GPU Troubleshooting Guide: Resolving Overheating Issues

Overview

GPU overheating is a common issue that can significantly impact system stability, performance, and hardware longevity. This guide provides a systematic approach to diagnosing and resolving GPU temperature problems in both consumer and data center environments.

Overheating GPUs can lead to thermal throttling (automatic performance reduction), system instability, and in severe cases, permanent hardware damage. By following the steps in this guide, you can identify the root causes of GPU overheating and implement effective solutions to maintain optimal operating temperatures.

Pre-requisites

Before diving into troubleshooting, ensure you have:

• Verified your System BIOS is the latest version
• Installed the latest NVIDIA driver for your GPU

Symptoms of GPU Overheating

Before beginning troubleshooting, confirm that overheating is indeed the issue by checking for these common symptoms:

• Fans spinning at maximum speed (loud operation)
• Sudden performance drops during use (thermal throttling)
• Visual artifacts, display glitches, or black screens
• System freezes or unexpected reboots
• High temperatures reported in monitoring tools (85-100°C+)

Recommended Operating Temperatures

Step 1: Monitor GPU Temperature

Before making any changes, establish a baseline by monitoring your GPU temperature:

Basic Monitoring with nvidia-smi

nvidia-smi --query-gpu=temperature.gpu,power.draw,fan.speed --format=csv -l 10

Advanced Monitoring Options

• Install nvtop for a top-style live GPU monitor with more details
• Download and run a dedicated monitoring script:

wget https://exxact-support.s3.us-west-1.amazonaws.com/Testing+tools/exx-gpu-nvidia-smi-monitor.sh 
chmod +x exx-gpu-nvidia-smi-monitor.sh 
./exx-gpu-nvidia-smi-monitor.sh

• The -d flag is for "Duration" in seconds. This is how log the script runs (3600 = 1 hour)
• The -i flag is for "Interval" in seconds. This is how often the script writes to the log file

GUI Monitoring and Fan Control

If you have a GUI environment, use NVIDIA's settings tool:

nvidia-settings

• Change the "Fan 0 Speed" to 85 and click "Apply"

• You should hear the GPU Fan increase

Note: Check the dynamic Fan speed and make sure its set to GPU and not CPU

Step 2: Test Under Load

To determine if your cooling solution is adequate, test the GPU under controlled load conditions:

Using gpu-burn for Stress Testing

1. Clone and build the tool:

git clone https://github.com/wilicc/gpu-burn.git 
cd gpu-burn 
make

✅ Ensure nvcc (CUDA compiler) is available. If not, install the CUDA toolkit first.

2. Run the GPU burn test:

./gpu_burn 60

This runs a stress test for 60 seconds.

3. Monitor while running (in another terminal):

watch -n 1 nvidia-smi

Advanced gpu-burn Options

⚠️ Warning: This test will heat up your GPU rapidly. Monitor temperatures closely to avoid damage. Data center GPUs may throttle or shut down above ~85-90°C. Don't run these tests unattended unless you're specifically testing cooling solutions.

Step 3: Physical Inspection and Maintenance

If temperatures are higher than recommended:

1. Power off the system completely and unplug it
2. Open the case and inspect the GPU physically
3. Clean out dust from heatsinks and fans using compressed air
   • Hold fan blades still while blowing to prevent damage
   • Use short bursts rather than continuous air
4. Ensure no cables or other objects are blocking airflow to/from the GPU
5. Check that all case fans are functioning properly

Step 4: Adjust Power Limits

If physical cleaning doesn't resolve the issue, try reducing the GPU's power consumption:

nvidia-smi -i 0 -pl 200 # Set to 200W (adjust based on your GPU model)

Reducing power limits is particularly useful for:

• Server environments where maximum performance isn't always necessary
• Shared systems where thermal management is prioritized
• Testing whether the issue is power-related or due to other factors

Step 5: Check PCIe Slot and System Configuration

If the GPU is overheating only in one system or PCIe slot:

1. Try moving it to another slot if available
2. Check if the slot or riser card is limiting airflow
3. Confirm that all PCIe power connectors are properly connected
4. Ensure adequate space between multiple GPUs if installed
5. Verify that case airflow is properly configured (intake and exhaust)

Step 6: Advanced Cooling Solutions

If basic steps don't resolve the issue:

1. Consider replacing thermal paste on the GPU (advanced users)
2. Evaluate aftermarket cooling solutions if applicable
3. Add additional case fans to improve airflow
4. For data centers, check HVAC and ambient temperature

Step 7: RMA or Replace If Necessary

Consider replacement if:

• Temperatures rise too rapidly even under light load
• Fans spin at 100% but temperatures remain above 90°C
• Thermal paste replacement and fan cleaning didn't help

These symptoms may indicate:

• Heatsink detachment from the GPU die
• VRM (Voltage Regulator Module) failure
• Physical defect in the cooling solution
• Damage to the GPU silicon

Prevention Tips

Conclusion

GPU overheating is often resolvable through proper maintenance, configuration, and monitoring. By following the steps in this guide, you can identify the cause of high temperatures and implement appropriate solutions to maintain optimal GPU operating conditions, extending hardware life and ensuring stable performance.