How To Stress Test A Graphics Card On Linux Tutorial

Why Stress Test Your Graphics Card?

Stress testing your graphics card is crucial to identify potential issues and ensure it is performing optimally. This process helps in diagnosing problems that might not be immediately apparent, such as overheating or hardware failures, which can be critical for maintaining system stability and performance.

Tools for GPU Stress Testing on Linux

GL Mark 2

GL Mark 2 is a comprehensive tool for stress testing your graphics card. It tests various aspects of your GPU, including lighting, buffering, and texturing. Here’s how to install and use it:

sudo apt install glmark2
glmark2 --run-forever

This command will run GL Mark 2 continuously, providing detailed results on your GPU's performance.

GpuTest

GpuTest is a versatile tool that includes several different types of graphics tests. Although it is somewhat outdated, it remains effective for stress testing. Here’s how to install and use it:

1. Download GpuTest: Download the latest release of GpuTest and unzip the file.

2. Run GpuTest: Open a terminal window, navigate to the unzipped directory, and run the GUI version:

   python gputest_gui.py
   

3. Select Stress Test: Choose your stress-testing method from the GUI menu and click the “Run stress test” button to begin the test.

Phoronix Test Suite

The Phoronix Test Suite is a powerful tool that automates the stress-testing process using Unigine benchmarks. Here’s how to install and use it:

1. Install Phoronix Test Suite:

   sudo apt install gdebi-core
   sudo gdebi phoronix-test-suite_*.deb
   

2. Run the Test Suite: Once installed, you can run various tests using the Phoronix Test Suite. This tool is particularly useful for comparing performance over time and testing specific hardware components.

gpu_burn

gpu_burn is a simple yet effective tool for stressing your GPU. Here’s how to install and use it:

1. Clone the Repository:

   git clone https://github.com/wilicc/gpu-burn
   cd gpu-burn
   make
   

2. Run gpu_burn:

   ./gpu_burn 60 # will run gpu_burn for 60 seconds
   

This tool is particularly useful for headless systems or when you need a simple, command-line-based stress test.

Monitoring Your System During Stress Testing

Monitoring your system's performance and temperatures during stress testing is crucial to ensure you capture all relevant data. Here are some tools to help you monitor your system:

htop

htop is a powerful monitoring tool that provides real-time information about CPU, memory, and other system resources.

sudo apt install htop
htop

iotop

iotop helps you monitor I/O bandwidth, which can be useful when running stress tests that involve disk operations.

sudo apt install iotop
sudo iotop

nvidia-smi

For NVIDIA GPUs, nvidia-smi is essential for monitoring GPU utilization, memory usage, and temperatures.

watch nvidia-smi

This command will continuously update the nvidia-smi output, allowing you to monitor your GPU's performance in real-time.

sensors

To monitor CPU and GPU temperatures, you can use the sensors command.

watch sudo sensors

This will provide real-time temperature readings for your system's components.

Combining Tools for Comprehensive Testing

For a comprehensive stress test, you can combine the above tools. Here’s an example of how to set up a monitoring environment using tmux:

1. Install tmux:

   sudo apt install tmux
   

2. Set Up tmux:

   tmux new-session "htop" \; split-window "sudo iotop" \; split-window "watch sudo sensors" \; split-window "watch nvidia-smi"
   

This setup allows you to monitor CPU, memory, I/O bandwidth, GPU utilization, and temperatures simultaneously, providing a complete overview of your system's performance during the stress test.

Tips for Effective Stress Testing

• Run Tests for Extended Periods: Running stress tests for longer durations helps in identifying issues that might not be apparent during short tests.
• Monitor Temperatures: Keep a close eye on your GPU and CPU temperatures to ensure they are within safe limits.
• Check for System Stability: Monitor your system for any signs of instability, such as crashes or freezes, during the stress test.
• Use Multiple Tools: Using multiple tools can provide a more comprehensive view of your system's performance and help in identifying specific issues.

By following these steps and using the recommended tools, you can effectively stress test your graphics card on Linux and ensure it is performing at its best.