furmark.exe

FurMark GPU Stress Test

Application ProcessResource IntensiveGPU Stress Test

CPU Usage

5-25%

Memory

50-400 MB

Location

C:\Program Files\FurMark

Publisher

Geeks3D

Quick Answer

furmark.exe is legitimate software. It's a GPU stress-testing utility from Geeks3D used to push graphics hardware to its limits for benchmarking and stability checks.

Is it a Virus?

✔ NO - Safe

Must be from Geeks3D and located in a legitimate folder

Warning

GPU stress tests push load; multiple processes may appear

FurMark creates heavy GPU activity during benchmarks

Can I Disable?

✔ YES

Close the FurMark application when not testing; disable at startup if configured

What is furmark.exe?

furmark.exe is the main executable for FurMark, a GPU stress-testing and benchmarking tool by Geeks3D. It renders demanding OpenGL scenes to push the graphics card to its thermal and stability limits, typically stressing the GPU while CPU load remains comparatively modest.

FurMark uses OpenGL rendering to exercise shader workloads, textures, and memory bandwidth. It reports temperatures and FPS to help gauge stability and cooling, primarily targeting GPU performance during benchmarking.

Quick Fact: FurMark popularized GPU stress testing and is frequently used to check cooling efficiency and thermal margins.

Types of FurMark Processes

Launcher Process: Initial UI and setup (1 instance)
Benchmark Process: GPU rendering during the test (one or more instances)

Is furmark.exe Safe?

Yes, furmark.exe is safe when downloaded from Geeks3D or installed from trusted sources.

Is furmark.exe a Virus or Malware?

The real furmark.exe is NOT a virus. Malware can mimic executable names. Always verify the file location and digital signature.

How to Tell if furmark.exe is Legitimate or Malware

File Location: Must be in C:\Program Files\FurMark\furmark.exe or C:\Program Files (x86)\FurMark\furmark.exe. Any furmark.exe elsewhere is suspicious.
Digital Signature: Right-click the file in Explorer or in Task Manager -> Open file location -> Right-click furmark.exe -> Properties -> Digital Signatures. Should show "Geeks3D".
Resource Usage: During a test, GPU usage will be high; CPU usage may remain modest. Abnormal activity outside tests is suspicious.
Behavior: FurMark should run only when you start the test. If it remains active without user action, scan for malware.

Red Flags: If furmark.exe is located in unusual folders (like Temp or AppData), runs without user action, lacks a valid digital signature, or uses abnormal resources constantly, scan your system with antivirus software. Be wary of renames like "furmark32.exe" from untrusted sources.

Why Is furmark.exe Running on My PC?

furmark.exe runs when you start a FurMark GPU stress test or when a bundled benchmarking tool is configured to launch the test. It may also run briefly during software that checks GPU stability.

Reasons it's running:

Active GPU Stress Test: You started a FurMark benchmark or a batch test that renders demanding scenes to push GPU load.
Background Monitoring or Logging: Some utilities monitor temperatures or performance while FurMark is installed, causing brief activity.
Startup or Scheduled Run: FurMark may be configured to start automatically or via a launcher or scheduler in some bundles.
Software Bundles: FurMark can be included with GPU utilities installers (drivers, overclocking suites) that launch tests.
False Positives/Antivirus Triggers: Security software may trigger FurMark-related activity in reports, especially if the product is not from a trusted source.

Can I Disable or Remove furmark.exe?

Yes, you can disable furmark.exe. If you are not benchmarking your GPU, simply close FurMark and remove or disable the launcher from startup.

How to Stop furmark.exe

Close the Application: Click the X button or select Exit in FurMark to stop the test.
End the Process: Open Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc), locate furmark.exe, and choose End Task.
Disable Startup: Task Manager > Startup tab > Disable FurMark or related launcher to prevent auto-run.
Check for Bundled Launchers: If FurMark was installed via a bundle, disable or remove the launcher component in that package.
Uninstall FurMark: Windows Settings > Apps > FurMark > Uninstall. Restart if prompted.

How to Uninstall FurMark

✔ Windows Settings -> Apps -> Apps & Features -> FurMark -> Uninstall
✔ Control Panel -> Programs -> Uninstall a program -> FurMark -> Uninstall
✔ Remove leftover folders: C:\Program Files\FurMark and C:\ProgramData\FurMark

Common Problems: High GPU Temperature, Crashes, or Driver Conflicts

If furmark.exe causes overheating, driver conflicts, or crashes during testing:

Common Causes & Solutions

Inadequate cooling: Clean fans, ensure proper airflow, reapply thermal paste if applicable.
Overclocked or undervolted GPU: Reset overclocks to default and test with a lower power limit.
Outdated or buggy drivers: Update to the latest GPU drivers from the vendor and perform a clean install.
Background software conflicts: Close other GPU-intensive apps or overlays (Discord, streaming software).
Insufficient power supply: Ensure PSU can deliver adequate power for GPU under load; check cables.
Hardware fault: Test GPU in another system or with a different stress test to isolate hardware failure.

Quick Fixes:
1. Close FurMark if not actively testing; reopen only when needed
2. Check GPU temps in FurMark UI or a monitoring tool
3. Lower rendering quality or reduce resolution in FurMark
4. Update or reinstall GPU drivers
5. Ensure adequate case cooling and clean cables

Frequently Asked Questions

Is furmark.exe safe?

Yes, furmark.exe is safe when obtained from Geeks3D or trusted bundles. Verify the location at C:\Program Files\FurMark\furmark.exe and the digital signature.

Will FurMark damage my GPU?

Prolonged, uncontrolled stress can push temperatures high; always test with proper cooling and monitor temps. Use conservative settings to minimize risk.

Can I run FurMark on a laptop?

Yes, but laptops have limited cooling. Use shorter tests and ensure vents are unobstructed.

How do I uninstall FurMark?

Use Windows Settings -> Apps -> FurMark -> Uninstall, or the Control Panel uninstall option. Remove any remaining folder under Program Files.

Why is FurMark using 99% of GPU?

During a test, FurMark aims to maximize GPU load; if needed, reduce test intensity or stop the test to prevent overheating.

Is FurMark allowed in benchmarking reports?

Yes, FurMark results are commonly used in benchmarking; ensure you disclose test settings and cooling conditions.