1. Check the Video Card’s Power Supply
The first step to troubleshooting a video card issue is to make sure that the card is receiving enough power. A faulty or insufficient power supply can cause problems with the video card, such as reduced performance, display errors and even complete system shutdowns.
To check the video card’s power supply, look at the system’s power supply unit (PSU) or consult the motherboard’s manual, which should provide information on what type of power supply is required for the video card. The video card itself might also indicate what type and wattage of power supply is necessary.
2. Install the Manufacturer’s Drivers
The next step in troubleshooting a video card issue is to install the correct driver for the card. Video cards come with built-in drivers, but these can be outdated or incompatible with certain operating systems. The manufacturer should provide up-to-date drivers for the card on its website.
Before downloading and installing the driver, check which version the computer is running. The driver must be installed correctly for it to work correctly, otherwise this can lead to further problems.
3. Update the Operating System
Similarly to drivers, operating systems can also become outdated. Many system updates include fixes and software updates that can improve the performance of hardware components, such as the video card. It is therefore important to check for any available system updates and install them to ensure the computer is running on the latest version.
4. Check for Heat Issues
Another factor that can affect the performance of a video card is overheating. The card runs hotter when playing graphically intensive games or running multiple applications simultaneously, as the fan might not be able to keep up with the demand.
If the card is overheating, this can lead to display errors and even shutdowns. To prevent overheating, ensure the case air vents are free of dust and obstructions, and check that the fan on the video card is running at full speed. If the fan isn’t spinning, it might need to be replaced.
5. Run Diagnostic Utilities
There are many diagnostic utilities designed to detect and repair problems with hardware components, such as video cards. These tools can help detect and solve video card issues, such as corrupted drivers, outdated drivers and even hardware-related problems.
One popular diagnostic utility is the Microsoft Support Diagnostic Tool, which can detect and repair problems with the video card. Other tools include theGPU-Z diagnostic tool, the FurMark benchmarking tool and the GPU Shark diagnostics tool.
6. Replace or Repair the Video Card
If all else fails, the video card might need to be replaced or repaired. Replacing the card with a new model is the most straightforward solution, however if the card is still under warranty, the manufacturer might offer to repair it for free.