To check if your graphics card is working properly, you first need to open your computer and locate your graphics card. Once you have located it, you can start the process of troubleshooting.
1. Check the graphics card’s power supply: Check the cables that are plugged into the graphics card to make sure that they are securely connected and that the power supply is providing adequate power to the card. You may also want to check your power supply to make sure it has enough wattage to support the graphics card.
2. Remove any dust build-up from the graphics card: If there is a lot of dust build-up on the graphics card then it can affect the performance of the card. Be sure to use compressed air or a soft cloth to remove the dust.
3. Check the BIOS settings: Enter your BIOS settings to make sure the primary display adapter is set to the graphics card and not to onboard graphics or something else.
4. Check the drivers: Make sure all of the drivers for the graphics card are up to date. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and can even lead to error messages.
5. Check the temperature: Make sure the temperature of the card is within normal ranges (details on this vary from card to card); if it’s too hot, it might be caused by dust or poor ventilation and should be looked at.
6. Check for graphics card hardware issues: If your graphics card is displaying artifacts or lines on the screen, it may be a sign of a failing graphics card. It might be time to replace your graphics card.
7. Check with a benchmark program: Run a benchmark program like 3DMark or FurMark on your system to stress test your graphics card. A lower than expected score could indicate a faulty graphics card or driver.
8. Check performance in games: If you are having performance issues in games, try lowering the video settings or resolution. If this still doesn’t resolve the issue, it could be a sign of a faulty graphics card.
By following these steps, you should be able to diagnose whether or not your graphics card is functioning properly. If you are still unsure after trying these steps it is best to seek professional advice.