If you have ever encountered any graphical glitches, sudden crashes, or poor performance while you were working on your computer, then the GPU is likely to be blamed.
In this guide, we will show you how to check if GPU is faulty.
Following this article, you will gain a better understanding of your GPU’s condition. Let’s get going!
Also, read: How To Lower CPU/GPU Usage In Games?
What Are The Signs Of GPU Failure?
Here are the probable signs of GPU failure:
High Temperature: If the back of your desktop or laptop’s casing is hotter than usual, then it is highly likely that the graphics card is damaged.
Shuttering Or Freezing Effect: Shuttering, freezing, and glitches are signs of bad GPU. Also, various screen glitches like screen tearing or a horizontal split in the screen is a signs of a problematic graphics card.
Artifacting: If you encounter different kinds of artifacts like weird shapes, off-color pixelization, digital snow, 3D models stretching randomly, and so on, then it is a sign that your graphics card is in trouble.
Strange Fan Noise: If the fans are excessively loud even while not in use, it could be a sign of a problematic GPU. The speeding up of the fan or any kind of abnormal fan noise generated by the fan is generally another sign.
Driver Crashes: Sudden driver crashes, or the video driver not responding is a sign of GPU failure.
No Signal: If the screen goes completely black or the “no signal” error gets displayed on the screen.
Error Codes: Error messages like “Your PC ran into a problem and needed to restart” or “Display driver stopped responding and has recovered” signify that the graphics card is at fault.
FPS Drop: The drop in the frame rate is a major problem for gamers, and this is usually known to cause due to a faulty graphics card. Experiencing frequent FPS drops is mainly associated with graphics cards.
BSOD Errors: If the screen suddenly turns blue or you encounter the Blue Screen of Death, the GPU is problematic. This infamous “blue screen of death” can be responsible for various hardware problems. If you encounter this while playing games or doing any other GPU-intensive activities, then your GPU can be termed as the culprit.
No Booting: This is one of the most convenient ways to determine whether you face any GPU-related issues. If your computer fails to boot, then the graphics card can be termed as faulty.
What Are The Considerations While Conducting A GPU Test?
While you are on the verge of testing your GPU, there are certain things that you need to keep in mind.
After you have gone through this series of preliminary checks, you can proceed with the graphics card test.
- Check The Heatsink
- Check Whether The Fans Are Operational
- Look For Secured Power Plugs
- Update Driver
- Disable Overclocking
- Use The Correct Graphics Card
- Use The Correct Expansion Slot
- Ensure The Proper Placing Of The Graphics Card In The Expansion Slot
How To Check If GPU Is Faulty?
Diagnosing a GPU demands careful observation and analysis of various factors.
Also, seeking professional help to avoid incorrect conclusions is highly advisable. Here is how to check if GPU is faulty.
1) Inspect Your Hardware
First, inspect the hardware for any potential damage.
Also, look for any physical damage or abnormalities inside the GPU.
Search for loose connections, damaged components, or any obvious signs of malfunction.
It is also important to find out whether the GPU is properly placed in its slot on the motherboard.
2) Inspect The GPU For Debris
Accumulated dust or debris can lead to various issues therefore inspecting GPU for debris is important.
If there is any dirt or debris piled up on the graphics card, then wipe it off.
Doing this will improve its efficiency and restore optimal performance.
Also, regular cleaning and maintenance of the GPU will help to increase longevity and ensure smooth operation.
3) Check The GPU’s Fan
As cooling is of utmost importance, you must ensure that the GPU’sfan is working properly. If the fan isn’t properly working, you can’t rely on your GPU.
If the fan leads to insufficient cooling, then it will result in performance issues or increased temperature or can even damage the GPU.
If required, you need to replace the broken fan pieces from the manufacturer.
Also, if the fans are not spinning easily or freely, then relying on them isn’t the best thing to do.
4) Check For The Motherboard Error Codes
If your motherboard displays any error codes, then it will appear near an outer corner.
You have to record each error number that you see after you boot your computer.
List the error codes and match them with the graphics card processing unit error.
If both codes are similar then there are chances of your video card dying.
5) Ensure The GPU Is Properly Seated
Open the PC and check whether the graphics cards are correctly seated in the PCI slots and also the power plugs are connected firmly.
Also, tighten the screws if necessary.
6) Replace The Thermal Paste
Replacing the thermal paste in a GPU will improve heat transfer and reduce temperatures, and also the card will get a chance to give the best performance.
Replacing the thermal paste is known to void the GPU’s warranty so it is very important to consider this particular point before going ahead with the entire process.
7) Run A Stress Test
If your GPU has overheating or graphic issues while running games then you need to first download GPU stress-testing and heat-monitoring software.
Reading above 80 degrees Celsius is considered too hot.
8) Update The Graphics Drivers
Make sure the latest GPU drivers are installed.
Outdated or incompatible drivers will cause performance issues and instability.
For this, you need to update the drivers from the GPU manufacturer’s official website and observe if the issue persists.
Follow the steps in order to troubleshoot the issue:
- Right-click on the Windows Start button.
- Then, choose Device Manager.
- Search for the “Display Adapter” and right-click on it to see if it’s working.
- If your drivers aren’t working properly then it will be indicated in the properties section.
9) Stop Overclocking
Overclocking your system can boost up the performance but sometimes pushing that too high can cause issues with your GPU.
So, to lessen the pressure on your GPU, stop overclocking for the time being.
10) Remove And Change The GPU
If none of the fixes worked, then it’s time that you bid goodbye to your exsisting GPU by replacing it with a new one that meets your requirements.
If the GPU is faulty and causing issues then replacing it will help in resolving the problem.
Installing a new one will help in restoring the proper graphics performance and functionality.
You can seek help from a knowledgeable technician if you are unsure of replacing and fitting the new one properly in the right place.
What Are The Causes Of GPU Failure?
GPU failure can occur due to a lot of reasons.
Here goes a list of the possible causes that lead to your GPU failure:
- Overheating
- Incompatibility
- Bad Connections
- Physical Or Electrical Damage
- Overclocking
- Electrical Outage
- Manufacturing Defects
- Premature Failing
- Power Supply Issue
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can Overheating Cause GPU Faults?
Yes, overheating can lead to GPU faults and can also cause performance degradation.
- Can A Faulty GPU Affect System Stability?
Yes, a faulty GPU can affect system stability and these stability issues generally occurs in gaming or any graphics-intensive applications.
- Should I Consider Upgrading My GPU If It’s Faulty?
Yes, if your GPU is faulty and beyond repair then upgrading to a new GPU is the best possible solution.
Bottomline
A faulty GPU isn’t a roadblock on your digital journey if you can diagnose and address the GPU-related problems.
Therefore, it is extremely important not to overlook the symptoms of a faulty GPU if you want your graphics to be flawless.
Write to us in the section provided below in case of any underlying doubts or queries.
