Common causes of video card failure range from hardware issues to software issues, such as drivers and configuration issues.
Hardware Issues
1. Overheating: Video card usage puts a lot of strain on the hardware. Over time, the components can become too hot, resulting in malfunctions or complete system failure. To fix this, you may have to check whether your fans are running at optimal speed or there is not enough air circulation within your case. You could also just upgrade your cooling system.
2. Dust: Unscreened cooling fans can suck in dust which then can get between the electrical components and cause short circuits. This can result in permanent damage to the card. The best way to solve this problem is to keep your computer clean and check it regularly to remove any dust that has accumulated.
3. Power Supply: If the power supply is inadequate for the video card, it will not be able to run properly. Inadequate power supply can cause instability to the entire system. To fix this issue, make sure you have a powerful enough power supply for your video card.
4. Physical Damage: Some physical damage can cause a video card to fail, such as its pins being bent or broken from mishandling, or a component on the card being removed. It is always recommended to be careful when handling electronic components.
Software Issues
1. Drivers: Graphics card drivers should be kept up to date to ensure that your video card is using the latest features and fixes. Outdated drivers can cause compatibility issues and lead to video card failures.
2. BIOS Updates: BIOS updates play an important role in making sure that your card is functioning as expected. Therefore, check if there are any new BIOS updates available and install them.
3. Operating System: The operating system needs to be compatible with the video card. If the operating system doesn’t have the correct drivers, then the video card will not function correctly. Make sure you are up to date with the latest version of your operating system.
4. Configuration Issues: Check the settings for your video card, such as brightness and refresh rate, to make sure that everything is set correctly. Improperly configured settings can cause video card failure.
In conclusion, video card failure can be caused by hardware or software issues. Most common hardware issues include overheating, dust buildup, inadequate power supply, and physical damage. Common software issues include driver updates, BIOS updates, the operating system, and configuration issues. To prevent video card failure, make sure that you stay up to date with all of these components.