Graphics card failure can be caused by several different things, including defective hardware, driver issues, overheating, and physical damage. If you experience graphics card failure on your Windows computer, there are several steps you can take to try and fix the issue.
1. Check Power Supply.
The most common cause of graphics card failure is inadequate power supply. A graphics card needs enough power to run properly, otherwise it won’t work. To determine if your power supply is adequate, use a multimeter to measure the voltage at the 12V and 5V connections on the power supply. If these are not within the tolerance range specified by the power supply’s manufacturer, then the power supply may need to be replaced.
2. Check for Driver Updates.
Outdated or corrupted drivers can cause graphics card failure. It’s important to keep your drivers up to date to ensure that your system runs optimally. To check for available driver updates, open the Device Manager and navigate to the section for Display Adapters. Right-click the graphics card and select Update Driver. Then follow the on-screen instructions to install the latest available driver.
3. Check for Overheating.
Graphics cards can overheat if they are not properly cooled. To check if your graphics card is overheating, use software such as SpeedFan or HWMonitor to monitor the temperature. If the temperature is too high, try increasing the fan speed or installing a better cooling solution.
4. Clean Your Computer.
Dust and dirt can accumulate in your computer and lead to overheating and other issues. To clean your computer, first shut it down and unplug it from the wall. Then use a can of compressed air to blow out any dust and debris from the case and graphics card. Finally, reattach all cables and turn the computer back on.
5. Reset the Graphics Card.
If all else fails, you may need to reset the graphics card to its factory settings. First, shut down the computer and remove the graphics card. Then, use a small brush to clean out any dust or debris from the contacts. Next, replace the graphics card and boot the computer up. When the computer has finished booting, enter the BIOS and set the graphics card settings back to their default values.
These five steps should help you troubleshoot and fix most graphics card failures. Of course, if none of these solutions work, you may need to replace the graphics card. Before you do this, however, make sure you have a compatible model and that you have the correct drivers installed on your system.