GPU Heat spikes

[The Halo Don]

So as of lately, my GPU has been having some random heat spikes.

My GPU idles at about 42c-44c , but when it spikes it usually goes straight to 49c causing the fans to ramp up.

I have no clue what causes this, and I don't have GPU acceleration for video on Youtube, so I know that's not it.

I think it may be dust, so I'll be buying an electric duster this weekend to dust it out.

But just in case that doesn't solve it, what could be other causes of the heat spikes?

I've had this GPU since about October 2011, its a XFX 6870.

 

[Vettedude]

DWM uses GPU to draw the desktop which can cause a spike in usage.

 

[Energy96]

49c is not a spike. Thats pretty normal for anything outside of 3d gaming like starting a browser, launching a video etc. A spike would be like 60-90c

 

[The Halo Don]

49c is not a spike. Thats pretty normal for anything outside of 3d gaming like starting a browser, launching a video etc. A spike would be like 60-90c

Sure it's not a major spike, but it's a spike none the less. And it's very annoying because my GPU fans spin up at 49c.

 

[Vettedude]

If it bugs you, download Afterburner and make a custom fan profile.

 

[The Halo Don]

The fans just mask the problem. I'm trying to get rid of the spikes for good.

If there any other things that could be causing this?

 

[Energy96]

The only way to stop them is to not use your PC at all or remove the vid card and put in a crappy old vid card with no fan.

The fans are not "masking a problem" they are keeping your hardware cool so it doesn't die.

It is acting totally normal, 3d gaming is not the only thing that uses a GPU. Any time anything changes on the screen the card has to draw it and that makes heat.

 

[The Halo Don]

^ Whoops!

Hahaha, meant the fan profiles! Sorry for the misunderstanding!

And well, guess it's a lost cause, guess my next GPU will be something like a Twin Frozr card.

 

[Energy96]

Get used to it then because two fans make more noise than one!

 

[The Halo Don]

Best answer selected by The Halo Don.