1. Visual artifacts: One of the most common signs of a malfunctioning graphics card are visual artifacts such as strange patterns, flickering lines, or even parts of an image missing or distorted. These can often be caused by software issues but can also be due to a faulty graphics card.
2. Stuttering and lag: If your game starts stuttering or lagging then this is another sign of a problem with your graphics card. This could be due to the card being used at a higher resolution than it is capable of handling or simply because the graphics card can no longer keep up with the demand of the game you are playing.
3. Overheating: Another major sign of a malfunctioning graphics card is overheating. This is typically caused by either poor cooling on the card or dust build up in the heatsink or cooling fins which prevents proper air flow and cooling. A malfunctioning graphics card will begin to produce heat faster than it can dissipate it and the temperature of the card can become dangerously high.
4. Unstable frame rates: If you are experiencing unstable frame rates in your games then this is another common symptom of a malfunctioning GPU. This could be down to an outdated driver, insufficient power supply, or a hardware defect.
5. Low FPS: A low frame rate, especially if you have previously had a much higher one, is another possible sign of a malfunctioning graphics card. This could be due to a hardware defect or something as simple as an outdated driver.
6. Flickering display: If your display flickers regularly then this could be a sign of a malfunctioning graphics card. This is usually caused by an electrical issue arising from either a hardware defect or a defective cable.
7. Black screen of death: If you experience a black screen when you start up your PC then this is an extremely serious issue which may be caused by a malfunctioning graphics card. This most likely requires professional attention to repair.
8. No signal: If your monitor is receiving no signal from your computer then this could be a sign of a faulty graphics card. This could be due to a faulty cable or a hardware defect on the card.