Common Causes of GPU Artifacting and How to Fix It

PDF download Download Article
Symptoms and solutions for a GPU that is producing visual anomalies
PDF download Download Article

If you're seeing distortions, pixilation, odd textures, random colors, or other anomalies on your computer screen, it may be due to GPU artifacting. Luckily, there are some things you can do to fix it. This wikiHow article teaches you what GPU artifacting is, what causes it, and how to fix it.

What is GPU artifacting?

GPU artifacting is when you see visual anomalies caused by your GPU, such as distortions, flashes, lines, and pixelation. Artifacting is often caused by overheating, software issues, or extreme graphics settings. It could also indicate that your GPU is running too hot or not working properly.

Section 1 of 3:

What is GPU Artifacting?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/16\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    It can occur on an integrated or dedicated graphics card. The following are some examples of GPU artifacting: [1]
    • Lines and streaks: These are colored streaks that randomly appear and dart across your screen.
    • Dots: In addition to lines, you may see random colored polka dots appear on your screen.
    • Pixelation: This is when random blocky chucks appear on your screen.
    • Distortion: This is when an image is warped, twisted, or bent.
    • Screen Tearing: Screen tearing is when the frames aren't rendered properly and it appears there is a line tearing the image into two separate images on the screen.
    • Random symbols: You may see random symbols appear on the screen. Often compared to "Space Invader" sprites.
    • Flashing: You may see flashes of random colors on the screen.
    • Random textures: You may see random textures appear on your screen or apply to geometric shapes in a game.
    • Random shapes: You may see random shapes or bubbles appear on the screen.
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 3:

Causes GPU Artifacting

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4d\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your GPU is getting too hot, the fans aren't working, or your computer isn't properly ventilated, this can cause artifacting. It can also shorten the lifespan of your GPU.
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/8f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Overclocking your GPU and pushing it past its factory settings. This can cause artifacting because your GPU is trying to handle more than it was designed to handle.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e2\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your GPU consumes a lot of power. If your power supply does not supply enough power to your GPU, it can cause artifacting.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/66\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are not keeping your graphics drivers up-to-date, there could be flaws in the drivers that are causing artifacting.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3b\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are setting your graphics settings in your games too high or too extreme, this can cause artifacting.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you notice artifacting only happens on a particular game or program, there could be software issues or bugs with that particular game.
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ca\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    GPU artifacting can be a sign that there are problems with the VRAM or other parts of your GPU. Your GPU could be dying .
    8. Advertisement
Section 3 of 3:

How to Fix GPU Artifacting

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/47\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    One of the first things to check is if your graphics drivers are up-to-date and update your graphics drivers . You can download the latest drivers for your graphics card from the manufacturer's website. Use the following steps to update your drivers in Windows: [2]
    • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Device Manager .
    • Expand Display adapters .
    • Right-click your display adapter.
    • Click Update drivers .
    • Click Search automatically for drivers .
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4a\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check the video cable that connects to your monitor. Make sure it is secure and working properly. Try using a different video cable and see if this fixes the problem.
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If your GPU is getting too hot, this can cause artifacting. On average, your GPU should be running at about 60°C-70°C. During intense gaming, it may reach as high as 90°C. If it's too hot, make sure your computer is in a well-ventilated area with nothing blocking the fans. You may want to clean out any dust from the vents, fans, and the inside. You may want to improve your PC's cooling system . You may need to apply thermal paste to your GPU. Use the following steps to check your GPU's temperature:
    • Right-click the Windows Start menu.
    • Click Task Manager .
    • The Performance tab (Windows 10) or the Chart icon to the left (Windows 11).
    • Check the temperature of your GPU. You can also use third-party tools, like MSI Afterburner, to check your GPU's temperature.
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e0\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-12.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Check the graphics settings in your games. Most games have a variety of graphics settings you can tweak. Everything from the texture, shadow, and reflection quality to the frame rate, the resolution, and more. Try reducing the graphics settings for more graphically intense games to see if this fixes the problem.
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-13.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If the problem is happening on a particular game or program, there could be a problem with the software. Check to see if there are any updates for the software. If that doesn't work, try uninstalling the game and reinstalling it.
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c2\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-14.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Your GPU consumes a lot of power. Make sure your power supply unit is producing enough power to power it. You can check your power supply unit using a power supply tester or a multimeter .
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0f\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-15.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you are overclocking your GPU, you are running it beyond the manufacturer's specifications. Revert your overclock settings back to their default factory settings.
  8. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/f\/fa\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-16.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Some users have managed to fix GPU artifacting by undervolting their GPU . This reduces the power your GPU uses, lowering its temperature and making it run more efficiently. You can undervolt your GPU using programs like MSI Afterburner.
    • Undervolting your GPU too much may cause your graphics drivers to crash and not run properly. The trick is to find a sweet spot.
  9. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/42\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-17.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you continue to experience artifacting issues, your GPU could be starting to go bad. You may want to try underclocking it. While this will reduce your GPU's performance and capabilities, it will also reduce its power consumption and heat output. This may reduce artifacting and extend the life of your GPU. You can underclock your GPU using a program like MSI Afterburner. [3]
  10. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-18.jpg\/v4-460px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-18.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9e\/Gpu-Artifacting-Step-18.jpg\/v4-728px-Gpu-Artifacting-Step-18.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    If you've tried everything and are still experiencing GPU artifacting, your GPU could be damaged. It may be time to replace your GPU.
    11. Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Fix a Keyboard That Has the Wrong Characters
      How to Fix Sticky Keyboard Keys: PC, Mac, & Chromebook
      Simple Ways to Dispose of Old Laptops
      4 Ways to Safely Get Rid of an Old Computer
      How to
      Maintain Your Computer
      How to
      Wipe a Computer
      Simple Ways to Clean a Dusty Computer: Tips & Tricks
      How to Clean and Unstick a Sticky Keyboard
      How to Work on a Computer Safely
      How to
      Clean up a Computer & Fix Problems for Free
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://support.nzxt.com/hc/en-us/articles/4409032683291-Is-my-GPU-Artifacting
      2. ↑ https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/update-drivers-manually-in-windows-ec62f46c-ff14-c91d-eead-d7126dc1f7b6
      3. ↑ https://www.msi.com/support/technical_details/VGA_MSI_Utility_AfterBurner

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 3,508 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement