1. Possible Causes of Graphics Card Failure
a. Overheating: One of the most common causes of graphics card failure is overheating. As the card gets hot, it can cause the components on the card to expand and contract, resulting in decreased performance or in some cases, complete failure.
b. Faulty Components: An inherent risk of any computer component, especially one with moving parts like a graphics card, is the possibility of faulty components. This can result in inconsistent performance, degraded picture quality, or complete failure.
c. Damaged Die: This is a more serious issue that can occur if the graphics card is exposed to physical impact. In this case, the integrated circuits on the card’s die can be damaged, resulting in glitches, signal loss, or complete failure.
2. Signs That a Graphics Card Needs to be Replaced
a. Poor Performance: One of the most telltale signs that a graphics card needs replacing is noticeable lag during gaming or video playback. This could indicate a problem with the graphics card or even the installed drivers, so you should run a diagnostic test to check.
b. Blank Screen: If your screen goes blank or displays a strange graphical distortion, then your graphics card may be failing. A hardware issue like this would require an entirely new card or component replacement to fix.
c. Blue Screens: A blue screen (aka BSOD) is a sign that something is wrong with the hardware or software in your computer. The blue screen will usually give an error code that can help you determine what is wrong, so make sure to look up the error code in your manual or online.
d. System Lockup: If your computer locks up or freezes while trying to run a game or application, then it may be due to a faulty graphics card. Try running a stress test on the card and if it still doesn’t work, you will likely need to replace the card.
e. Fan Noise: If your graphics card fan has started making loud noises, it could be a sign of overheating or excessive wear and tear. Make sure to check the temperature of the card and if it is too hot to handle, you may need to replace it.