Graphics cards, or GPUs, are an integral piece of hardware in any computer system, as they are responsible for the processing and rendering of images on the display. When a graphics card is not functioning correctly, it can result in a variety of issues and problems, such as low frame rate, frequent crashing, artifacts, jittering and blue screens. Fortunately, most graphics card issues can be resolved with some basic troubleshooting.
1. Check the Power Supply: The first step in resolving any issue with your graphics card is to check the power supply. Make sure that it is capable of supplying enough power to both your GPU and other components, and that all necessary power cords and cables are connected securely. You should also check to make sure that the fan on the power supply is working properly, as a defective or failing fan can cause overheating.
2. Check for Software and Driver Updates: Outdated software and drivers can cause conflicts and compatibility issues with your graphics card, leading to improper functionality. Therefore, it is important to regularly check for and install the latest updates for both the software and drivers associated with your GPU. To check for and install updates, navigate to ‘Device Manager’ in Windows and select the ‘Updates’ tab.
3. Run System and Driver Diagnostics:Run diagnostics on both your system and graphics driver to identify any issues. To run system diagnostics, go to ‘System Information’ in the control panel, then click ‘Tools’ and finally ‘System Diagnostics.’ To run driver diagnostics, open the device manager and right-click on the entry for your graphics card, then select ‘Properties’ and ‘Driver Diagnostics.’
4. Ensure Proper Cooling: Overheating is one of the most common causes of graphics card issues, so make sure that the card (as well as the system as whole) has adequate cooling. Ensure that all fans are spinning properly, and if needed, replace or clean away any dust or debris blocking the cooling vents. If you have an aftermarket GPU cooler installed, make sure it is properly connected to the card and that the fan is running at an appropriate speed.
5.Enable Interrupt Remapping: Interrupt remapping is a feature that helps the system recognize the inputs sent from your graphics card. To check that it is enabled, start by opening the command prompt (Start+ R > type cmd > Enter). Then type ‘BCdedit /set {current} nx AlwaysOn’ and press enter. If the feature is already enabled, you should see the response ‘The operation completed successfully’.
6. Reset BIOS Settings: Resetting the BIOS settings back to the defaults can resolve some graphics card issues. To do this, restart the computer and enter the BIOS menu. Then navigate to ‘Advanced’ and look for the option to ‘Load Defaults’ or ‘Load Fail-safe Defaults’. Select this option and save the settings before exiting.
7. Perform a System Restore: If nothing else seems to be working, try performing a system restore back to a point prior to when you experienced the graphics card issue. To do this, open the ‘System Restore’ tool from the control panel and choose a restore point from a few days before the problem began. Note that this will roll back any changes made since then, including software and driver updates, so you may need to reinstall them afterwards.
8.Replace the Graphics Card: If all else fails, it may be necessary to replace your graphics card. This is especially true if the card is old or no longer supported with updates. Before buying a new card, be sure to read up on the specifications and make sure that it is compatible with your system.