As GPUs get more expensive in 2026, here are 3 ways to make my old one last longer
The bad news surrounding graphics cards just keeps getting darker and darker, and experts predict they’ll only get more expensive through 2026. Bad news for anyone who wants or needs to buy a new one, including me.
I’ve started running into a few games that my RTX GeForce 3060 Ti struggles with, and more and more recently I’ve had to turn off certain features or lower the resolution to have a good time. But with prices rising, buying one of the latest contenders for best graphics card just isn’t worth it right now.
Instead, I’ve perfected some techniques to keep my graphics card working longer, and maybe they’ll help you too until prices get a little more reasonable.
Keep it clean
My first tip is the most practical, but it’s something you should do frequently, not just when you’re putting off buying a new one. This is, as you probably guessed, GPU maintenance.
If you’ve owned and used your GPU for a while, you’ll definitely notice the benefits of cleaning your graphics card. This will keep it running longer, prevent it from overheating, and ensure that you get peak performance for as long as possible.
Luckily, keeping your GPU clean is a pretty simple task: you don’t need to take it to a professional or put it in the dishwasher.
Instead, it is recommended to remove the graphics card and use compressed air to blow away any dust that accumulates on it; both the card, its ports and its connectors. Don’t forget the rules of building your PC; do not do anything that might release static electricity, get it wet, or physically damage it.
Keep it cool
One of the benefits of cleaning your GPU is that you’ll keep it cool, but it’s so important that it’s worth devoting an entire section to it.
A hot graphics card will impact your instant gaming in several ways, but it could also cause long-term damage. Sustained heat increases the failure rate of a GPU, and you really don’t want your trusty card to die when prices are this high.
Any PC gamer has already heard about the benefits and strategies for cooling rigs: cases that increase airflow, water-cooling cards, and high-end fans are all easily recommended. But there are simpler, easier-to-ignore ways to keep your PC cool. Turning it off when not in use instead of leaving it on standby is one simple solution, and smart placement in your setup is another: Don’t place your computer right next to a radiator, hot lamp, or other heat-producing gadget, or in direct sunlight.
This is where I reiterate my cleaning tips: Dust can also affect temperature. Not just on your GPU itself, but also inside and under the case body.
Find the right games
It’s no two ways about it: an older GPU won’t handle newer games like a more modern component. My strategy for solving this problem is simple: lean into it.
I’m using the “golden years” of my graphics card to catch up on a lot of older games that I’ve been letting go; GOG got a lot more out of my money than usual, and I’m enjoying games that haven’t been touched on my Steam list in over 10 years.
We already have a guide on the best classic PC games to take advantage of them, and none of them will need an RTX 50 or equivalent GPU to run. They’re all just as fun, if not more, than the most recent fare.
If you like to keep up to date with the latest games, there are options available. I’m often surprised at how much it is possible to lower the graphics settings of modern titles to make them somewhat playable; If you don’t mind your Triple-A title looking like Roblox, there’s a lot you can get away with. Although personally I’m saving them for when I finally get a new GPU.
We also bring together all best gaming PCs for a predefined revision, and check the best gaming laptops And best gaming handhelds for something more portable.
