6 Ways to Check Computer Video Card in Less Than 5 Minutes

The video card is an indispensable part of a desktop computer or laptop. For those who often do graphic design or play online games, the video card plays an even more important role. So, do you know how to check the video card  ? If not, please refer to the instructions below!

1. Brief introduction to video card

The video card or graphics card is one of the most important parts of a computer, which processes all information related to images (resolution, color, etc.). Every computer has a video card.

1.1. Video cards come in two basic types:

Onboard card: integrated in the CPU, suitable for those who use the computer to edit documents, listen to music.

Discrete card: if you want to use it, you have to buy it outside and then integrate it into the computer. The processing performance of a discrete card is much more effective than an integrated card. The video card is suitable for gamers to use when playing high-end games or graphic design engineers, designers. There are many famous discrete card suppliers such as ATI, AMD, NVIDIA.

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2. How to check graphics card for PC, laptop

Checking your video card helps you get information as well as identify and fix video card errors. Here are the most useful ways to check your card:

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2.1. Check the video card with the naked eye

With removable video cards, you can check with the naked eye. A faulty or damaged card usually has the following signs:

- There is a burning, acrid or strange smell.

- PCI-Express contact pins are scratched.

- Fan blades are too tight or loose.

- Missing screws (in case there is no backplate).

- Capacitors and solder joints look unfinished (genuine products are usually soldered very nicely).

- GPU problem.

- PCB model and information on Google do not match.

- Applications requiring 3DMark, FurMark… have problems running.

2.2. Check video card information directly on the laptop case

If your computer is new, the processor chip or video card information will be on the case. You can easily check the basic configuration by looking for stickers or letters printed on the case. Usually, you will see them on the right or left corner of the top of the laptop.

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2.3. Instructions for checking video card information using GPU-Z

GPU Z is a specialized software that helps users view detailed video card parameters and monitor the operating status of the video card:

The information that GPU-Z provides includes: manufacturer model, applied technology, product code, BIOS version, RAM capacity, Graphics Clock speed.

Operating status of the video card: temperature, used RAM capacity, how much % the video card can load, voltage used, check if the video card is fake or not.

How to view video card using CPU-Z software as follows:

Step 1: Download GPU-Z software .

Step 2: After installing the software, open it. The software interface will display detailed information about the video card.

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2.4. How to check PC graphics card with Directx Diagnostic Tool

Use the Directx Diagnostic Tool to test your PC card as follows:

Step 1 : Click Start => type in Run box (or press Windows + R key combination ). Type in ' dxdiag ' => press Enter.

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Step 2: Select Display => all detailed parameters of the card will be displayed. On the displayed information, if the information includes ATI, AMD, NVIDIA (name of the graphics card manufacturer), it means the PC is using a separate card.

2.5. View Desktop video card of laptop win 10, Win 7, Win 8

Viewing the video card using Desktop is extremely simple:

Step 1:  Right-click on This PC and select Manage .

Step 2: Select Device Manager >  Display adapters . Which video cards are active will be displayed.

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Step 3: Double-click to check video card information.

2.6. How to use HWiNFO to check video card information

How to use HWiNFO to check video card information as follows:

Step 1: Download the HWiNFO application => unzip and run the HWiNFO executable file .

Step 2: Click Yes => select ' Summary-only ' => click Run . Here, you can see the information that the screen displays.

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In the above article,  Hoang Ha Computer  has given detailed instructions on how to check the computer's video card . Hopefully the above information will help you easily learn about the machine as well as when planning to upgrade your machine.

David Pac

Update 17 January 2025