How long should a GPU be running hot?

Deus Gladiorum

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I recently bought Far Cry 3, and I found that it's probably the first game to stress me GPU this much. Unlike with other games, my GTX 770 on Far Cry 3 is constantly at 1254 MHz running between 70% and 99% GPU usage, with my fan usage currently at 56% according to MSI Afterburner, and temps are usually between 69 and 74 degrees.

Now, I know that my temps are within the acceptable range, but the noise the fans are making is really causing me to be paranoid, even if they are only at 56% usage. Even if these temps are acceptable, is it ok that it'll be running this hot constantly when I play the game? Say I sink 50 hours into this game and that whole time my GPU is between 60 and 74 degrees and my fan usage at 56%? Could that somehow damage my fan or my GPU?
 
Solution
I know how you feel, you should hear my 7950 running the same game...Or Metro LL...Or Tomb Raider...Or Alan Wake.
There's no real problem, the GPU will run at those temperatures for years, it's not going to be an issue and it's designed to run at 100% load, if need be for its entre life, all the high load means is that more of the expensive silicon you paid for is earning its keep!
The fans usually have a long life, even when running a high duty cycle but if the cooler has dual or triple fans it's always a good idea to check them from time to time, it's not unknown for one to fail and not be noticed.
If the card suddenly goes quiet when it's loaded THAT'S the time to worry. ;)

dachief173

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Jul 21, 2013
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No worries, as long as you aren't running it for 50 hours STRAIGHT. While Gaming Gpu's aren't meant to be run as long and as hot as Workstation grade Gpu's are, They are not cheaply designed. I have two 770's and my temp's are around 60 and 76 on a decent game (BF4). I'll play for several hours straight and I don't worry at all. They're designed not to fail easily.
 

Deus Gladiorum

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Ok, so it seems that with respect to the GPU itself, that temperature is fine for extended periods of time. I'd say that at worst (and this is still quite unlikely) I could throw in 8 hours in Far Cry 3 straight. Again, that's not likely, but if the game catches me enough, it could happen. Would it still be fine there?

But additionally, how would the fan be? At 56% usage it's very audible and for that theoretical 8 hours straight, would that be damaging?
 

CaptainTom

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May 3, 2012
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Can?! lol They are built to run around 80c. The fact is your GPU can last forever if...you never use it. Maybe he should underclock it and run it at 30c so it lasts 20 years!!! /s
 

CaptainTom

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May 3, 2012
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My cards run at 100% fan use when gaming since it really isn't audible while gaming. You are fine! Play your games!
 
I know how you feel, you should hear my 7950 running the same game...Or Metro LL...Or Tomb Raider...Or Alan Wake.
There's no real problem, the GPU will run at those temperatures for years, it's not going to be an issue and it's designed to run at 100% load, if need be for its entre life, all the high load means is that more of the expensive silicon you paid for is earning its keep!
The fans usually have a long life, even when running a high duty cycle but if the cooler has dual or triple fans it's always a good idea to check them from time to time, it's not unknown for one to fail and not be noticed.
If the card suddenly goes quiet when it's loaded THAT'S the time to worry. ;)
 
Solution