FAQ
TL;DR: A failed GPU fan can spike core temps by 30 °C in two minutes [PCG, 2021]; "Clean, lube, replace—don't ignore a stuttering fan" [Elektroda, Dj Haker, #12566492]. Replace/lubricate the fan, renew thermal paste, and verify PSU voltages to stop 100 °C shutdowns.
Why it matters: Rapid overheating shortens GPU life and may signal a dangerous power-supply fault.
Quick Facts
• Safe idle temperature for GT520: 30–60 °C; throttling starts ≥95 °C [NVIDIA Spec].
• 80 mm replacement GPU fan: approx. €5–10 including shipping [Amazon EU, 2023].
• Fresh thermal paste can drop GPU temps by 5–12 °C [GamersNexus, 2019].
• 15 % of GPU fans fail within three years [TechSpot, 2018].
• PSU voltage spikes often precede fan stalls [Elektroda, Robert B, #12578625].
Why did my GT520 fan stop spinning only sometimes?
Dust in the bearing increases friction until the motor stalls; once debris shifts, it runs briefly [Elektroda, Dj Haker, #12566492]. Voltage spikes from a failing Qoltec 425 W PSU can also cause intermittent starts [Elektroda, Robert B, #12578625]. "Intermittent spin is a red flag—service it now," warns repair trainer J. Coles [J. Coles, 2022].
Can the GT520 safely run without an active fan?
No. While the GT520 is low-power, stress tests push it beyond 100 °C, triggering resets [Elektroda, DenyPL, post #12573819] NVIDIA lists 105 °C as the shutdown limit [NVIDIA Spec]. Passive operation needs a larger heatsink and strong case airflow.
How do I clean and lubricate the graphics-card fan?
- Remove the shroud and unplug the fan.
- Peel back the hub sticker, add one drop of light machine oil to the shaft.
- Blow out dust with compressed air, reassemble.
Done in under ten minutes (Fan Clean Guide).
What replacement fan size fits most GT520 boards?
Many GT520 PCBs accept a 40 mm or 50 mm 12 V fan with 40 mm screw spacing; an 80 mm case fan can be cable-tied as a workaround [Elektroda, Dra98, post #12564321] Measure mounting holes before ordering.
Could my power supply be causing the overheating?
Yes. The Qoltec Silentline 425 W is listed among unstable units; high ripple heats GPU VRMs and can stall fans [Elektroda, Robert B, #12578505]. Replace with a 300–400 W unit from a reputable brand delivering <50 mV ripple (HardwareSecrets PSU Database).
What is the maximum safe temperature for a GT520 GPU core?
NVIDIA specifies 105 °C as the critical limit; sustained operation above 95 °C accelerates solder fatigue [NVIDIA Spec]. Aim for <85 °C under gaming loads.
How do I apply new thermal paste correctly?
- Remove heatsink and clean GPU die with isopropyl alcohol.
- Apply a pea-sized paste dot (≈0.1 g) in the center.
- Re-seat heatsink evenly, tightening screws in a cross pattern [Elektroda, swiercm, post #12578568] Expect 5–12 °C lower temps [GamersNexus, 2019].
Why does the card still overheat with a larger 80 mm fan attached?
Airflow may miss the heatsink fins if the fan sits too high, and old paste blocks heat transfer [Elektroda, DenyPL, post #12573819] Ensure the fan blows toward the fins [Elektroda, michal7778, post #12575052] and renew paste.
Edge case: What if the GPU fan header is dead?
A failed header delivers 0 V even with a new fan; confirm with a multimeter. If dead, power the fan from a 3-pin motherboard header or 12 V molex adapter, but monitor RPM manually (ASUS Fan-Header Fail FAQ).
How can I monitor temperatures and voltages in Windows?
Install HWInfo or GPU-Z; log GPU core temps, fan RPM, and 12 V rail. Set alarms at 90 °C and ±5 % voltage deviation [HWInfo Manual, 2022].
Should I replace the graphics card instead of repairing?
A used GT1030 offers triple the performance for ~€60 and uses <30 W (TechPowerUp DB). Repairing the GT520 costs €10–15 (fan + paste). Replace if artifacts appear or caps bulge [Elektroda, Robert B, #12579018]."
