GPU-Z stands as the definitive graphics subsystem information utility for Windows, providing instant access to raw hardware data without a heavy installation process. Developed by TechPowerUp, this lightweight tool has become the industry standard for verifying graphics card specifications, monitoring real-time sensor data, and detecting counterfeit hardware in the second-hand market. With the release of version 2.68.0 in August 2025, the software now fully supports the latest architecture, including NVIDIA's RTX 50-series (Blackwell) and AMD's Radeon RX 9000-series, ensuring enthusiasts have accurate readings for modern high-performance GPUs.
Key Features
- Hardware Specification Analysis: instantly displays intricate technical details including transistor count, die size, DirectX support, memory type (GDDR6/GDDR7), and bus width, helping users verify they received the exact hardware they purchased.
- Advanced Fake Detection System: Identifies counterfeit graphics cards by cross-referencing internal silicon data against official bios signatures, displaying a clear "[FAKE]" warning and caution icon if a seller has modified the firmware to mimic a more expensive model.
- Real-Time Sensor Monitoring: The dedicated Sensors tab tracks critical metrics such as core clock speeds, memory frequencies, fan RPM, voltages, and hotspot temperatures, which is essential for diagnosing thermal throttling during heavy gaming sessions.
- PCI-Express Render Test: Includes a built-in load test that wakes up the graphics card to verify the actual PCI-Express lane configuration (e.g., x16 vs. x8) and speed capabilities under load, ensuring the motherboard slot is functioning correctly.
- BIOS Extraction and Backup: Allows advanced users to extract and save their graphics card's Video BIOS (VBIOS) to a file, a crucial safety step before attempting firmware updates or modifying clock behavior.
Use Cases
PC builders and overclockers rely on this utility to monitor thermal performance and power draw when tuning new hardware like the Intel Arc B-series or RTX 5090. It is also an indispensable tool for buyers in the used components market, serving as a primary method to validate authenticity and expose rebranded older GPUs sold as newer models.
TechPowerUp GPU-Z remains completely free and supports a vast legacy of operating systems from Windows XP all the way to Windows 11, making it a universal diagnostic asset for any computer technician's USB drive.
Version 2.68.0 — August 2025
- Introduced support for new NVIDIA laptop GPUs, including GeForce RTX 5050, RTX Pro 2000 Blackwell, and RTX 3050 A.
- Enabled detection and detailed reporting for Moore Threads S3000E graphics cards.
- Enhanced security protocols for the extraction of kernel-mode driver files.
- Resolved a stability issue that caused the application to crash immediately after running the installer.
- Fixed a critical bug causing blue screen errors on startup for Arm64-based devices.
- Corrected the vendor identification for "Monster Notebook" to display as "Monster Computer".
