Does lowering graphics settings lower temps?

[futurefields]

If you lower graphics settings will the gpu run a little cooler?

Or will it render more frames and thus produce the same amount of work/heat?

And is there a way to say "hard cap" frame rate?

For example, I have a 60hz monitor. I dont ever need more than 60 frames per second right?

Can it be hard capped (without resorting to vsync) so that the GPU doesnt work too hard in games that dont need it. For example I dont need my GPU rendering a 150 frames per second when I play Arkham City. Just enough to maintain 60 fps.

 

[SPBHM]

If you lower graphics settings will the gpu run a little cooler?

Or will it render more frames and thus produce the same amount of work/heat?

And is there a way to say "hard cap" frame rate?

For example, I have a 60hz monitor. I dont ever need more than 60 frames per second right?

Can it be hard capped (without resorting to vsync) so that the GPU doesnt work too hard in games that dont need it. For example I dont need my GPU rendering a 150 frames per second when I play Arkham City. Just enough to maintain 60 fps.

some games allow you to set a framerate limit from the menu or console, but normally you can also force to any game a max fps by using MSI afterburner or dxtory.

 

[bystander36]

Normally, if you lower settings so your FPS go higher, your temps will also increase. High FPS tend to increase temps more than high visual settings.

 

[Dankk]

Correct me if I'm wrong, but as long as your GPU usage is at 100%, you will have high temps regardless.

To reduce GPU usage (and reduce temperature), turn on Vsync, and limit your frames to 60 (or whatever your monitor's refresh rate is).

 

[yhelothar]

Underclock your card to force it to run at less than 100% workload.