13+ BEST Ways to Fix GPU Artifacting [Top Tips]

GPU artifacting largely occurs due to the overclocking of a graphics card.

Overclocking is when you deliberately push your GPU beyond its stock settings in order to boost performance.

However, overclocking can also lead to stability issues, particularly if not done correctly.

One of the telltale signs of overclocking gone wrong is GPU artifacting. Artifacts are visual anomalies that appear on your screen as distorted shapes or colors. These can be glitches, random pixels, or incorrect colors.

They’re usually caused by a problem with the graphics card itself, but can also be due to other factors such as a bad connection or incorrect driver settings.

How to Fix GPU Artifacting

So, if you’re seeing artifacts on your screen, here are 5 things you can try to fix them…

1. Check Your Graphics Card Settings

If you’ve recently overclocked your graphics card, the first thing you should do is reset it to its default clock speed.

To do this in NVIDIA Control Panel, go to 3D Settings > Manage 3D Settings. From here, click on the Global tab and scroll down to the ‘GPU clock offset’ option. Set this back to 0.

In AMD Radeon Settings, go to Preferences > Additional Settings > My Digital Flat-Panels > Properties (Digital Flat-Panel). Find the ‘Hover over a control for more information’ option and click on it. This will bring up a tooltip that explains what each setting does.

Scroll down until you find the ‘GPU Clock Offset’ option and set it back to 0.

2. Update Your Graphics Card Drivers

If you’re seeing artifacts, it could be because you’re using an outdated driver for your graphics card.

To check if this is the case, open up the Device Manager (you can search for it in the Windows search bar).

Expand the ‘Display adapters’ section and right-click on your graphics card. Select ‘Update Driver Software…’ from the drop-down menu.

Click on ‘Search automatically for updated driver software’ and wait for Windows to find the latest driver for your GPU. If one is found, follow the prompts to install it.

3. Lower Your Screen Resolution

This is a bit of a last-ditch effort, but if you’re still seeing artifacts after updating your drivers, it could be because your screen resolution is set too high.

To lower your screen resolution, right-click on your desktop and select ‘Screen Resolution’ from the drop-down menu.

Under ‘Resolution’, drag the slider down to a lower setting. Click ‘Apply’ and then ‘OK’.

4. Run a Memory Test

Artifacts can also be caused by faulty RAM (memory). To check if this is the case, you can run a memory test using Windows Memory Diagnostic Tool.

To do this, search for ‘memory’ in the Windows search bar and select ‘Windows Memory Diagnostic’ from the list of results.

Click on ‘Restart now and check for problems (recommended)’. This will restart your computer and launch the memory test.

The test can take a while to run, so be patient. If it finds any errors, it will prompt you to restart your computer so they can be fixed.

5. Re-seat Your Graphics Card

If you’re still seeing artifacts after trying all of the above, it could be because your graphics card is not properly seated in its slot.

To fix this, you’ll need to open up your computer case and remove the graphics card. Once you’ve done that, clean the contacts with a soft cloth or canned air (be careful not to touch the circuitry).

Then re-insert the graphics card into its slot and secure it with screws. Finally, replace the side panel on your computer case and plug everything back in.

If you’re still seeing artifacts after following all of the steps above, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.

6. Reduce overclocking

A basic way to prevent GPU artifacting is to reduce overclocking.

Overclocking is the process of configuring a piece of computer hardware, such as a GPU, to run at a faster speed than the manufacturer intended.

While this can give your system a nice performance boost, it also increases the risk of hardware damage, particularly if done improperly. If you’re seeing artifacts on your screen, it’s likely that your graphics card is being overclocked too much.

To fix this, you’ll need to go into your graphics card settings and reduce the clock speed. For NVIDIA cards, this can be done in the NVIDIA Control Panel. For AMD cards, this can be done in the AMD Radeon Settings.

7. Remove dust and debris on the GPU

If there is muck on the GPU it can effect its performance.

Fixing Graphics Card Glitches

8. Lower the Temperature

Lowering the temperature will help to avoid any damage to the hardware and might just stop the artifacts.

9. Reflow or replace the GPU

This should only be done as a last resort as it is a delicate process, but if you are comfortable doing it, then it could fix the artifacting for good.

10. Check for loose cables

Loose cables can also cause artifacts. Simply unplugging and replugging in all of the cables going to and from your GPU can sometimes fix the problem.

11. Replace the Thermal Paste

Applying new thermal paste can also help to reduce artifacts caused by overheating.

12. Use a Different Monitor

If you’re still seeing artifacts after trying all of the above, it could be because your monitor is the issue. Try connecting your computer to a different monitor and see if the problem persists.

13. Restart Your Computer

Sometimes, a simple restart can fix transient problems like artifacting. So, if you’re seeing artifacts on your screen, try restarting your computer and see if that fixes the issue.

14. Factory Reset Your Graphics Card

If you’re still seeing artifacts after trying all of the above, you can try resetting your graphics card to its factory settings. This will reset your clock speed, voltage, and other settings to their default values.

To do this, you’ll need to go into your graphics card settings and navigate to the ‘reset’ option. For NVIDIA cards, this can be done in the NVIDIA Control Panel. For AMD cards, this can be done in the AMD Radeon Settings.

Manufacturers release new versions of drivers regularly to fix bugs and improve performance. So

These are some tips to fix GPU artifacting. If you’re still seeing artifacts after trying all of these steps, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.

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Fix GPU Artifacting – FAQs

What is GPU artifacting?

GPU artifacting is a visual distortion that can occur when a graphics card is overclocked or running too hot.

It’s characterized by multicolored streaks, dots, or lines on the screen.

How do you fix GPU artifacting?

There are a few things you can try to fix GPU artifacting.

These include reducing overclocking, removing dust and debris on the GPU, lowering the temperature, reflowing or replacing the GPU, checking for loose cables, and replacing the thermal paste.

If these steps don’t work, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.

What causes GPU artifacting?

GPU artifacting can be caused by a number of things, including overclocking, dust and debris on the GPU, high temperatures, loose cables, and bad thermal paste.

Can artifacting damage my GPU?

Yes, artifacting can damage your GPU if it’s not fixed. Artifacting is a symptom of an underlying problem, such as overclocking or overheating, which can cause permanent damage to your graphics card if left unchecked.

How can I prevent GPU artifacting?

The best way to prevent GPU artifacting is to avoid overclocking your graphics card and to keep your computer clean.

Dust and debris can build up on your GPU over time and cause it to overheat.

You can clean your computer by opening it up and using compressed air to blow out any dust that’s accumulated inside.

What is meant by overclocking?

Overclocking is the practice of running a computer component, such as a CPU or GPU, at a higher than factory-rated speed.

Overclocking can lead to increased heat and strain on the component, which can ultimately cause damage.

For this reason, it’s important to only overclock if you know what you’re doing and have adequate cooling in place.

Artifacting is a visual distortion that can occur when a graphics card is overclocked or running too hot. It’s characterized by multicolored streaks, dots, or lines on the screen.

There are a few things you can try to fix GPU artifacting. These include reducing overclocking, removing dust and debris on the GPU, lowering the temperature, reflowing or replacing the GPU, checking for loose cables, and replacing the thermal paste.

If these steps don’t work, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.

What is thermal paste?

Thermal paste is a substance that helps to transfer heat from one surface to another. It’s often used between a CPU and its heatsink, or between a GPU and its cooling solution.

Thermal paste can dry out over time and stop working properly. This can lead to overheating and artifacting.

You can replace the thermal paste on your own by following a few simple steps.

First, you’ll need to remove the old thermal paste from the surface of your CPU or GPU.

Next, apply a thin layer of new thermal paste to the surface. Finally, reattach the heatsink or cooling solution.

How often should I clean my computer?

It’s generally recommended that you clean your computer at least once a year.

Dust and debris can build up on your computer over time, which can lead to problems like overheating and artifacting.

Cleaning your computer regularly will help to keep it running smoothly.

I’ve tried all of these steps and my GPU is still artifacting. What should I do?

If you’ve tried all of the steps above and your GPU is still artifacting, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced.

You can take your computer to a local repair shop or contact the manufacturer of your graphics card for assistance.

Conclusion – How to Fix GPU Artifacting

GPU artifacting can be caused by a number of things, including overclocking, dust and debris on the GPU, high temperatures, loose cables, and bad thermal paste.

Yes, artifacting can damage your GPU if it’s not fixed. Artifacting is a symptom of an underlying problem, such as overclocking or overheating, which can cause permanent damage to your graphics card if left unchecked.

The best way to prevent GPU artifacting is to avoid overclocking your graphics card and to keep your computer clean. Dust and debris can build up on your GPU over time and cause it to overheat. You can clean your computer by opening it up and using compressed air to blow out any dust that’s accumulated inside.

If these steps don’t work, it’s likely that your graphics card is damaged and needs to be replaced. You can take your computer to a local repair shop or contact the manufacturer of your graphics card for assistance.

And as an extra tip…

If you’re experiencing any strange issues with your computer, it’s always a good idea to run a virus scan to rule out any malicious software that may be causing problems.

You can use a free antivirus program like Microsoft Security Essentials or AVG Free Antivirus to scan your computer for malware.

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