First, you need to identify if the faulty graphic card is caused by hardware or software. This can be done by checking the device manager in Windows and looking for any errors in your system’s hardware. A graphics card error can be identified by a message such as “This device cannot start” or a yellow exclamation mark.
If the error is hardware-related, then the root cause of the issue can be determined by performing a series of tests to isolate the specific component causing the problem.
1. Check the power supply
The power supply of your computer should be sufficient enough to power the graphics card. In case there are voltage fluctuations or other power-related issues, this could be the reason why the graphics card is failing. To check if the power supply is stable, open up the computer case and measure the voltages at the motherboard or graphics card. If they are not within the specified range, then the power supply needs to be replaced.
2. Check the connection
The graphics card usually connects to the motherboard via an external connector. Make sure that the connector is properly connected and does not have any bent pins or other signs of damage. Also make sure to remove and reseat the card in case it has become loose over time.
3. Clean the GPU
Dust accumulation can lead to heating problems and poor performance. To clean the GPU, use compressed air to blow away any dust particles that may have accumulated. You can also use cotton swabs and rubbing alcohol to clean away any residue from the heat sinks on the card.
4. Monitor the temperature
If the card is running too hot, it can cause instability and eventually damage the graphics card. To check the temperature, download a temperature monitoring tool such as Core Temp or HWMonitor. These programs will show you the current temperature of the GPU, so you can check if it is running too hot.
5. Update drivers
Outdated drivers can also cause issues with graphics cards. To update the drivers for your card, head to the manufacturer’s website and download the latest drivers.
6. Perform a stress test
A stress test will allow you to simulate intensive gaming scenarios and check if the graphics card can handle them. Download a stress testing tool such as FurMark or 3DMark, and run the benchmarks to determine if the card is able to handle the load.
7. Try different software
If the problem persists even after updating the drivers, try out different applications and games to see if the issue occurs with some particular type of application or game.
8. Replace the card
If all of the above steps fail to resolve the issue, then the last resort is to replace the card with a new one. Before replacing the card, double check that the power supply is adequate and the connections are secure.
In summary, if the faulty graphics card is caused by hardware then the root cause can be pinpointed by performing a series of tests to isolate the exact component causing the problem. This includes checking the power supply, connection, temperatures, and stress testing the card. If the problem is caused by software, then updating the drivers and trying different applications or games can help in resolving the issue. If all these steps fail, then you should consider replacing the graphics card with a new one.