If your graphics card has stopped working, the first step you should take is to determine if the problem is with the hardware or software. If your computer won’t boot into Windows or the display monitor appears blank and the fan on the graphics card isn’t spinning, it’s likely a hardware issue. If the system boots, but display appears distorted or the graphics performance is reduced, it could be an issue with the software or driver.
Once you have established the source of the problem as either hardware or software, there are several steps you can take to troubleshoot the issue.
Hardware Issues
If the problem is with the graphics card hardware, the first step should be to visually inspect the card for any visible faults. Check for damaged components, cables that are not plugged in securely and if the card is seated correctly in the slot. Ensure the power cables from the power supply are plugged in properly, and if the card requires additional power connections, that these are plugged in.
Next, you should attempt to replace the card with a known working one. Find another compatible graphics card from elsewhere, preferably from a friend or family member who can validate it works. If you cannot source a replacement, try using the on-board integrated graphics of your motherboard. Many motherboards now come with an integrated GPU which can be used as a fallback should your dedicated graphics card fail.
If the card still doesn’t boot with the onboard graphics, you can then rule out the possibility of a faulty PSU (power supply unit). To do this, you can use another known working PSU and plug it into the same system to see if the graphics card boots. It’s important to test the graphics card with a different PSU, as the current one may not have been able to provide enough power to the card.
If none of the above troubleshooting steps have worked, then it’s likely your graphics card has failed. The best course of action in this situation would be to contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options. Many manufacturers will offer an extended warranty for hardware problems which could save you some money compared to buying a new card outright.
Software Issues
If the problem is with the software or graphics drivers, your first step should be to uninstall the existing drivers. Doing so will allow you to determine if the issues are due to corrupted or outdated drivers.
You can uninstall the existing drivers by accessing the Device Manager in Windows. To open the Device Manager, go to the Startmenu and search “Device Manager”. Once in the Device Manager, locate the display adapters section and expand it. This will show the currently installed graphics card. Right-click on it and choose “Uninstall” from the menu.
Once the drivers have been uninstalled, you should then install the latest version from the manufacturer website. When downloading the drivers, make sure to choose the correct version for your operating system and graphics card. You can check the model number of your graphics card in the Device Manager, or by using software such as GPU-Z.
Once you have installed the drivers, reboot your system to ensure the drivers are loaded properly. If the problem persists, you can attempt reinstalling the drivers again, or try using an earlier version of the drivers.
If the problem still persists after attempting every suggestion above, it could be due to a faulty graphics card. In this instance, you may need to contact the manufacturer for repair or replacement options. While it can be costly to repair a graphics card, it may be cheaper than replacing it entirely.
In most cases, graphics card problems can typically be solved by following these steps. However, if the card is too far gone, you may need to purchase a new one. Make sure to research the available options and find a card that meets your needs and budget.