Table of Contents
Introduction: Understanding Graphics Cards ……………………………………………………………………………….. 2
Troubleshooting Tips …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
1. Check Your Device Manager ……………………………………………………………………………………………….. 3
2. Check the Power Supply …………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 4
3. Clean the GPU Fan …………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 5
4. Update Drivers …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………… 6
5. Overclock Your GPU ………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 7
6. Reset Your BIOS Settings ………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 8
7. Replace the Graphics Card …………………………………………………………………………………………………. 9
Conclusion ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 10
References ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 11
Introduction: Understanding Graphics Cards
A graphics card, also known as a video card or GPU, is an integral component in any computer system. It is the component responsible for processing the graphics output for your display – from rendering the visuals for your favourite PC games to displaying more visually complex tasks like photo and video editing. A graphics card allows you to experience smoother and more vibrant images displayed on your monitor.
In most cases, a dedicated graphics card will outperform an integrated one as it has its own dedicated processor and memory. It allows for quicker and more detailed images to be processed than with an integrated graphics card.
Unfortunately, graphics cards can sometimes malfunction and stop working. This can cause your computer’s graphical performance to suffer, making tasks like gaming and video editing impossible. In this article, we’ll discuss how to troubleshoot and fix a graphics card that isn’t working properly.
Troubleshooting Tips
Before attempting any of the solutions below, make sure to restart your computer and check if your graphics card is still having issues. If it is, then proceed to the following steps.
1. Check Your Device Manager
The first step in troubleshooting a graphics card issue is to check the Device Manager. This will tell you if your graphics card is recognised by your operating system. To access the Device Manager, open the Start menu and search for “device manager”.
Once the Device Manager is open, look for “Display Adapters”. Here, you should see your graphics card listed. If your graphics card isn’t listed, then it may be an indication that the card is malfunctioning. If it is listed, then you can right-click on it and select “Update Driver”. This will allow you to check if there are any driver updates available.
2. Check the Power Supply
If the Device Manager doesn’t show any errors with your graphics card, then it’s possible that the issue may be related to the power supply. Your graphics card needs a steady flow of power in order to work correctly. Make sure that your power supply is connected properly and that it’s providing enough power for your graphics card.
3. Clean the GPU Fan
An overheating graphics card can cause the card to malfunction. To prevent this from happening, make sure to keep the GPU fan clean. Use a compressed air can to gently blow away any dust or dirt that may have accumulated on the fan. This can help improve the airflow and reduce the chances of your graphics card overheating.
4. Update Drivers
Graphics card drivers are important software components that enable your graphics card to communicate with your operating system. If you’re experiencing issues with your graphics card, then it’s possible that the drivers may be out of date or incompatible with your version of Windows.
To check if there are any updates available, you can use a third-party driver update tool such as Driver Booster. It will scan your computer for outdated drivers and provide options to update them.
5. Overclock Your GPU
Overclocking is the process of increasing the clock speed of your graphics card. This improves its performance, but it can also cause it to run hotter and become unstable. If you’re looking for ways to improve your graphics card’s performance, then overclocking may be a good option.
However, before you attempt to overclock your card, make sure to read up on the process and ensure that you understand the risks involved. If you’re not comfortable with overclocking your card, then it’s best to leave it alone.
6. Reset Your BIOS Settings
BIOS (basic input/output system) settings control how your computer’s hardware works. If you’re having issues with your graphics card, then it’s possible that the BIOS settings may be causing the problem. To reset your BIOS settings, you’ll need to access your motherboard’s BIOS menu.
This will require you to press a certain key or combination of keys while your computer is starting up. This key varies depending on the manufacturer, so you’ll need to consult your motherboard’s user manual to find out what key to press.
7. Replace the Graphics Card
If none of the above steps have helped, then replacing the graphics card may be your only option. Before you do so, make sure to do some research and find out which type of graphics card is compatible with your computer. Once you’ve found a suitable replacement, install it in your computer and check if it resolves the issue.
Conclusion
A malfunctioning graphics card can cause a wide range of issues, from slow loading times to graphical glitches. To fix these issues, the first step is to check the Device Manager. If it shows any errors, then you can try updating the card’s drivers or resetting your BIOS settings. You may also want to consider cleaning the GPU fan to prevent overheating. If all else fails, then you may need to replace the graphics card.
While a malfunctioning graphics card can be a hassle, with the right knowledge and troubleshooting techniques, you should be able to resolve the problem in no time.
References
1. “What Is a Graphics Card?”. Tom’s Hardware. Tom’s Hardware, 2019. https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/what-is-a-graphics-card,6364.html.
2. Martin, Job. “How to Overclock Your GPU”. Digital Trends. Digital Trends, 2019. https://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/how-to-overclock-your-gpu/.
3. Brink, Shawn. “How to Access the BIOS on a Windows 10 PC”. How-To Geek. How-To Geek, 2019. https://www.howtogeek.com/107615/how-to-access-the-bios-on-a-windows-10-pc/.
4. Thurrott, Paul. “Device Manager”. Thurrott. Thurrott, 2019. https://www.thurrott.com/windows/windows-10/1288/device-manager.