How Long Do Graphics Cards Last?

Graphics cards are a basic necessity for gaming PCs as they help generate images on display. But how long do graphics cards last? And how often should you replace your graphics card? Let me explain it to you in this guide.

How long do graphics cards last?

Ideally, a graphics card should last anywhere from 5-6 years, but only if you handle it with care and do not overstress it by putting unnecessary loads on it by playing heavy graphics games. A mid-range GPU would give you 3-4 years’ time duration at high-performance. However, a high-end NVidia graphics card could easily serve you for five years or more.

Read more: How To Know If Graphics Card Is Compatible?

How long do graphics cards last? Detailed answer:

How-Long-Do-Graphics-Cards-Last
How Long Do Graphics Cards Last

It depends on your usage and the care you use the graphics card with. It also depends on the brand from which you purchase your video card. The average age for a graphics card is around five years, and we recommend you to change it after that time because the technology keeps updating every year. So even if your GPU is working fine after five years, there are some new technology options that you are missing out on; there are new games which can only be played with new generation video cards.

Read more: What Is A Discrete Graphics Card?

Considering all the current operations and gaming especially, you should change the GPU sooner rather than later as you would miss out on new games like Nintendo Switch Sports, Tunic, Fortnite etc., if you do not upgrade your graphics card timely.

When a GPU starts to dry out, it gives you signs that you should take seriously because it needs to be changed then and there. If you keep using the faulty GPU, it could also damage the other components. The signs are colour glitches on the home screen, sudden flaws during your gameplay on-screen, fans running too fast and so on. The entire system would run slowly when your graphics card is not working at its best.

Read more: Is GTX 1650 Graphics Card Worth It?

Check GPU’s health timely:

As much as other components, GPU also is an integral part of your computer, so checking its health timely is very important. It will be placed on top of your motherboard, so if you have inserted it yourself, kindly check if it is physically damaged because a video card could cause your system to heat up quickly.

A software named AIDA64 can be used to check the temperature of your graphics card if it is running too hot. If the result comes out above 75%, then your GPU is not in good health, causing your system to heat up, so it better replace it immediately. Having that number less than 50% is ideal, but when it starts clicking above 51%, it gives you a sign to collect money for an upgrade of the GPU.

How to keep the graphics card healthy:

You can keep the GPU healthy if you check its health often using the software I mentioned earlier. Make sure you do not regularly put a lot of load on your GPU by playing heavier games than the GPU can support. If your video card is running on older hardware and you are playing new games requiring an advanced version, it could damage your GPU, so it better upgrade it with time to ensure it stays healthy. On average, you should upgrade your GPU every four years to keep it healthy and work at full performance.

Read more: GPU vs Graphics Card – A Brief Guide

Do graphics cards degrade over time?

In terms of hardware, it doesn’t degrade over time. But when it comes to software, it does degrade over some time. Please make sure you do continuous software upgrades to keep it safe from degradation.

How often should you replace your graphics card?

3-4 years ideally for the best performance. Some recommended options for buying a GPU are RTX 2060 and 2080 Ti.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a graphics card last ten years?

A graphics card lasts 7-8 years at most, and you better upgrade it after that time because its performance will decrease significantly after that much time. And as the technology is progressing every day, you better change it off because you would need the latest version to play new games in 2022. If you go beyond a certain time with the same graphics card, the other components could be damaged.

How long do graphics cards last on average?

An average graphics card will give you 3-4 years because it is a primary component that is always used and degrades with time.

Do graphic cards go bad?

Yes, the graphics card could go bad with time, and it will start to give you early signs that it is not working well anymore. It would make some unusual sounds, and the performance of your display will be decreased, so it is a sign that you should replace your GPU as soon as possible.

How long do graphics cards last when mining?

Mining requires high graphics to operate; hence, it would use this component more than traditional gaming. So with mining, you could expect the GPU to last 2-3 years. However, people have experienced having the same GPU for five years with mining. So it is up to the brand you purchase and how carefully you use it determines the age of your graphics card.

How long do GPUs last for gaming?

If you are a heavy games player, it could last five years, considering buying a high-end GPU. If you play moderate games, then it could go up to 6-7 years. But honestly speaking, you will need technological advancement every three years, so having the same GPU for a long period isn’t worth it. Please make sure you upgrade it with time so you don’t miss the options and performance new models bring.

How long does a GPU last mining 24/7?

Mining could cause a severe rendering of your GPU because there’s constant heating and cooling pressure because of high-intensity mining going on your PC for 24 hours daily. This puts a heavy load on the graphics card and makes it age more quickly, but you can still aspect one to work 2-3 years which is a decent time.

How long do CPUs last?

A CPU is usually a one-time investment; if you pick a good high-end CPU, it will work for 7-8 years. And we should invest a good chunk of our money to buy the best quality CPU to ensure we don’t have to change it repeatedly. The processor also affects the system’s overall performance, so having the best one would help you perform your activities on a PC more efficiently.

Final words:

I hope this guide: How long do graphics cards last? Has cleared your queries regarding the durability of the GPUs. If you have more questions regarding graphics cards or any other important PC component, you may ask.

Thanks for reading!