GPU-Z – Free Graphics Card Information & Monitoring

What is GPU-Z?

GPU-Z is a free graphics card information and monitoring utility developed by TechPowerUp that provides comprehensive technical specifications about your GPU, VRAM, drivers, sensors, and real-time performance metrics with professional-level detail that makes it the industry standard tool for graphics card identification, verification, overclocking monitoring, and troubleshooting. First released in 2007, GPU-Z has become essential software for PC gamers, overclockers, hardware reviewers, and anyone wanting to verify graphics card specifications, monitor GPU temperatures and usage, check driver versions, or validate hardware purchases—delivering the same depth of information for graphics cards that CPU-Z provides for processors, completely free without advertisements or limitations.

GPU-Z excels at exposing detailed GPU specifications including exact chip name, architecture, manufacturing process, die size, transistor count, shader count (CUDA cores, stream processors), texture units, ROP count, base and boost clock speeds, memory size and type (GDDR5, GDDR6, GDDR6X), memory bus width, bandwidth, driver version, BIOS version, and DirectX/OpenGL/Vulkan support levels. Real-time sensor monitoring tracks GPU temperature, GPU load percentage, memory controller load, fan speed, power consumption, clock speeds, and voltages during gaming or benchmarking. Advanced features include BIOS saving for modding, validation URLs proving graphics card specifications, and detailed render test stressing GPUs. For anyone wondering “What graphics card do I actually have?” or “Is my GPU running correctly?”, GPU-Z provides authoritative answers.

Beyond static identification, GPU-Z offers practical features including multi-GPU monitoring for systems with multiple graphics cards, logging capabilities that record sensor data over time for analysis, screenshot function capturing current information, and lookup database that cross-references detected GPUs against known specifications verifying authenticity and detecting counterfeits. The portable version runs without installation making it perfect for quick hardware checks. For gamers troubleshooting performance, overclockers monitoring stability, buyers verifying used graphics cards match seller claims, or enthusiasts learning GPU architecture, GPU-Z delivers professional diagnostic tools that have made it indispensable across the PC hardware community for nearly two decades.

Key Features

• Detailed GPU Information: Chip name, architecture, process node, die size, transistor count, shader units, and clock speeds.
• Memory Specifications: VRAM size, type (GDDR5/6/6X), bus width, bandwidth, and manufacturer.
• Real-Time Sensors: Monitor GPU temperature, load, memory usage, fan speed, power draw, and frequencies.
• Driver Information: Installed driver version, DirectX support, OpenGL, Vulkan, and feature level.
• BIOS Details: Graphics BIOS version with option to save/backup BIOS for modifications.
• Validation: Generate verification URL proving graphics card specifications for sharing.
• Multi-GPU Support: Monitor multiple graphics cards simultaneously in SLI/CrossFire or separate GPU systems.
• Sensor Logging: Record GPU metrics over time to CSV file for analysis and troubleshooting.
• Lookup Database: Cross-reference detected GPU against known specs to verify authenticity.
• Advanced Tab: Technical details including PCI-Express configuration, resizable BAR status, and power limits.
• Render Test: Built-in stress test verifies GPU stability and monitors behavior under load.
• Screenshot Function: Capture current GPU-Z information to image file for documentation.
• Portable Version: Run without installation for quick checks on any PC.
• Minimal Resources: Lightweight application with negligible performance impact.
• Completely Free: No cost, advertisements, or feature limitations.

What’s New in GPU-Z 2024/2025

• Latest GPU Support: Recognition of NVIDIA RTX 4000 series and AMD Radeon RX 7000 series graphics cards.
• Intel Arc Support: Full support for Intel’s Arc Alchemist discrete graphics cards.
• Enhanced Sensors: More accurate power consumption monitoring and additional sensor readings.
• Resizable BAR Detection: Display status of Resizable BAR/Smart Access Memory support.
• Updated Lookup Database: Expanded database helps identify counterfeit graphics cards.
• Better Multi-Monitor: Improved handling of systems with multiple displays and GPUs.
• Windows 11 Optimization: Full compatibility and interface refinements for Windows 11.
• GDDR6X Monitoring: Better temperature and performance monitoring for GDDR6X memory.
• Security Updates: Patches addressing potential vulnerabilities in driver interactions.
• Performance Improvements: Reduced polling overhead and faster sensor updates.

System Requirements

Windows

• Windows XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10, or Windows 11
• 32-bit and 64-bit supported
• NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel graphics card
• 5 MB RAM (extremely lightweight)
• 5 MB available disk space
• .NET Framework 2.0 or higher (usually pre-installed)

Supported Graphics Cards

• NVIDIA GeForce, Quadro, and Tesla (all generations)
• AMD Radeon, FirePro, and Instinct (all series)
• Intel HD Graphics, Iris, Arc (integrated and discrete)
• Older ATI and S3 graphics cards

How to Get Started with GPU-Z

1. Download: Visit techpowerup.com/gpuz and download installer or portable version.
2. Install or Extract: Run installer or extract portable version to folder of choice.
3. Launch GPU-Z: Open application—main window displays Graphics Card tab with GPU details.
4. Review Graphics Card Info: See GPU name, architecture, memory, clocks, and technical specifications.
5. Check Sensors: Click Sensors tab to view real-time GPU temperature, load, memory usage, and fan speed.
6. Monitor During Gaming: Leave sensors open while gaming to track temperatures and utilization.
7. Select GPU: If multiple graphics cards, use dropdown at bottom to switch between GPUs.
8. View Advanced: Advanced tab shows PCI-Express details, power limits, and driver information.
9. Save BIOS: Click icon next to BIOS version to backup graphics BIOS (for advanced users).
10. Run Validation: Click question mark icon to upload validation proving your GPU specifications.
11. Enable Logging: In Sensors tab, click icon to log sensor data to CSV file over time.
12. Run Render Test: Click “?” button and select “Render test” to stress GPU and verify stability.

GPU-Z vs Alternatives

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Completely Free: No cost, ads, or limitations for comprehensive GPU information and monitoring.
• Industry Standard: Trusted by hardware reviewers, overclockers, and enthusiasts worldwide.
• Detailed Specifications: Provides technical GPU details no other tool matches in simplicity.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Accurate sensor readings track GPU behavior during gaming and stress testing.
• BIOS Backup: Save graphics BIOS before modifications or for archival purposes.
• Validation Feature: Prove GPU specifications for selling hardware or seeking technical support.
• Multi-GPU Support: Monitor all graphics cards in system simultaneously.
• Lookup Database: Verify graphics card authenticity and detect counterfeits.
• Minimal Resources: Negligible CPU and memory usage during operation.
• Regular Updates: Frequent releases support newest graphics cards immediately upon launch.

Cons

• Monitoring Only: Cannot adjust GPU settings—requires MSI Afterburner or similar for overclocking control.
• GPU-Specific: Doesn’t monitor CPU, memory, or other system components like comprehensive tools.
• Basic Logging: CSV logging functional but less featured than dedicated logging solutions.
• Windows Only: No macOS or Linux versions available.
• Requires Updates: Brand-new GPUs may not be recognized until GPU-Z database is updated.
• Limited Alerts: No built-in temperature alerts or automatic actions on threshold breach.

Who Should Use GPU-Z?

GPU-Z is ideal for:

• PC Gamers: Monitoring GPU temperatures and usage while gaming to ensure proper performance.
• Overclockers: Tracking GPU behavior during overclocking sessions and stability testing.
• Hardware Buyers: Verifying used graphics cards match seller specifications before purchase.
• System Builders: Confirming GPUs operate correctly in newly-built systems.
• Tech Support: Identifying exact graphics card model when troubleshooting driver or performance issues.
• Hardware Reviewers: Obtaining accurate specifications for review articles and videos.
• Benchmark Enthusiasts: Documenting GPU configurations for benchmark submissions and competitions.
• Miners: Monitoring multiple GPUs in cryptocurrency mining rigs (though specific mining monitors exist).
• Warranty Claims: Documenting GPU specifications and behavior for RMA purposes.
• Learning Enthusiasts: Understanding GPU architecture and component specifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does GPU-Z show different memory size than advertised?

GPU-Z displays actual available VRAM, which may differ slightly from advertised specifications due to reserved memory for system functions or manufacturer rounding. For example, graphics cards advertised as “8GB” might show 7,680MB in GPU-Z due to binary vs. decimal measurement differences. This is normal and doesn’t indicate problems. If difference is substantial (like 4GB showing as 2GB), contact manufacturer as this suggests defective hardware or misrepresented product.

Can GPU-Z detect fake or counterfeit graphics cards?

Yes, GPU-Z’s lookup database cross-references detected specifications against known genuine GPUs, flagging suspicious mismatches that indicate counterfeit cards. Fake GPUs often report incorrect shader counts, memory configurations, or BIOS details that GPU-Z can identify. However, sophisticated counterfeits may fool detection, so combine GPU-Z verification with performance benchmarks (fake cards perform far below genuine equivalents) and visual inspection of PCB and components when buying used hardware.

Should I use GPU-Z or MSI Afterburner for monitoring?

Use both—they serve complementary purposes. GPU-Z excels at detailed GPU identification, BIOS backup, and validation, while MSI Afterburner provides overclocking control, better on-screen display during gaming, and more customizable monitoring graphs. Many users run GPU-Z for verification and detailed specs, then use Afterburner for ongoing monitoring and tuning. GPU-Z is read-only (safer), while Afterburner can modify settings (more functionality but requires care).

How accurate is GPU-Z’s temperature monitoring?

GPU-Z reads temperatures directly from GPU sensors, providing the same accuracy as manufacturer tools and other monitoring software. Temperature accuracy depends on sensor quality and calibration—typically within 1-2°C of actual temperature. Some GPUs include multiple temperature sensors (GPU edge, GPU hotspot, memory junction) which GPU-Z displays separately. For most users, GPU-Z temperature readings are sufficiently accurate for monitoring thermal performance and identifying cooling issues.

Final Verdict

GPU-Z has established itself as the definitive graphics card information and monitoring utility through comprehensive technical detail, reliable sensor monitoring, and practical features that serve everyone from casual gamers checking temperatures to professional overclockers documenting world records. The focused approach on graphics cards means GPU-Z does fewer things than complete system monitors, but what it does—GPU identification, specification verification, real-time sensor monitoring, and BIOS management—it does better than any alternative. For anyone working with graphics cards, GPU-Z represents essential software that answers GPU-related questions authoritatively.

The combination of detailed specifications, validation features, lookup database, and multi-GPU support makes GPU-Z indispensable for verifying hardware purchases, troubleshooting performance, and understanding exactly what graphics card you own. While tools like MSI Afterburner add overclocking control and HWiNFO provides whole-system monitoring, GPU-Z remains the specialist tool that graphics card enthusiasts install immediately and consult whenever GPU questions arise. Download from techpowerup.com/gpuz and discover why this lightweight utility has become the graphics card equivalent of CPU-Z across the PC hardware community.