Keeping your GPU cool is crucial when it comes to gaming or heavy tasks like mining. But how hot is too hot for your GPU?
87°C is generally safe for most GPUs, as they are designed to handle temperatures up to 87-90°C. However, prolonged exposure to such heat can affect performance, so improving airflow and cooling is recommended for better efficiency.
In this article, we’ll explore what’s considered safe for GPU temperatures, how to manage overheating, and when you should be worried about your GPU getting too hot. Let’s dive in and ensure your system stays cool!
Understanding GPU Temperatures
1. What is a GPU temperature?
GPU temperature shows how hot your graphics card is during use. It may reduce performance or even damage itself if it gets too hot. Keeping it cool is essential for good performance and hardware health.
2. Common temperature ranges for GPUs
Typically, GPUs run between 60°C and 85°C under normal conditions. During heavy use, like gaming or rendering, it can reach up to 90°C. Temperatures above that could be problematic, as they can cause overheating or performance drops.
Is 87°C Dangerous for Your GPU?

1. Comparison with typical operating temperatures
Typical GPU temperatures range from 60°C to 85°C under normal use. At 87°C, your GPU is on the higher end but not yet in danger.
However, prolonged exposure to such temperatures can cause performance issues and reduce the lifespan of the GPU.
2. Signs that your GPU is overheating
Overheating signs include slower performance, screen flickering, sudden crashes, or graphical glitches. If your GPU regularly reaches high temperatures like 87°C, it’s important to monitor and take action to prevent damage or performance throttling.
Also Read: Why Are My GPU Fann Running At Max Speed – Quick Fixes!
3. The impact of high temperatures on GPU performance
High temperatures, like 87°C, can cause your GPU to throttle, meaning it slows down to prevent overheating.
This results in lower performance, especially in demanding gaming or video rendering tasks. If ignored, it can eventually cause hardware damage.
Factors Affecting GPU Temperature
1. Environmental factors
Environmental factors like room temperature, humidity, and airflow can impact GPU temperature. A hot, stuffy room without good ventilation can cause your GPU to run hotter, leading to potential performance issues and wear over time.
2. GPU workload and performance settings
The harder your GPU works, the hotter it gets. Running demanding tasks like gaming or rendering increases the workload and temperature.
High-performance settings or overclocking can also raise GPU temperatures, potentially causing overheating if not managed properly.
3. Cooling systems and airflow
Good cooling systems and proper airflow help maintain safe GPU temperatures. Effective fans, liquid cooling, or improved case ventilation can prevent overheating. Poor airflow or outdated cooling systems can lead to high temperatures, harming your GPU’s performance and lifespan.
What Happens When a GPU Reaches 87°C?
1. Thermal throttling
Thermal throttling happens when the GPU gets too hot and automatically slows down to cool off. It reduces performance to prevent damage. If your GPU reaches 87°C regularly, you might notice a drop in speed and responsiveness.
2. Permanent damage risks
If your GPU stays at high temperatures, like 87°C, for too long, it can cause permanent damage. Overheating can wear down the hardware, shorten its lifespan, and even lead to failure. Keeping temperatures under control is essential for the health of your GPU.
How to Lower Your GPU Temperature

1. Improving airflow and ventilation
Improving airflow by keeping your PC case clean and well-ventilated helps lower GPU temperatures. Ensure fans are working properly and avoid blocking air vents, as good airflow prevents overheating and keeps the GPU cool during heavy tasks.
2. Updating drivers and software settings
Outdated drivers or incorrect software settings can cause your GPU to work harder than necessary, leading to higher temperatures. Updating drivers and optimizing software settings can keep your GPU cooler and running efficiently.
3. Investing in better cooling solutions
Investing in better cooling solutions, such as a more powerful fan, liquid cooling, or a better thermal paste, can help lower GPU temperatures. These upgrades improve airflow and heat dissipation, keeping your GPU cooler even during heavy workloads.
Read Out: GPU Cache Folder On Desktop – How To Clear And Optimize!
When Should You Be Concerned About GPU Temperature?
1. Warning signs of potential damage
Signs of GPU damage include frequent crashes, screen flickering, graphical glitches, or sudden slowdowns during heavy tasks.
If your GPU temperature is high and you notice these issues, it may indicate overheating, leading to permanent damage.
2. Monitoring tools to track GPU temperatures
You can use software like MSI Afterburner, HWMonitor, or GPU-Z to track GPU temperatures. These tools show real-time temperatures and allow you to monitor your GPU’s performance, helping you catch overheating issues before they cause permanent damage.
Is 87C too hot for CPU
87°C is too hot for a CPU, especially under load. It’s best to keep it under 80°C to avoid overheating. If not addressed, temperatures this high can lead to performance issues, instability, or even long-term damage.
Is 87c too hot for GPU gaming
87°C isn’t too hot for a GPU during gaming, but it’s on the higher end. Most GPUs can handle this temperature temporarily, but prolonged exposure could cause thermal throttling or damage. Try to lower the temperature for better performance.
Is 90 degrees Celsius hot for a GPU laptop
90°C is very hot for a laptop GPU. While some GPUs can handle it for short periods, constant temperatures that are this high can reduce performance and cause long-term damage. Consider improving cooling or adjusting settings to lower the temperature.
Is 88c too hot for CPU
88°C is too hot for a CPU. Prolonged exposure to such high temperatures can affect performance and cause stability issues. It’s important to keep CPU temperatures below 80°C to ensure smooth operation and avoid long-term damage.
Is 86 degrees hot for GPU
86°C is on the high side for a GPU but still within the safe range for short-term use. However, if it stays at this temperature often, it might cause throttling or damage over time. Better cooling is recommended for long-term health.
Is 85 degrees hot for GPU
85°C is on the high side for a GPU. While it’s not immediately dangerous, it’s getting near the limit. If it stays at this temperature too often, it could cause throttling or damage. Consider improving cooling to keep it cooler.
Is 85c-90c GPU temperature good?

A temperature range of 85°C-90°C is getting too high for your GPU, especially during extended use. While most GPUs can handle these temperatures temporarily, it’s best to lower them to avoid performance issues, thermal throttling, or potential long-term damage.
Is 81°C a high temperature for a GPU?
81°C is a bit high for a GPU but still considered safe for short periods. However, if your GPU stays around this temperature frequently, it might affect performance or cause wear over time. Good cooling is essential to keep it within safe limits.
Must Read: Is 45 Celsius Hot For GPU? – How To Keep Your GPU Cool!
GPU temps reach hot temps (87 degrees C)
When your GPU reaches 87°C, it’s getting pretty hot. This could lead to thermal throttling, reducing performance to prevent overheating.
While not immediately dangerous, monitoring the temperature and ensuring proper cooling to avoid long-term damage is important.
My laptop is rising to terrifying temperatures
If your laptop is reaching dangerously high temperatures, like 90°C or more, it’s a concern. Prolonged high temps can damage internal components, lower performance, and cause overheating. Consider using a cooling pad or improving ventilation to reduce temperatures and protect your laptop.
What temperature is too high for my GPU and CPU?
Temperatures over 85°C are considered too high for both your GPU and CPU. If they stay above this for extended periods, it could cause throttling, performance issues, or even permanent damage. Aim for temperatures under 80°C for better performance and longevity.
My GPU got so hot 87c (degrees) – Optimization needed please.
If your GPU is hitting 87°C, it’s time for optimization. Try improving airflow, cleaning dust from fans, or adding a better cooling system. Reducing GPU workload and ensuring your case has proper ventilation can also help lower temperatures during heavy tasks.
GPU reaching 87°C is alarming? or i’m overreacting
While 87°C isn’t immediately harmful, it is on the higher end. If your GPU regularly hits this temperature, it’s a good idea to look into cooling solutions. Overheating over time can affect performance and lifespan, so it’s not something to ignore.
Is 87 degrees celsius gpu temp fine on a legion 5 while gaming?
87°C is pushing the limit for a Legion 5 while gaming, though it’s still within the safe range for short bursts. However, prolonged exposure to this temperature can lead to throttling or long-term damage, so improving cooling could help maintain performance.
Is 88C SAFE ?? on my graphics card On FULL 100% Load
88°C is too hot for a GPU under full load. While some GPUs can handle it for short periods, running at this temperature for a long can cause thermal throttling and reduce lifespan. It’s best to lower the temperature for optimal performance.
Is 87c an okay temp for an rtx 3070ti mining 24/7? getting 65mh
For 24/7 mining with an RTX 3070 Ti, 87°C is on the high side, though it might be manageable. Mining consistently puts a heavy load on the GPU, so good cooling and airflow are crucial to avoid thermal throttling and maintain efficiency over time.
Need To Know: Is 82 Degrees Hot For GPU? – Tips For Maintaining Safe Temps
GPU Max Operating Temp seems low for Laptop 3060

If your Laptop 3060 has a low max operating temp, it’s a concern. You may want to monitor temperatures closely and ensure the cooling system works well. A higher temperature range can allow for better performance without damaging the GPU.
MSI Support says 90-92 GPU temperature is normal for gaming notebooks.
MSI’s recommendation of 90-92°C for gaming notebooks is on the high end. While it might be acceptable for short gaming sessions, regular temperatures in this range could cause throttling or long-term damage. If possible, improve airflow or invest in additional cooling.
GPU Temps going up to 103 Celsius after Sister of Parvos from past max of 87C
If your GPU reaches 103°C after playing Sister of Parvos, it’s too hot. This is a drastic jump from 87°C and indicates overheating, which could lead to permanent damage. Consider improving cooling, cleaning the system, or lowering game settings to reduce the load.
FAQs
1. Is 87 Degrees Celsius an OK Temperature for a GPU?
87°C is a bit high, but it’s still okay for short periods. To prevent damage, aim for lower temperatures for long-term use.
2. Is 85 Degrees Too Hot for a GPU?
85°C is too hot for a GPU. To avoid thermal throttling, it’s best to keep it under 80°C.
3. Is 87 Degrees Celsius an OK Temperature for a CPU?
87°C is too hot for a CPU. To avoid performance issues and damage, try to keep it below 80°C.
4. At What Temperature Is a GPU Too Hot?
A GPU is too hot if it regularly exceeds 85 °C. Overheating can cause throttling, instability, or permanent damage.
5. How Hot Can an RTX 3060 Get?
An RTX 3060 can safely handle temperatures up to 85°C, but consistently high temperatures can shorten its lifespan.
6. Is 86 Temperature Normal for GPU?
86°C is a bit high but still safe for short-term use. Consider improving cooling for better performance.
7. Is 100% GPU Usage Bad?
100% GPU usage is not bad, but prolonged full-load use can cause higher temperatures and potential wear over time.
8. Is 88°C Too Hot for a GPU Laptop?
88°C is too hot for a GPU laptop. It could cause overheating, throttling, and long-term damage. Improve cooling to lower temperatures.
9. Is 85 Too Hot to Run?
85°C is too hot for a GPU. It is best to keep it cooler to ensure smooth performance and prevent overheating.
10. Is 70 Degrees Hot for a GPU?
70°C is normal and safe for a GPU, especially under load. It’s a good temperature for performance without risking damage.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 87°C is generally safe for short periods but can lead to performance throttling and long-term damage if sustained. For optimal GPU health, keep temperatures below 85°C and ensure proper cooling to maintain performance and longevity.