Last updated: October 21, 2026

GPU artifacting is visual corruption produced by the graphics card: colored dots, lines, checkerboard patterns, flickering polygons or stretched textures on screen. Artifacting comes from either a software problem (drivers, overclock) or a hardware problem (overheating, failing VRAM or GPU core).

What does GPU artifacting look like?

GPU artifacting looks different depending on its cause. There are 6 common types:

• Sparkles or colored dots scattered across the screen.
• Horizontal or vertical lines in green, pink or white.
• Checkerboard or grid patterns, often a sign of VRAM failure.
• Stretched triangles or spiky polygons in 3D games.
• Flickering or missing textures.
• Screen tearing into blocks followed by a driver crash.

What causes GPU artifacting?

GPU artifacting is caused by 6 main problems:

1. Unstable overclock: core or memory clocks set too high.
2. Overheating: a hot GPU core or memory produces errors; see how hot is too hot for a GPU.
3. Driver problems: corrupted or buggy graphics drivers.
4. Insufficient power: a weak power supply or a loose PCIe power cable.
5. Failing VRAM: damaged memory chips on the graphics card.
6. Failing GPU core or solder joints: physical damage, often on old or mining cards.

How do you tell if artifacting is software or hardware?

You tell software artifacting from hardware artifacting by checking where it appears. Use these 3 tests:

• Artifacts in BIOS or at boot: hardware fault, because no driver is loaded yet.
• Artifacts only in one game: usually a software or game bug.
• Artifacts after a clean driver install and at stock clocks: likely hardware.

Also connect a different cable and monitor. A damaged cable or monitor can produce lines that look like GPU artifacts.

How do you fix GPU artifacting?

You fix GPU artifacting with these 8 steps, from easiest to hardest:

1. Remove all overclocks. Reset MSI Afterburner or vendor software to default clocks.
2. Check temperatures. Make sure core and memory stay within limits; see how to check GPU temp.
3. Clean-install the graphics driver with DDU; see how to update GPU drivers.
4. Reseat the GPU and power cables; see how to reseat a GPU.
5. Test a different display cable and port.
6. Lower the memory clock by 100–200 MHz to test for weak VRAM.
7. Replace thermal pads on older cards with hot memory.
8. Test the card in another PC to rule out the power supply or motherboard.

Can GPU artifacting be fixed permanently?

GPU artifacting can be fixed permanently when the cause is software, overclocking, heat or power. Artifacting caused by failing VRAM or a failing GPU core usually cannot be fixed at home and needs a warranty claim or professional repair.

Is GPU artifacting dangerous for the PC?

GPU artifacting is not dangerous for other PC components, but it is a warning sign. Artifacting from hardware failure often gets worse until the card stops displaying an image.

How do you check a used GPU for artifacting?

You check a used GPU for artifacting by running a stress test such as 3DMark Time Spy or OCCT VRAM test for 15–30 minutes. Read more in how to check GPU health and buying a used GPU.

FAQ

Can a bad driver cause artifacting?

Yes. Corrupted or buggy drivers can cause artifacting in specific games. A clean driver install fixes it.

Does artifacting mean my GPU is dying?

Not always. Artifacting from overclocks, drivers or heat is fixable. Artifacting at boot usually means hardware failure.

Can overheating cause artifacts?

Yes. An overheated GPU core or VRAM produces artifacts before the card throttles or crashes.

Related guides

• GPU Problems & Fixes
• How to Reset Your Graphics Card
• How to Check GPU Health
• What Does Overclocking a GPU Do?

Related reading: see our guide on how to fix “error occurred on GPU ID 100”.