you enjoy the game.
Avoid Overlocking
Overclocking is one of the causes of GPU failure and will significantly reduce its lifespan. Therefore, you should avoid overclocking at all costs. Only do so when you must and understand the serious risks it poses. Instead of overclocking, get a professional to examine your machine and suggest safer methods of solving the problem.
Decrease Resolutions
Decreasing resolutions is also a good way of increasing the GPU lifespan. Playing at extremely high resolutions behind what your GPS can handle will significantly reduce its lifespan. Therefore, it is recommended that you lower the monitor’s resolution to achieve better gameplay. If you find out that the game is pixelated, you can opt for a high resolution and adjust the graphics.
Run Lower Frame Rates
Furthermore, running at lower frame rates will also help increase the GPU lifespan. As much as playing at high frame rates is compulsory, especially for competitive games, it can affect your GPU. This is because running at high frame rates will put additional stress on your GPU, significantly reducing its lifespan. Therefore, you should find ways to run at lower frame rates as much as possible.
Keep GPU Cool
It is also important to keep the GPU cool at all times. It is dangerous and risky to play games at high temperatures. This is because heat can reduce the GPU lifespan significantly. Therefore, you need to get a well-ventilated case for your GPU. It would help if you also went for a graphics card with dual fans that will keep it cool at all times. Cooling will also ensure the faster performance of the GPU, making your gameplay easier.
Play 2D Games
You can also opt to play 2D games if you want your GPU to last longer. However, this should be the last alternative. There are several 2D games that can be quite captivating as well. These games don’t have heavy graphics and will not overload your GPU. This will see it last for a longer period compared to when you see it with heavy-graphic games.
Wrap Up
A GPU is an important device that is designed to alter and manipulate memory in order to accelerate the creation of images in a frame buffer meant for video display. As a gamer, a GPU is very important because it determines the quality of your video display. Typically, a GPU lasts between 3-5 years, depending on usage.
There are several factors that affect the performance of a GPU. Some of them include; the amount of video RAM, 3D/open GL support, cooling rate, and maintenance. It is important to take good care of your GPU to prevent hitches in functioning. If your GPU is worn out, there are several things you will notice.
Some of them are; a crashed computer that won’t reboot, persistent graphic glitches while you play, abnormal fan noise or performance, stuttering, and artifacts.
