The video card can be automatically detected by the operating system and function stably without the use of additional programs. To improve graphics performance, you may need to install a driver that requires you to know your specific graphics card model. Knowing the device model allows you to select the correct driver and maximize the performance of your graphics subsystem.
Computer documentation
The video card model is one of the key characteristics of any computer, and therefore when purchasing the adapter parameters are indicated in the specification and in the documentation for the purchased equipment. The model of the video card can even be indicated on the sales receipt if the computer was purchased in a large hardware store. If you purchased your laptop from a store, you can use the information on the box that came with the device.
The video card identifier starts with the name of the company (for example, Nvidia, ATI, or Palit). The name is followed by the numerical and letter designation of the current model along with the model line (for example, GeForce). After that, the model number given by the manufacturer (for example, 350) is determined with the model identifier (350GT or 350M). The letter M at the end of the video card name indicates that a mobile version of the video card with lower performance and power consumption for laptops is installed.
Official website of the manufacturer or store
You can find out the version of the video card by going to the official website of the manufacturer or seller of your computer (laptop). If the computer you bought is presented in the online store, you can find your model and view its characteristics, which indicate the adapter model and its parameters.
Device Manager
To find out your graphics card model, you can go to Windows Device Manager. Click on the "Computer" shortcut with the right mouse button and select "Properties". In the left part of the window, click on the "Device Manager" link. In the list of cards installed in your computer, select "Video adapters" by clicking on the corresponding line. If the graphics card driver was installed with the operating system, you will see your device model. As a rule, in the latest versions of Windows, the video card model is determined correctly.
An alternative method to find out the model of the installed video card is the HWiNFO program. It allows you to scan the equipment installed in the computer and display the names of all devices used. The program is absolutely free and available for download on the developer's website. After downloading the application, install it and run it through the "Start" menu or through a shortcut on the desktop. Click on the Detect (Scan) button and wait until the scanning procedure is completed and all the necessary information is displayed on the screen.
