1. Keep Your Graphics Card Cool at All Times
Many graphics card failure incidents are the result of the card becoming too hot. The main component responsible for this heat build-up is the GPU, or Graphics Processing Unit. The heat produced by the GPU can be damaging in the long term if it’s not well managed. To reduce the chances of your graphics card failing, make sure you have adequate airflow around the GPU at all times.
2. Clean Your Computer Regularly
Much like a car, a computer needs frequent tune-ups and maintenance. A crucial component of this is cleaning the inside of your system to ensure proper air flow and cooling. Make sure to clean the fans, which are responsible for cooling the CPU, GPU and other internal components. This will help prevent overheating and reduce the chances of your graphics card failing.
3. Check Your Power Supply
A common cause of graphics card failure is an inadequate power supply. The power supply is responsible for supplying the GPU with enough power to operate at its full potential. If the power supply isn’t up to the task, it could lead to the graphics card failing. Make sure you have a reliable power supply that can handle the power needs of your system.
4. Choose Quality Components
When building or upgrading your system, it’s important to invest in quality components. Cheap components can often contain inferior parts that are prone to failure. Investing in quality components from reputable brands can often pay off in the long run by helping to reduce the chances of failure.
5. Update Drivers Regularly
Drivers are programs that help your computer interact with the hardware. It is important to keep your drivers up to date as newer versions can often contain performance enhancements and bug fixes. If a driver is outdated, it can cause issues with the graphics card, leading to its failure. Make sure to keep your drivers up to date to reduce the chances of failure.
6. Avoid Overclocking
Overclocking is the process of improving a component’s performance beyond its intended specifications. While overclocking can provide a boost in performance, it also increases the stress on the component, increasing the chances of it becoming damaged or failing. If you’re not careful, overclocking can push the limits of your graphics card beyond its capacity, leading to its failure.
7. Monitor Temperature
It is important to use software to monitor the temperature of the GPU to make sure it stays within acceptable levels. You can use open source tools such as SpeedFan and HWMonitor or GPU specific tools such as MSI Afterburner and EVGA Precision XOC. These tools will allow you to monitor the temperature of your GPU and adjust fan speeds accordingly to keep it cool.
8. Use a Surge Protector
Surges and spikes in electricity can damage the components inside your computer, including the graphics card. While most modern components are rated to withstand such events, it’s still wise to protect your system by using a surge protector. This will help reduce the chances of your graphics card failing due to a power surge.
9. Stick to High Quality Memory
Like other components inside a computer, memory also has a rated lifecycle. Cheaper memory tends to have a shorter lifespan and is prone to failure. Make sure to purchase quality memory from reputable brands to reduce the chances of it failing and causing your graphics card to fail as well.
10. Be Careful When Handling Your Graphics Card
Some people tend to forget that graphics cards are delicate components and can easily be damaged by mishandling. Make sure to handle your card gently when inserting or removing it from your case or system. Also, take care to avoid touching any of the exposed components, as fingerprints can sometimes cause damage.