How do I tell when a GPU is throttling and how do I prevent that?

Use a software that monitors your current clock speed. If it starts going down while you're doing something resource-intensive then it is throttling.

>>58239344
How do I prevent that?

Also, whats a good benchmark to download?
I was trying to get Firestrike but apparently I have to buy 3DMark.

>>58239346
Improve your cases airflow. GPUs will not throttle on their own as long as they get enough fresh air. Well, it might be possible if you try to overclock a chinkshit brand card but the good ones won't do that.

>>58239359
Try running Heaven benchmark for few hours.

>>58239346
good airflow and fans of the gpu running as appropriate speed for the load

>>58239346
If you don't mind noise, manually boost your fan speed to max.

If you have time to spend and a little extra cash, water cool your GPU.

>>58239385

>Hours

Is there a reason why hours and not like 10 mins?

>>58239404
Because if you do 10 minutes when you want to determine if your gpu is thermal throttling, it doesn't make sense because your GPU doesn't have the time to heat up to it's max temp

>>58239404
You need to build up temperatures. It'll take some time for the case elements to heat up and hot air to build up inside.

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Run it along an CPU benchmark as many games are CPU intensive too. Only then you could be sure you have right psu and cooling of your pc.

>>58239346
good airflow and keep your shit clean.

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Option B is naturally to slap a better cooler on the thing, but you still should be looking at what is causing the throttling in the first place (protip: take the duct tape off your intake fans).