Signs of a problem with the graphics card and how to overcome it
If we consider the central processor to be the mastermind and brain responsible for managing every little thing in the computer, then the graphics card (video card) is like one of the lobes of this brain and is responsible for displaying visuals and processing graphics in games and professional business programs.
Unfortunately, like most computer hardware components, the graphics card is at the top of the list of components that are most susceptible to unexpected problems. In most cases, a professional and experienced user who is familiar with dealing with hardware components can locate the fault and fix it in seconds. However, for new users, it can be frustrating, especially for those who do not have enough experience to understand these problems.
So let us explain to you through the following lines a group of the most common problems that the user faces and the graphics card is the cause of them, and how we can work to solve and overcome them.
First of all, graphics card problems vary in the way they appear and the methods of treating them, starting from the state of freezing (hanging) the entire system, passing through the problem of the blue screen, also known as the screen of death,
Even random reboots of the computer. Remember that these problems may be caused by any component in the hardware other than the graphics card, but at the same time they are considered one of the most common problems that graphics cards face when there is a malfunction in the internal components or even in the definition of the main operating driver.
White dots and color lines
Because the graphics card is responsible for displaying images, you may encounter the common problem of Artifacts, which range from the appearance of white dots and lines in different places on the screen or even covering the entire screen with these strange lines and dots.
Graphics card fan noise
It is normal that once the operating system boots up, you hear the sound of all the computer fans as if they were a jet plane taking off from the runway, starting with the power supply fan , the processor, and even the case fans. However, if you discover that this sound is coming from the graphics card fans alone, this is living proof that there is a problem with the graphics card.
System collapse
While playing some games, you may encounter a black screen for a few moments and then suddenly exit to the desktop interface. If you notice the alert with an exclamation mark symbol above the graphics card icon, which indicates that the graphics card driver has collapsed, this is one of the signs that there is a problem with the graphics card.
black screen
You may encounter a completely black screen with no details displayed on the screen, and then your options are limited to resorting to relying on the internal graphics card to confirm the exact source of the problem, and whether it is related to the screen itself or the connection cables, but if it becomes clear to you that everything works perfectly while relying on the integrated graphics processor - this is another indication that there is a problem with the graphics card.
What you should do
If any of the above indicators are related to the graphics card, they are often signs that it is dying and on its way to stopping completely. However, they do not necessarily mean that the graphics card is damaged. Therefore, before you make your final decision to buy a new graphics card, you must follow the following steps to make sure whether there is a chance for the graphics card to work perfectly again or not.
Install another graphics card driver
Although most of the issues may be related to older graphics cards while trying out modern games, it is possible for modern cards to face them as well,
In most cases, an old version of the graphics card drivers or one that is not fully compatible with the operating system may harm the stability of the card, and this problem will certainly remain until you make sure to install the latest graphics card drivers compatible with your card and your operating system.
So if you are not sure about the driver version, you should visit the "Drivers" section on the official pages of your graphics card, whether Intel, NVIDIA or AMD, and make sure to download and install the latest drivers.
Watch these topics to guide you on the right steps:-
High temperatures
More complex and intensive graphics can be a heavy load on some weak graphics cards, and if these cards are stressed for long periods of time, this will result in a noticeable increase in temperatures, and as a result, you will face many problems such as automatic exit from games, system crashes, or the computer restarting on its own.
In this case, you should constantly check the temperatures and make sure that there is no trace of dust or dirt that may obstruct the movement of the fans. It is necessary to clean the card from the inside periodically and change the paste material if necessary. You can also use programs and tools to regulate the operation of the fans, as the MSI Afterburner tool is considered one of the best of these tools.
See also:-
Overclocking the graphics card: The correct steps to do this and increase the performance of games without harm
Make sure the graphics card is installed in the PCI Express expansion slots.
The problem of the card not being installed in the PCIe X16 slot on the motherboard can cause many errors. In addition, it is necessary to note that the power supply cables responsible for passing the electrical current to the graphics card are connected very tightly and correctly.
See also: Top 5 Things to Consider When Buying a Gaming Laptop
Make sure the display cable is connected securely.
Also, incorrect connection of the cable connected to the display screen and any of the graphics cards can cause many problems while displaying images and videos on the screen, so it is necessary to make sure that the cable is connected tightly or even change it if you feel that there is a technical problem resulting from its use.
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Make sure the screen is intact.
In most cases, we focus on the graphics card, completely ignoring the fact that most problems can be caused by damage or failure in the hardware of the display itself. So if it turns out that all the attempts we have previously presented are not worthy of finding a positive solution, then you have no options other than replacing the display completely or the graphics card, then you will make sure yourself which of them is causing the problem.