If your graphics card has failed, you should assess the situation and determine what is causing the issue before attempting to fix it. Depending on the severity of the failure and the age of the graphics card, it may be more cost effective to replace the card rather than attempting to repair it.
1. Check the Graphics Card
The first step in diagnosing and addressing a graphics card failure is to check the card itself. Inspect the card for any visible signs of damage or physical wear and tear such as bent or broken connectors, or loose screws. Additionally, some graphics cards require supplemental power sources, so make sure that any external power cables are connected securely. If a physical inspection reveals no apparent issues, then it is likely that a software error is causing the problem.
2. Eliminate Driver Issues
If a physical inspection reveals no damage to the graphics card, then the next step is to rule out any driver issues. System drivers facilitate communication between the operating system and the hardware components, so it is important to ensure that the most up-to-date drivers are installed. To do this, open the Device Manager, expand “Display Adapters”, right-click on the name of the graphics card, and select “Update Driver”. If the update fails, then log into the manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver available for the specific model of the graphics card.
3. Monitor Performance and Temperatures
Once the correct driver has been installed, it is important to monitor the performance of the graphics card and verify that temperatures remain within acceptable ranges. To do this, use a computer monitoring tool such as Core Temp to observe the graphics card’s temperature, which should not exceed 95°C. The GPU Performance tab of this software can also be used to check the performance of the graphics card and make sure that the load levels are within normal parameters.
4. Check the Power Supply
If the performance and temperatures of the graphics card appear to be within normal parameters, then the next step is to check the power supply of the system. A faulty or inadequate power supply may not be able to provide enough power to the graphics card, resulting in a crash or failure. To check the power supply, use a multimeter to measure the output voltages of the system. The multimeter should read 12 volts for the +12V rail, 5 volts for the +5V rail, and 3.3 volts for the +3.3V rail. If the output voltages are too low, then the power supply will need to be replaced.
5. Replace the Graphics Card
If all other attempts to fix the graphics card fail, then it is likely that the card has reached the end of its life and a replacement will be necessary. Look for a new card with similar specifications to the previous card (e.g. memory size, connection types, GPU architecture). It is also important to consider the warranty period of the new card, as well as the availability of customer support if required. Once the new card is installed, reinstall the drivers and observe the performance and temperatures to ensure that the issue has been resolved.
In conclusion, if your graphics card has failed, it is important to assess the situation and rule out any physical damage, driver issues, or power supply problems. If none of these issues are present, then it is likely that the card has reached the end of its life and it is time to invest in a new one.