reddit.com
reddit.com
What Causes GPU Artifacting and How to Fix It
User avatar
Curated by
mranleec
4 min read
242
1
GPU artifacting often results in visual glitches like flickering, distorted textures, and random lines. This issue can stem from hardware problems such as overheating, faulty memory, or physical damage, as well as software issues like outdated drivers. To address it, you can update your drivers, ensure adequate cooling, check the power supply and connections, and consider replacing the GPU if necessary.

What is GPU Artifacting?

wikihow.com
wikihow.com
GPU artifacting refers to visual glitches or problems on your computer screen caused by the graphics card. These can show up as flickering, distorted images, random lines, or odd patterns, especially during gaming or graphics-heavy tasks. Common symptoms include screen tearing, color issues, and unexpected shapes on the screen. This can be due to hardware problems like overheating, bad memory, or damage to the GPU. Software issues, like outdated or corrupted drivers, can also cause artifacting. Sometimes, a weak power supply or poor connections between the graphics card and motherboard can lead to these issues. To fix it, users should ensure good cooling, reinstall graphics drivers, or go back to a previous version if the problem started after an update. In serious cases, if the GPU is damaged, it may need professional repair or replacement
1
2
3
.
tech4gamers.com favicon
computercity.com favicon
electronicshub.org favicon
3 sources

Common Causes of GPU Artifacting

forums.eveonline.com
forums.eveonline.com
There are several reasons why GPU artifacting may occur, including issues with hardware, software, and environmental factors. Below is a list of common causes:
  • Overheating: Too much heat can harm the GPU core and memory, causing display problems
    1
    2
    .
  • Overclocking: Running the GPU too fast can create instability and visual errors
    1
    2
    .
  • Faulty VRAM: Problems with the graphics card's memory can lead to corrupted visuals
    2
    3
    .
  • Outdated or corrupted drivers: Software issues can cause display artifacts, especially after updates
    1
    4
    .
  • Physical damage: Drops or mishandling can harm the GPU's parts
    2
    .
  • Power supply issues: Weak or unstable power can make the GPU unstable
    5
    .
  • Manufacturing defects: Some GPUs might have flaws from the factory
    3
    .
  • Improper connections: Loose or damaged links between the GPU and motherboard can cause problems
    1
    .
  • Dust accumulation: Dust buildup can block cooling and cause overheating
    1
    .
  • Age-related wear: Over time, parts can wear out, increasing the chance of display issues
    2
    .
Tackling these issues usually means providing proper cooling, doing clean installations of drivers, and occasionally swapping out hardware components.
electronicshub.org favicon
scot-comp.co.uk favicon
apexgamingpcs.com favicon
5 sources

Signs of GPU Artifacting

GPU artifacting can present itself through various visual effects, each hinting at different underlying problems. The following table outlines common visual effects of GPU artifacting and their potential reasons:
Visual SymptomPotential Causes
Random lines or patterns on screenOverheating, faulty VRAM, outdated drivers
Screen flickeringPower supply issues, loose connections, driver conflicts
Color distortionsGPU core problems, overclocking instability
Texture glitches in gamesVRAM issues, overheating, driver incompatibility
Geometric shapes appearing randomlyPhysical damage to GPU, manufacturing defects
Screen tearingSync issues, outdated drivers, inadequate cooling
Black screens or display signal lossSevere overheating, power supply failure, loose connections
You might see these symptoms while gaming, doing graphics-heavy work, or even when your computer is not in use. If you face these problems, check your GPU temperature, make sure it’s cooling properly, reinstall your graphics drivers, or go back to an earlier stable version. Sometimes, hardware problems may need a professional to fix or you should replace the graphics card
1
2
3
.
tech4gamers.com favicon
shareus.com favicon
electronicshub.org favicon
3 sources

GPU Artifacting Solutions

hardwaremetric.wordpress.com
hardwaremetric.wordp...
GPU artifacting can be a real hassle for gamers and graphics experts. Here are some steps you can follow to fix this common issue:
  • Update your graphics drivers: Install the latest drivers cleanly or go back to a previous stable version
    1
    2
    .
  • Keep an eye on GPU temperature: Make sure it stays cool and clean out any dust
    1
    2
    .
  • Check your power supply: Ensure your PSU has enough wattage for your graphics card
    3
    .
  • Turn off overclocking: Set GPU clock speeds back to their original settings
    4
    5
    .
  • Examine hardware connections: Make sure the GPU is properly seated in the motherboard and that power connections are secure
    4
    .
  • Run stress tests: Use programs like Furmark to find any hardware problems
    5
    .
  • Change in-game settings: Lower the graphics settings to ease the load on the GPU
    1
    .
  • Look for physical damage: Check the GPU for any visible damage
    4
    .
  • Replace thermal paste: If needed, reapply thermal compound between the GPU core and heatsink
    1
    .
  • Think about RMA or replacement: If nothing works, reach out to the manufacturer for warranty help or consider getting a new graphics card
    4
    5
    .
If you go through these steps one by one, you can often solve artifacting issues and get your GPU working well again
1
2
4
5
.
dr-it.co.uk favicon
hardwaremetric.wordpress.com favicon
electronicshub.org favicon
5 sources

How to Prevent GPU Artifacting

reddit.com
reddit.com
Preventing GPU artifacting is essential for the best performance and durability of your graphics card. Here are some useful tips and best practices to help you steer clear of artifacting problems:
  • Keep your system cool: Make sure there is good airflow in your case and clean out dust often to avoid overheating
    1
    2
    .
  • Check GPU temperatures: Use programs to monitor your GPU's temperature while gaming or doing demanding tasks on your computer
    1
    .
  • Update drivers often: Install the latest graphics drivers cleanly to ensure everything works well together
    1
    3
    .
  • Limit overclocking: Use moderate overclocking settings to avoid putting too much pressure on the GPU and memory
    2
    .
  • Use a good power supply: Make sure your PSU can support your system's power needs, especially when gaming
    3
    .
  • Check hardware connections: Regularly inspect and tighten connections between the GPU, motherboard, and power supply
    4
    .
  • Keep stable conditions: Place your PC in a cool, clean area to lessen stress on the parts
    2
    .
  • Run stress tests regularly: Use benchmarking tools to find problems before they show up as issues
    5
    .
  • Be careful with game settings: Don’t set graphics options higher than what your GPU can handle
    1
    .
  • Think about undervolting: Lower power use and heat without losing performance
    2
    .
If you adopt these practices, you can greatly minimize the risk of GPU artifacting and increase the lifespan of your graphics card.
scot-comp.co.uk favicon
dr-it.co.uk favicon
tech4gamers.com favicon
5 sources

Closing Thoughts on GPU Artifacting

GPU artifacting is a common problem that can hurt gaming and graphics performance. It shows up as strange visuals on the screen, often due to issues with hardware like the graphics card, memory, or power supply. Overheating is a major cause, as high temperatures can put stress on the GPU and lead to artifacting. To fix this, make sure your cooling is sufficient and keep an eye on GPU temperatures while gaming. Outdated or damaged drivers can also lead to artifacting, so it’s a good idea to install the latest drivers or go back to a stable version. Physical damage to the graphics card or loose connections can cause display problems too. Regular maintenance, like cleaning dust and checking connections, can help prevent many artifacting issues. Sometimes, artifacting might signal more serious problems that need professional repair or a new graphics card. By knowing the causes and taking preventive steps, users can reduce GPU artifacting and keep their gaming and graphics performance at its best.
1
2
3
electronicshub.org favicon
scot-comp.co.uk favicon
shareus.com favicon
3 sources
Related
How can I identify if my GPU is overheating
What are the common causes of GPU artifacting
How can I perform a clean install of my graphics drivers
What are the benefits of updating my GPU drivers regularly
How does physical damage to the GPU affect its performance
Keep Reading
The GPU Shortage Explained: Origins and Industry Impact
The GPU Shortage Explained: Origins and Industry Impact
The global shortage of Graphics Processing Units (GPUs) has significantly impacted various industries, from gaming to high-performance computing. Initially triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, this crisis was exacerbated by increased demand for cryptocurrency mining and supply chain disruptions. As manufacturers struggle to meet the soaring demand, the shortage has led to inflated prices and limited availability, affecting consumers and enterprises alike.
18,898
AI Hardware: GPUs, TPUs, and NPUs Explained
AI Hardware: GPUs, TPUs, and NPUs Explained
As artificial intelligence (AI) applications become increasingly complex, the demand for specialized hardware capable of efficiently processing AI workloads has surged. Graphics Processing Units (GPUs), Tensor Processing Units (TPUs), and Neural Processing Units (NPUs) each play distinct roles in the ecosystem of AI hardware, offering varying capabilities and optimizations tailored to different aspects of AI processing. This introduction explores the fundamental differences and specific...
25,322
NVIDIA Blackwell's Delay Explained
NVIDIA Blackwell's Delay Explained
According to reports from the Information and other sources, NVIDIA's highly anticipated Blackwell GPUs are facing delays of three months or more due to design flaws, potentially impacting major customers like Microsoft, Google, and Meta. This setback in NVIDIA's next-generation AI chips has raised concerns about the company's production timeline and its ability to meet the surging demand for advanced AI hardware.
41,276