Video card failure can be a frustrating problem for computer users. Fortunately, there are several troubleshooting steps which can be taken to resolve the issue. These steps may include:
1. Check your video card driver.
A driver is a piece of software that enables your computer’s operating system (OS) to communicate with various hardware components, such as the video card. If the driver is out of date or corrupted, it could be causing the video card to fail. To check your driver, open the Start menu, right-click on This PC, select Manage and then select Device Manager. Expand the Display Adapters tab to locate your video card, right-click on it and select Update Driver. Follow the instructions to install any available updates.
2. Install a system diagnostic tool.
System diagnostic tools such as Speccy can help you to identify any problems with the computer’s hardware, including the video card. After installation, open the program and navigate to the Video Card tab. This will show you the model number of your video card and any issues that may be present. If possible, try to repair or replace the faulty part.
3. Check for physical damage.
If there are any physical issues with the video card, it may need to be replaced altogether. To do this, unplug all cables from the rear of your computer and open up the case. Find the video card, remove any dust build-up and check for any visible damage. If there are any bulging capacitors, broken connections or discoloured parts, the card may need to be replaced.
4. Stress test the video card.
Stress testing is a way to check how the video card performs under pressure. This can help to identify any instability or overheating issues. To do this, download and install a program such as Furmark or Heaven Benchmark. Once installed, run the program at medium to high settings and monitor the FPS (frames per second) rate. If the FPS drops drastically or the program crashes, this could indicate a hardware issue with the card.
5. Reinstall the OS.
If all else fails, you may have to reinstall the OS. This should only be done as a last resort, as it will erase everything on your computer. Before doing this, make sure to back up any important files. To reinstall the OS, insert the original installation disc and follow the on-screen instructions.
These steps should help you to diagnose and troubleshoot any video card failure. By following these steps, you should be able to determine the cause and figure out the best solution.