I'm planning to buy a used RTX 3070 for $250, which has been primarily used for mining, so I want to make sure it's still in good condition. The shop offers a 2-month warranty, and they run tests right in front of you, showing the thermals and performance. However, I want to know how I can test it myself once I bring it home. I've never owned a dedicated GPU before; I have only used an APU that still runs AAA games. Any advice on how to thoroughly check it out?
5 Answers
Check out the PassMark benchmark tests to evaluate the video card, but Nvidia also has some great software like the FrameView App for thorough testing. I also recommend 3DMark for additional insights.
To test your used RTX 3070 effectively, start by downloading HWinfo to monitor temperatures and clock speeds. Then, run a benchmark like the Steel Nomad 3DMark test. Make sure the temps stay below 85°C, and listen for fan noise—frequent whining might indicate issues, especially for mining GPUs. Once you've done that, compare your score to other RTX 3070s to ensure you're within a reasonable range (around 5% variance is acceptable). If everything checks out, you've likely snagged a good deal!
I totally get the worry about used GPUs! I got a used 3060 Ti a while back, and it's been great. If they show good results at the shop, you should be fine. Just keep an eye on the temps. Nvidia usually thermal throttles around 83°C, which is normal for high loads. I've even seen my card hit 85°C in the summer, but it’s been alright since. Just monitor performance and temps once you get it home!
Make sure you ask them to run benchmarking tests while you check thermals with HWinfo during the tests. This way, you'll get real-time data on how the card is performing. By the way, what specific model of the RTX 3070 are you getting?
You should definitely benchmark and stress test the GPU daily. Consistent performance checks will help you catch any issues early!
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