If your graphics card is not working properly, it can be an extremely frustrating problem. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix the issue. This guide outlines some of the more common issues you may come across when dealing with a faulty graphics card, as well as some possible solutions.
1. Check the Basics
The first step is to make sure that both the monitor and the graphics card are connected properly. Check the connection cables for any signs of damage, and try unplugging and then re-plugging the connections to ensure that everything is properly seated. Additionally, make sure that the power supply and the cable connecting it to the graphics card are both connected correctly.
2. Check Power Management Settings
Another potential cause of a malfunctioning graphics card could be power management settings. Make sure that the power plan used in Windows is set to High performance. Additionally, many graphics cards come with their own software which can be used to adjust the power settings. This software can usually be accessed via the Control Panel or the Windows start menu.
3. Update the Graphics Card Drivers
One of the most common causes of an issue with a graphics card is having out of date drivers. Graphics card manufacturers regularly release updates which contain bug fixes and performance improvements. You will need to download the relevant drivers from the manufacturer’s website and install them using the recommended method.
4. Reinstall the Graphics Card Drivers
If updating the drivers did not solve the issue, you can try reinstalling them. To do this, go to the Device Manager (found in Control Panel) and locate the entry for your graphics card. Right click on it and select Uninstall from the menu. Then restart your computer and allow Windows to reinstall the missing drivers.
5. Reset the Graphics Card Settings
Sometimes, the problem may be caused by incorrect setting within the driver software. To reset the settings back to the defaults, you can use the reset feature found in the driver software. This is usually accessible from the Advanced tab within the software, but the exact location may vary depending on the software version.
6. Check the Temperature of the Graphics Card
Sometimes, a malfunctioning graphics card can be attributed to it becoming too hot. To find out if this is the case, you can use a program such as HWMonitor to check the temperature of the hardware components. If the temperature is above the recommended limit, you should consider cooling the system down to prevent any further issues.
7. Replace the Graphics Card
If all else fails, you may need to replace the graphics card. Before you buy a new one, check the specifications to make sure that it is compatible with your system. Ideally you should get the same model of card as the one you currently have, but if it is no longer available, look for one with similar specs.
Hopefully, with these tips you have been able to resolve your graphics card issue. If not, then you may need to contact the manufacturer for more help.