- FurMark and FurMark 2 are extreme tools for stressing the GPU and VRAM, measuring stability, power consumption, and thermal behavior in Windows y Linux.
- The "hairy donut" test generates a very high sustained load, ideal for detecting artifacts, VRAM problems, cooling limitations, and design flaws.
- Complementing FurMark with other benchmarks such as 3DMark, Unigine Heaven or AAA games provides a more realistic view of performance and maximum temperatures.
- Using stress tests wisely allows you to validate a new or used GPU, check the power supply, and ensure long-term system stability.
If you're worried that your graphics card isn't performing as it should, or suspect something is wrong after overheating or aggressive overclocking, the stress tests for the GPU and VRAM with FurMark They are one of the most powerful (and useful) tools you can use for diagnose hardware failuresThis type of test pushes the graphics card to limits you'll rarely see in real games, ideal for checking stability, power consumption, and thermal behavior.
However, FurMark has a reputation as "the GPU killer," and that's no coincidence: It demands so much from the graphics card. For years, some manufacturers have even limited the performance of their models when they detect this program from the driver...for fear that misuse could damage them. Let's take a closer look at exactly what FurMark (and FurMark 2) is, how it works, how to use it correctly, what real risks it poses, and what alternatives exist for completing your stress tests.
What is FurMark and what is the difference between FurMark 1 and FurMark 2?
FurMark was born quite some time ago as a extreme stress test for graphics cardsAnd over the years it has become almost a de facto standard for "torturing" a GPU. Its main function is to subject the graphics card to a constant and very high load, so you can see its limits in terms of power consumption, temperature, and stability without CPU intervention.
The key to FurMark lies in the image shaped like a donut or "hairy eye" That's what you see when you run the test. That ring covered in fur is generated using OpenGL, through algorithms specifically designed to force the GPU cores to perform a lot of complex vector calculations in each frame. This heavy workload keeps the graphics card running at 100% capacity for extended periods.
In addition to being a stress test, FurMark also acts as small benchmarkAt the end, you can see how many FPS your GPU was able to maintain and compare results with other users through online scores. In practice, almost no one uses it as a "serious" benchmark, but it serves as a quick reference for OpenGL performance.
Over time, two main branches of the program have emerged: FurMark 1 y FurMark 2which currently coexist and have significant differences in support and characteristics.
FurMark 1: the classic that remains very useful
FurMark 1 is the classic version of the programThe tried-and-true one, still maintained to this day. It's a lightweight, free tool focused on 32-bit Windows (although it has worked perfectly well on modern systems for years). It's very simple to use: install it, choose your resolution, enable or disable full-screen mode, adjust the antialiasing, and run the test.
This version relies on the API OpenGL as a rendering baseAnd it's famous for its ability to cause the GPU to overheat. In fact, the load it places on the card is so brutal that many graphics card manufacturers have even implemented FurMark detection in their drivers and automatically limited GPU frequencies to prevent dangerous power spikes.
One of its virtues is that, despite being so aggressive, it is a Very lightweight software with no adwareThe installer doesn't try to sneak in any unwanted programs or toolbars, which is much appreciated these days. downloadsYou click next a few times and it's ready to use without any surprises.
FurMark 1 also integrates shortcuts to complementary tools such as GPU-ZGPU-Shark and CPU Burnerdesigned so you can monitor the hardware or stress other components while testing the GPU, which is very interesting if you want to check the overall stability of the equipment and the power supply.
FurMark 2: Evolution with support for Windows and Linux
The natural evolution of the program is FurMark 2, the successor to the original FurMarkThis version was developed with GeeXLab and maintains the philosophy of being a very intense stress test, but adds modern features and expanded compatibility for different systems and graphics APIs.
FurMark 2 is available for both Windows (32 and 64 bits) as well as for LinuxIt's also available in 32-bit and 64-bit versions, which opens the door to using it on a wide variety of computers, including workstations and non-Windows machines. It's ideal if you want a consistent method for graphical torture regardless of the operating system.
Another key difference is that, in addition to OpenGL, FurMark 2 also works as Vulkan compatible benchmarkIt offers tests more in line with the modern APIs used by many current games and applications. It maintains an online scoring system so you can compare your results with other users.
Finally, the line support of commands It has improved considerably: FurMark 2 includes advanced options for automating tests, launch benchmarks with specific parameters or integrate it into automated testing workflows. This is especially useful for laboratory environments, overclockers who want to repeat tests with different profiles or testers who need to run the same scenario many times.
Download and install FurMark safely
To avoid surprises and modified versions, the best course of action is Always download FurMark from the official Geeks3D websiteThe developers of the program. From there you will have access to both the classic version of FurMark 1 and FurMark 2, as well as related tools such as GPU-Shark.
In the case of FurMark 1 for Windows, you will download a installation executable file of the type FurMark_X.XX.X.X_setup, where the version number changes as the program is updated. The installer is very clean, it doesn't include extra software or junk, so you can proceed through the installation screens without fear of anything suspicious being slipped in.
Once installed, the FurMark shortcut will open a single window where you will see All configuration options at a glanceIn the center will appear the list of graphics cards detected by the system (very useful if you have an iGPU + dedicated or multiple GPUs), along with basic data such as the GPU temperature and the percentage of TDP it is using at idle.
From that same screen you can choose whether you want to run the test in windowed mode or full screen (Fullscreen), the resolution at which the test will be run, the level of antialiasing, access to external tools, and the quick benchmark or GPU Stress Test buttons.
Configuration options: resolution, antialiasing, and tools
Resolution is one of the settings that has the greatest impact on the GPU workloadIn FurMark you can choose from multiple pre-set resolutions grouped by format: 4:3, 16:9, 16:10 and 21:9, covering most conventional and ultrawide monitors.
If none of the preset modes suit your needs, you can use the option Custom to enter a custom resolutionIn that case, you'll need to fill in the width and height fields with your desired values. This is useful if you want to simulate, for example, a specific resolution you use in games.
Just below is the control of the antialiasing, labeled as Anti-aliasing in the interfaceThis setting lets you select different levels of edge smoothing; the higher the level, the greater the load on the GPU, as it will have to calculate more samples per pixel. If your goal is to push the card to its limits, it's advisable to increase this setting, but always keep an eye on temperatures.
The “Tools” section contains several very interesting buttons: GPU-Z, GPU-Shark and CPU BurnerGPU-Z, developed by TechPowerUp, is a very comprehensive tool for consulting detailed information about your graphics card (frequencies, memory type, bus width, BIOSsensors, etc.).
GPU-Shark, meanwhile, is a lightweight utility created by Geeks3D, with A slightly simpler interface, but equally useful dataPerfect for monitoring temperatures, power consumption, and frequencies while FurMark is running. And CPU Burner is useful for stress-testing the CPU in parallel, which is very helpful if you want to check the overall stability of the system or the actual capacity of your power supply under combined load.
Useful links: Linux/macOS versions, SLI/CrossFire and online results
At the bottom of the main FurMark window you will find a series of direct links to additional resources These are related to the program and GPU stress tests in general. It's worth knowing what each one does, because they can save you time.
The link “FurMark Linux/OSX” takes you to the page where the data is collected. Similar versions and tools for Linux and macOS systemsIt's not exactly the same executable as the Windows version, but they are utilities designed with the same philosophy of graphical stress, adapted to those platforms.
The “SLI/CF” link points to a section where they explain recommendations for testing multi-GPU configurations , the NVIDIA SLI or AMD CrossFire. You'll find tips on how to check if multi-GPU mode is correctly enabled, what settings to adjust to ensure FurMark takes full advantage of both cards, and how to interpret the results.
The links “Compare your score” and “Online scores” are used to Upload and compare your results compared with other users. Basically, they allow you to see where your GPU ranks against similar or superior configurations, which is very useful if you want to quickly check if your card is performing as expected.
Finally, at the bottom you have the “Settings”, “About” and “Quit” buttons. The first one opens the advanced settings menu, where you can configure global application parameters“About” shows you information about the installed version and links to other test programs; and “Quit” simply closes FurMark.
How to use FurMark to stress test the GPU and check the VRAM
On the right side of the main interface you have the heart of the program: the buttons to start benchmarks and stress testsUnder the heading “GPU benchmarks” you will see several quick options for typical resolutions: 720p, Full HD, QHD, 4K and a Custom mode that uses the parameters you have configured.
If you want a simple test, just choose one of the presets and let FurMark do the rest. However, if you want something more flexible, you can click directly on “GPU Stress Test,” which uses the custom options you've selected for resolution, antialiasing, and so on.
Before starting any test, FurMark displays a warning window explaining the potential risksIt clearly states that the test can cause instability, blue screens, or shutdowns if the card is not in good condition, if the overclock is too aggressive, or if the cooling is insufficient. It's essentially a reminder that you're doing this at your own risk.
When you press the “GO!” button, the show begins: you'll see the famous “hairy donut” rotating nonstop on screen, with the GPU working like a beast to render it. In the upper left corner, you'll see an overlay with key information in real timeGPU load, FPS (minimum, maximum and average), core frequency and VRAM frequency.
At the bottom, a graph of the GPU temperature over time is usually displayed, perfect for viewing how the heat evolves as the test progressesIf you let FurMark run for a few minutes, you'll see the temperature stabilize at a specific value. If you run it longer, you can detect thermal throttling (automatic frequency reduction) or unusual fan behavior. To learn how to measure and record these values, you can use... HWMonitor.
In addition to the GPU load, FurMark also helps to highlight problems with video memory (VRAM)If graphical artifacts, colored squares, strange lines, or image corruption appear during the test, it is a clear sign that something is wrong: it could be damaged VRAM, excessive temperature, lack of voltage, or an unstable overclock.
Why FurMark doesn't always show the maximum temperature, but it does show the sustained consumption
One curious detail about FurMark is that, although it's famous for heating up the cards, It is not always the test that achieves the absolute peak temperature This is true for all modern GPUs. It's due to how the boost and power management algorithms of current graphics cards work.
Most recent GPUs detect FurMark as an artificial and extremely constant load, so their firmware and drivers may react automatically lowering clock frequencies and voltages to stay within thermal and consumption margins considered safe.
This means that, in some models, FurMark doesn't push the graphics card to its highest possible temperature, although it does manage to maintain a Very high average consumption over long periodsOther tests, such as certain demanding games or Unigine-type benchmarks, can generate brief voltage and frequency spikes that raise the temperature by a few tenths, even though the average consumption is lower.
For all these reasons, FurMark has established itself as an excellent tool for measure sustained consumption and stability under prolonged stressmore than to find the absolute peak temperature. Combined with a CPU test like Prime95, Linpack Xtreme or OcCTIt also becomes a very powerful way to test your power supply.
On older graphics cards, which don't have such aggressive or sophisticated boost algorithms, FurMark usually does manage to achieve bring the GPU to its maximum temperaturesTherefore, it remains very useful for checking if the cooling is up to par or if the thermal paste is due for replacement.
Can FurMark break your graphics card?
This question lingers in the mind of anyone considering running such a rigorous stress test: Is it possible to damage the GPU using FurMark? The honest answer is that it's very unlikely... but not impossible, especially on older hardware or hardware with previous problems.
Historically, there have been notorious cases, such as that of a GTX 275 with its VRMs literally destroyed after a FurMark test, even showcased by the developers themselves as an example of what could happen more than a decade ago. At that time, The thermal protection and power consumption systems were not as refined. and it was more likely that a poorly designed VRM would end up failing under this type of load.
Today, modern GPUs feature a much more precise thermal controlConfigurable power limits, temperature protection systems, and drivers that can recognize "unrealistic" loads like FurMark and limit performance to prevent damage. Therefore, under normal conditions, the most that usually happens is an emergency shutdown, a crash, or a blue screen if something goes wrong.
There are basically two scenarios where there is real risk: on the one hand, serious design flaws in the specific model (undersized VRMs, poor cooling, etc.), something relatively rare but possible; and on the other hand, excessive overclocks, poorly adjusted or with uncontrolled voltages, which can push the card beyond what is reasonable.
In any case, if the graphics card is well-designed and the overclocking (if any) is moderate and reasonable, normally the the card itself protects itself before reaching a point of physical damage. Even so, it's important to remember that these tests are always done at your own risk and that you should monitor temperatures, unusual noises, or other objects during the test.
What exactly is a GPU stress test and what is it used for?
A GPU stress test consists of to make the graphics card work at its maximum continuouslysimulating or even exceeding the load it would experience in graphically demanding games or applications. The goal is to see how the hardware behaves under extreme conditions, something you might never encounter in everyday use.
During these types of tests, the GPU is subjected to its maximum thermal and electrical requirementsThis inevitably causes a noticeable temperature increase. If the cooling is adequate and the card design is good, the graphics card should handle it without issue, adjusting its frequency as needed.
That is precisely why these tests are often used in newly assembled PCs, upgraded equipment, or machines with stability problemsIf the system passes a prolonged session of FurMark, Heaven, 3DMark, or others without errors, it is a good sign that the GPU is healthy and that the power supply and cooling are adequate.
In addition, a good stress session helps to identify hidden hardware flawsFaulty memory chips that only fail under intense heat, VRMs that can't sustain loads, fans that start making strange noises or stop, etc. It's, in a way, a way to anticipate future problems before they leave you stranded in the middle of a game.
Another important use relates to overclocking: if you've increased frequencies or adjusted voltages, a prolonged stress testing is almost mandatory to check if that overclock is truly stable or only withstands light tests or short benchmarks.
Why and when you should perform GPU stress tests
The reasons for using GPU stress testing programs go far beyond simple curiosity. The first and most obvious is measure the actual performance of the machine and see if the GPU acts as a bottleneck compared to the rest of the system, especially in combination with the CPU.
Another very typical situation is when you buy a second-hand graphics card and you want to make sure that it doesn't come with "surprises". Running FurMark, Heaven or 3DMark for a good while helps detect artifacts, instabilities or spiked temperatures that could indicate wear, previous misuse or questionable repairs.
If your PC is suffering random crashes, restarts, or blue screensStress tests can also be used to rule out or confirm whether the GPU is the culprit; furthermore, combining them with tools such as WhoCrashed It helps identify the source of Windows failures.
They are also very useful for assessing whether your cooling system is sufficientSubjecting the GPU to its maximum load and observing at what temperature it stabilizes, how the fans behave, and whether thermal throttling appears gives you a clear reference of whether you need to improve airflow, change thermal paste, or do a thorough cleaning.
Finally, if you're interested in comparing graphics cards with each other, stress and benchmark programs allow you to do so. create your own leaderboards and test the performance of each model in various scenarios. This way you can make an informed decision about whether it's worth upgrading your GPU, performing a slight overclock, or adjusting settings.
How often you should run these tests depends on your usage: if you only use your PC for light tasks, A stress test once a year is sufficient.If you play a lot, you do streamingFor tasks like video editing or heavy workloads, it makes sense to repeat them every few months to ensure everything is still in place.
FurMark and the other GPU stress tests are very powerful tools for diagnose, adjust, and validate the behavior of your graphics cardIf used wisely, with proper monitoring and without crazy overclocking, they can help you detect problems early and get your computer running smoothly to handle any demanding game or load without breaking a sweat.
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