It is possible that your graphics card is causing your computer to overheat, but there are a number of other factors involved as well. Generally speaking, any component of your computer can cause heating issues.
First, it is important to understand some of the basics of how computers generate heat and dissipate it. All processors, including graphics cards, contain microprocessors that generate heat as they work. This heat is transferred through the PC’s internal components, such as the power supply, motherboard, and circuit boards, before being expelled from the case. However, the heat must first be spread out across all of these components in order for the computer to remain cool.
When the components are not properly cooled, either through inadequate ventilation or obstructions to airflow, the temperature of the internal components can increase rapidly, leading to system instability and component failure. High-performance components, such as graphics cards and gaming consoles, as well as overclocked processors, typically require additional cooling due to the higher temperatures they reach.
Graphics cards can be one of the main contributors to an overheating computer. Graphics cards, especially when they are high-end, tend to draw more power than other components and therefore generate more heat. It is important to have proper cooling in place in order to keep the graphics card from over-heating. This includes adequate air flow and ventilation, as well as the use of additional cooling fans, if necessary.
In addition to the graphics card, other components can contribute to a computer overheating. CPUs and power supplies run hot and will contribute to an overall rise in temperature. Dust, dirt, and other debris can also accumulate and reduce the airflow around components, leading to an increased chance of overheating. If a particular component is working harder than usual due to heavy usage or software running in the backgound, this too can contribute to increased heat. For example, if your computer is downloading multiple large files simultaneously, the hard drive is likely producing quite a bit of heat.
Finally, the environment itself can affect the rate at which your computer heats up. If your computer is placed in an area with poor ventilation, such as in a cupboard or closet, the heat generated by the components may not be able to escape, leading to increased temperatures.
In short, while it is possible that your graphics card could be contributing to your computer overheating, there are many other factors that could be at play as well. It is important to identify the source of the heat before taking corrective action. The best way to do this is to monitor the temperatures of the various components in your PC, as well as the ambient room temperature. If the temperatures are consistently high, you may need to consider additional cooling solutions, such as additional fans or a liquid cooling system.