Graphics cards are integral to the smooth running of a computer. Without one, even the most basic tasks can be a challenge. So, it’s important to make sure that your graphics card is in good working order before you start using your computer for more intensive tasks like gaming or video editing.
Luckily, there are several ways how to test a graphics card to see if it works. In this blog post, we’ll outline three different methods for checking your graphics card. We’ll also provide tips on what to do if your graphics card isn’t working properly. Let’s get started!
Different Methods To Test a Graphics Card:
1. Use a Graphics Card Benchmarking Tool
2. Check the Device Manager
3. Use a Diagnostic Tool
Method 1: Use a Graphics Card Benchmarking Tool:
There are several different benchmarking tools that you can use to test your graphics card. But which one is the best?
We’ve put together a list of the top five graphics card benchmarking tools, so you can find the one that’s right for you.
1. 3DMark – 3DMark is a popular benchmarking tool that tests your graphics card’s performance in both 3D and 2D rendering.
2. Unigine Heaven – Unigine Heaven is another popular benchmarking tool that tests your graphics card’s performance in 3D rendering.
3. FurMark – FurMark is a popular benchmarking tool that tests the performance of your graphics card in 3D rendering, as well as its ability to handle demanding applications.
4. Valley – Valley is a benchmarking tool that tests your graphics card’s performance in both 3D and 2D rendering.
5. Cinebench – Cinebench is a popular benchmarking tool that tests your graphics card’s performance in both 3D and 2D rendering.
Method 2: Check the Device Manager:
If you’re using Windows, you can check to see if your graphics card is working properly by opening the Device Manager. To do this, follow the below-listed steps:
1. Press the Windows key + R on your keyboard to open the Run dialog box.
2. Type devmgmt.MSC into the Run dialog box and press Enter.
3. Expand the Display adapters section.
4. If your graphics card is listed here, it’s working properly. If it’s not listed, or if it’s listed with a yellow exclamation mark next to it, there may be a problem.
Method 3: Use a Diagnostic Tool:
If you think there may be a problem with your graphics card, you can use a diagnostic tool to test it. Windows 10 includes a few built-in tools that can help you test your graphics card and ensure it’s functioning correctly.
To use the diagnostic tool, follow the below-listed steps:
1. To start, open the DirectX Diagnostic Tool by pressing the Windows key + R, then typing dxdiag and pressing Enter.
2. Click on the Display tab.
3. Under the Drivers section, you should see your graphics card’s name and driver version listed. If everything looks normal, then your graphics card is probably working correctly.
4. You can also check your graphics card’s performance by running the DirectX Diagnostic Tool’s benchmark test. To do this, click on the Benchmark button and wait for the test to complete.
What to Do If Your Graphics Card Isn’t Working Properly?
We understand how frustrating it can be when your graphics card isn’t working properly. You’ve followed all the steps, but something still isn’t quite right. Luckily, there are a few things you can try to get things back on track.
- Swap Monitors: If you’re using a dual-monitor setup, try swapping the monitors. This will help you determine if the problem is with your graphics card or with your monitor.
- Uninstall and Reinstall Drivers: If your graphics card isn’t working properly, it could be because of corrupt or outdated drivers. To fix this, you can try uninstalling and then reinstalling your drivers.
- Update BIOS: If you’re having problems with your graphics card, it’s worth trying to update your BIOS. This can often fix small issues that may be causing problems.
- Check for Overheating: One of the most common causes of graphics card problems is overheating. If your graphics card is getting too hot, it can cause all sorts of problems. To check for overheating, you can use a program like HW Monitor or Speed fan.
- Clean Your Graphics Card: Over time, dust and debris can build up on your graphics card. This can lead to overheating and other problems. To clean your graphics card, you can use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment.
- Check for Physical Damage: If your graphics card isn’t working properly, it could be because of physical damage. If you think this might be the case, you’ll need to open up your computer and check for any obvious damage.
If you’ve tried all of these things and your graphics card is still having problems, it’s probably time to replace it.
Conclusion:
If your graphics card isn’t working, it’s important to test it to see if it needs to be replaced. You can do this by following the steps in this article. If you determine that your graphics card is defective, you can either replace it or take it to a technician for repair. These tips will help you resolve any issues with your graphics card. We hope this article has helped you get to the bottom of your problem. Thanks for reading!
