The recent GeForce Game Ready Driver 576.02 from Nvidia, intended for the RTX 5060 Ti, introduced a bug affecting GPU temperature monitoring across various graphics cards. Users reported frozen or static temperature readings on platforms like Reddit and other forums, regardless of the actual GPU temperature. This malfunction potentially hinders appropriate fan speed adjustments, increasing the risk of overheating due to the system’s reliance on accurate temperature data for cooling regulation.
The issue stems from a problem with Nvidia’s “NvAPI_GPU_GetThermalSettings” API. Reports indicate the bug frequently surfaces after waking the system from sleep mode, though some users experienced it immediately upon booting. Affected GPUs span the RTX 30, 40, and 50 series. Popular monitoring software like MSI Afterburner and FanControl are rendered ineffective by the inaccurate data, leaving GPUs vulnerable to insufficient cooling during demanding tasks such as gaming or rendering.
Nvidia swiftly released Hotfix Driver 576.15 to address this critical temperature sensor bug. Their official support page confirms this hotfix resolves the problem of “GPU monitoring utilities may stop reporting the GPU temperature after PC wakes from sleep.” Users experiencing this issue should download and install the hotfix to restore accurate thermal monitoring and mitigate potential overheating risks.
Beyond the primary temperature sensor fix, the 576.15 hotfix tackles other bugs introduced by the 576.02 update, particularly for RTX 50 series GPUs. These include:
- Shadow flickering or corruption in certain games [5231537]
- Crashes in Lumion 2024 during render mode [5232345]
- Shader compilation crashes in some games [5230492]
- Black screens when resuming from Modern Standby on RTX 50 series laptops [5204385]
- Micro-stuttering in SteamVR when using multiple displays [5152246]
- Reduced idle GPU clock speeds after the 576.02 update [5232414]
While Nvidia hasn’t specified when these fixes will be integrated into a fully WHQL-certified driver release, users affected by these issues are advised to download and install GeForce Hotfix Driver 576.15 directly from Nvidia’s official support website.
Nvidia’s rapid response with Hotfix Driver 576.15 demonstrates their commitment to addressing critical issues impacting user experience. By resolving the temperature monitoring bug and other related problems, they ensure optimal performance and stability for their RTX GPU users. While waiting for a full WHQL-certified driver incorporating these fixes, the hotfix provides a necessary solution for maintaining safe and reliable GPU operation.
