A faulty graphics card can cause a wide range of symptoms, ranging from minor visual glitches to complete system crashes. Here are some of the common warning signs that may indicate a problem with your graphics card:
1. Screen Flickering or Distortion – A flickering or distorted image on your screen is a sign that something is wrong with your graphics card. It could be due to a loose connection within the card itself, or it could be caused by an issue with the video driver.
2. Artifacts or Noise – Visible “artifacts” or “noise” in the form of strange lines, patterns, or smudges on the display is a surefire symptom of a faulty graphics card. This is often caused by overheating but it can also be the result of a loose connection or a malfunctioning component.
3. Poor Performance – If your system is running at lower than expected speeds or if specific applications are displaying sub-par performance, your graphics card could be to blame.
4. System Crashes – If your system crashes or hangs during gameplay or intensive tasks, it’s possible that your graphics card is the culprit.
5. Overheating – If you can feel heat emanating from the graphics card, it could be a sign that it is malfunctioning. The card will most likely need to be serviced or replaced.
6. No Display Output – If your monitor is not receiving any signals from your computer, it’s possible that the graphics card has failed entirely.
7. Error Messages – Any error messages or warnings related to graphics hardware is also a good indication that something is amiss with your card.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to verify that your graphics card is working properly. You can do this by checking for loose connections and ensuring that all required drivers are up to date. If you’re still experiencing issues, it may be necessary to replace or service your graphics card.