If your graphics card isn’t working properly, or not at all, there are several steps you can take in order to troubleshoot and hopefully repair the issue. The first thing to do is make sure your graphics card is properly seated in its slot on the computer’s motherboard. If this does not fix the issue, then it is possible that the card has gone bad and will need to be replaced.
To check if the graphics card is seated properly, open up the side of your computer case and locate the graphics card. Make sure it is firmly inserted into the slot on the computer’s motherboard. If the card is not firmly seated, remove it and firmly re-insert it into its slot. If the card still fails to work, then it is likely that the card has failed and will need to be replaced.
If the card is firmly seated in its slot, there may be other issues preventing it from working. The most common causes of graphics card failure are a power supply issue, a driver issue, or a hardware issue.
A power supply issue occurs when the power supply is unable to provide enough wattage to the graphics card to run it properly. To test for a power supply issue, check the label on the side of the power supply for the total wattage it provides. Compare this figure to the minimum requirement for the graphics card listed in the manufacturer’s specifications. If the power supply provides below the minimum wattage, then it is not powerful enough to run the graphics card and will need to be replaced with a more powerful unit.
Driver issues occur when the graphics card driver is either outdated or corrupted. To test for a driver issue, open the Device Manager by typing “Device Manager” into the Windows search bar. Navigate to the “Display Adapters” section, right-click on the graphics card, and select “Update Driver Software”. Follow the on-screen instructions to update the driver. If the driver is already up-to-date, then you may need to roll back the driver to an earlier version by selecting “Roll Back Driver” in the same menu. If rolling back the driver does not fix the issue, then you may need to uninstall the driver, reboot your computer, and allow Windows to reinstall the driver.
Hardware issues can occur if there is physical damage to the graphics card or if it is malfunctioning due to dust or overheating. To test for a hardware issue, open the computer case again and visually inspect the graphics card for any physical damage. Check for signs of dust buildup on the card, which can cause overheating and prevent the card from working properly. If dust is present, use compressed air to blow it out of the fan openings on the card.
If no dust is present, then it is likely a hardware issue with the graphics card itself. In this case, you will need to replace the card with a new one. Be sure to choose a compatible card that will fit in your computer’s slot and meets the power requirements of the power supply. Once the new card is installed and you have updated the drivers, your graphics card should be working properly.
Although there are many potential causes of a broken graphics card, the steps above can help you troubleshoot and hopefully repair the issue. If the card is physically damaged beyond repair or if the power supply is incompatible with the card, then you will need to purchase a new graphics card. Always remember to double-check the card’s compatibility with your computer before purchasing.