The performance of the graphics card is especially important for those who use powerful graphics editors or play "heavy" games with 3D graphics. If the image starts to freeze, artifacts appear on the screen, or the computer restarts, it makes sense to check the performance of the video card.
How to check the video card
Testing of video cards is carried out using special programs that load the graphics processor and video memory with 3D images. At the same time, they monitor the rise in GPU temperature and the number of errors that appear during the test. The normal temperature of a video card in idle should not exceed 55 degrees, under load - 80. Before testing, it makes sense to download and install new drivers for the video adapter from the manufacturer's official website.
FupMark program
Download a free test program from the developer's website and install it on your computer. It works in conjunction with another free program CPU-Z. At the same time FurMark loads the video card, and CPU-Z monitors the state of the GPU and video memory.
Click the "CPU-Z" button in the "CPU monitoring tools" section. If after launching the utility prompts you to download updates, click "Update now". A list of updates will be presented in a new screen. Click "Download now" to download the latest version. Specify the server from which updates will be downloaded. Save the startup file to your computer and run the program.
If several video cards are installed in the system unit, in the "Graphics Card" tab, open the drop-down list in the bottom line and select the required adapter. The program will display its full characteristics: model name, manufacturer, RAM size, processor frequency, BIOS version, etc.
Go to the "Sensors" tab, which displays the current temperature and processor load, memory consumption, core frequency, etc. In the FurMark program window, click "Burn-in test". A new window displays a warning that the test loads the video adapter very intensively, and lists the possible reasons for unstable operation: overheating or overclocking of the video card and insufficient power supply. If you agree to take responsibility for the possible consequences for the video adapter, click "Go".
A spinning hairy torus appears in the viewport. The test should take about 15 minutes. Watch the characteristics of the video card in the Sensors tab of the CPU-Z program. The processor load rises to 100%, and the temperature rises as well. If it exceeds 85 degrees, you have problems with the cooling of the card - perhaps the thermal paste on the GPU heatsink has dried out or the fan speed has decreased due to dust. Stop the test to avoid damaging the adapter.
If the computer reboots by itself, the power supply may be low on power. Check the video card on another computer with a more powerful power supply unit, or put a more powerful power supply unit on your system unit. If the test reaches the end safely and the temperature remains within 80 degrees, your video card is in good working order.
