While GPUs have gotten significantly more powerful, they, like all hardware, are prone to failing. It's important to be able to tell when something is a GPU-related issue. Here's how to tell if your GPU is showing signs of failing:

Blue Screens

Note: GPU_SAD is not a real BSOD. 

While Blue Screens aren't always indicative of GPU issues, they can be indicative of hardware issues, and applications exist that can help identify where the issues are happening. 

Applications like WhoCrashed and BlueScreenView are incredibly useful here, and can identify specific issues. If you run these and see Nvlddmkm listed as an affected driver, that can be indicative of the GPU potentially having issues.

Learn about how to deal with BSODs and crashes here.
 

Black Screens

Another thing that can happen when GPUs start to fail is that the display will go black, and the GPU's fans will ramp up to full speed. When this happens, the only solution is to do a forced shutdown of the system and reboot it.

Generally, this indicates that the GPU is starting to fail, but there are ways to test that--the easiest options being reseating the GPU OR removing the GPU entirely, running the system off of the CPU's integrated graphics to validate the issue*. 

You can learn about how to reseat a GPU here: reseat a GPU/Video Card/Graphics card

*Removing the GPU and testing the system off of the CPU's integrated graphics requires the CPU to have integrated graphics. AMD 7000 series and newer will have integrated graphics built in, and Intel CPUs have integrated graphics as long as they don't have "F" at the end of their model. Check your System Information to see if your system supports integrated graphics, or reach out to us if you're not sure.

Graphical Issues

A major telltale symptom that can indicate a GPU issue is graphical issues. This can vary, but can include: artifacting, screen tearing, weird colors, pink squares or small dots, etc. These issues will persist both within games and outside of them. 

This can be caused by faulty drivers as well, so it's always recommended to do a clean installation of the GPU drivers to check. You can learn how to do that here: How to do a clean reinstallation of your GPU Drivers

Another great way to test for these is to put the GPU through stress tests that will put the card through its paces to make sure that it's performing properly. You can find examples of tests you can run here: How can I test my PC to make sure things are working?

If you need further assistance, please contact our Support team.