How To Test Graphics Card [Step by Step Guide]
If you’re a PC gamer or laptop user, there’s a good chance you’ll need to know how to test graphics card at some point. Whether you’re troubleshooting an issue or just curious about your system’s performance, running a benchmark is the best way to get accurate results.
Graphics card is a critical component in any computer, so it’s essential to make sure yours is working correctly. Luckily, testing your graphics card is a simple process requiring no special software or hardware. All you need is a web browser and a few minutes of your time.
How To Test Graphics Card?
Gamers must run a graphics card test to determine their GPU’s potential for playing highly graphical games. These tests will show you how powerful your video card is and put it through its paces.
The information in this box will tell you the card’s limits and provide you with an indication of what your graphics card may accomplish at whatever resolution. We’ll walk you through every step of the testing procedure in this post, as well as some pointers to help you get it done correctly.
Testing Graphics Card – Steps:
Set the standards and test your system under typical use. Ensure that your PC is working in the manner and at the temperature, you usually maintain for operation before establishing the standards and testing it. If you like putting the CPU beneath the table, ensure it’s there throughout testing.
This might be the case since heat and humidity may distort the test outcomes. Because adequate ventilation is not available beneath the table, this may be due to its access.
Drivers Updating:
Graphics cards’ drivers are critical for providing optimum performance, especially when playing high-end games. As a result, it is necessary to update the drivers before beginning the test. On the other hand, using outdated version drivers may distort the results.
So, be sure to download and install the most recent version of drivers from the manufacturer’s official website. Graphics card makers frequently release new versions with new bugs to improve performance.
If you’re having trouble running the game because of a newer version of drivers, try the most recent edition. This new version may include any faults that cause performance issues.
Clean Your Graphics Card:
It is also essential to clean your graphics card before testing it. Dust and dirt often accumulate on the cooler and fans over time, impeding airflow and heat dissipation. This can lead to overheating and ultimately damage your graphics card.
To clean your graphics card, you will need a can of compressed air or a vacuum cleaner with a hose attachment. Be sure to hold the vacuum cleaner nozzle at least six inches away from the card and blow compressed air in a sweeping motion across the entire surface.
Do not use a brush or any other cleaning implement, as this can damage the graphics card.
If you’re using a laptop, be sure to remove the battery before cleaning the graphics card.
Benchmarking Tools:
There are some free and paid benchmarking tools available on the internet. We recommend using 3DMark, a popular tool used by gamers and hardware enthusiasts to test their system’s performance.
3DMark includes several tests that measure various aspects of your graphics card’s performance. It also provides an overall score, which can compare your card’s performance with other cards.
After installation, open the program, and a window appears with various options to select for testing at specific settings, such as texture quality and resolution.
Remember that when selecting the benchmark software’s resolution to test GPUs, use the exact resolution as in Windows for playing games.
If you’re testing a graphics card, keep the exact resolution (for example, 1920 x 1080) you used for gaming. You must enable the 3D feature if you want to test stereo 3D.
Suppose you have a system that cannot play 3D games, this will show you how it performs in three dimensions. If the benchmark software runs smoothly without any crashes or bugs, and there’s a significant drop in frame rates, prepare to play 3D titles.
You’re new to the software and don’t know how to change the settings, some basic combinations of settings are provided to help you test. Choose “Basic or Extreme” from the drop-down menu. There are further options for testing a game’s graphics card performance.
Many high-profile games include benchmark references on the cover. These are usually found in video game settings. Even if a game does not mention the benchmark, you may use software like MSI afterburner or FRAPS to evaluate performance.
Test result:
When you run the Heaven software, you may notice a variety of engaging 3D animations while rotating the camera over them. This is an easy way to check your GPU’s graphics level, and it’ll give you an indication of how well it performs at this level of detail. It will also show whether there have been any frame rate drops graphical bugs.
If your graphics card isn’t working well, it might indicate that it isn’t powerful enough to handle this level of graphical complexity. In the upper right corner is an FPS indicator, which shows you much information about graphics card performance.
For a more fantastic gaming experience, sit near the PC and observe the counter for nearly 30 minutes during benchmark testing. The higher the FPS count over the counter, the better the result. Your games will become sluggish and jittery if your FPS rate decreases during gameplay.
If you notice that the graphics card has trouble, you can alter the benchmark software’s settings to get accurate results. This part also retrieves information on your graphics cards, such as manufacturer, model, memory size, and operating temperature.
Keep an eye on the operating temperature, which indicates a struggle with graphics cards for operation. Graphics card overheating can result in a variety of issues and system instability. To begin the benchmark test, click the benchmark button located in the upper left corner of the software window.
A keystroke can also be used to launch the Heaven program. The F9 key on the keyboard may be used to launch it. The Heaven software can run many tests and display the results in a separate window. Benchmark software calculates average values based on high and low frame rates.
There is no easy method to compare one’s findings with those of others. On the other hand, various internet sites offer a discussion forum through which consumers may evaluate and assess their outcomes and outputs.
Overlocking and restarting:
Some graphics cards allow you to overclock the card, which increases the clock frequency. This will result in a better performance for your games but could also damage your hardware if it’s not done correctly.
When overclocking your graphics card, you should always watch the temperature. You can stop the test and restart it with a lower frequency if it gets too high. In some cases, you may need to reduce the voltage as well.
Overclocking is another way to boost performance, and most people are unfamiliar with it. Overclocking is a skill that takes some practice; as a result, you don’t have to fiddle with the settings too much. Because excessive overclocking might cause overheating problems.
We suggest using MSI Afterburner to increase the memory and core clock by +20Mhz or +50Mhz, depending on your preferences. Try running the stress test after changing the clocks; if the graphics card works correctly without any problems and FPS remains consistent, you’ve done it right. Increase the clocks some more and repeat the procedure.
Don’t panic; your graphics card is secure throughout the process since it is built to resist physical harm. The only thing that can harm the graphics card is manually raising the core voltage. Set your graphics card’s maximum potential as your benchmark, and don’t try to boost voltage for higher performance because it can harm your card and reduce its lifespan.
After you’ve overclocked the graphics card to your satisfaction, start benchmarking and comparing your final findings to the original findings before overclocking. At this stage, you’re well aware of the GPU’s capabilities. Developing the best gaming PC takes time, but you don’t have to be a master builder to enjoy it. You can play games without any interruption because you know the game’s potential and requirements, and you may do so with ease.
How to improve Graphics Card performance?
You can do a few things to improve your graphics card’s performance.
- First, make sure your system meets the game’s requirements you want to play. Your graphics card may be powerful, but if your system doesn’t have enough memory or a fast processor, you won’t be able to take advantage of its potential.
- Second, check for updates to your graphics card drivers. Ensure you have the latest drivers installed, as they may include optimizations and fixes that can improve performance.
- Third, close any programs that aren’t needed while you’re playing. Too many programs open in the background can use up resources and slow down your system.
- Fourth, set your graphics card to its highest performance settings. This will ensure that you’re taking advantage of all the power it has to offer.
- Finally, make sure your system is well-ventilated. Graphics cards generate a lot of heat, so if your case isn’t well-ventilated, the card may overheat and cause damage.
You can get the most out of your graphics card and enjoy a smooth, lag-free gaming experience by following these tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a way to test graphics card?
Yes! You may put your GPU to the test by benchmarking and overclocking it.
How can I check the temp of my GPU?
There are several methods to check the temperature of a GPU, although the most popular is to utilize a “specific program.” The majority of GPUs have a dedicated application that displays the temperature in the task manager.
How do I check if my GPU is working?
Open the control panel, select system, and security, then the device manager to determine whether your graphics card is the problem. Open the display adapters area, double-click the name of your GPU to view a message stating that this piece of hardware is functioning correctly, and if it does not do so, you should seek assistance from a computer expert.
Conclusion:
Graphics card benchmarking is the best way to determine accurate results. When overclocking your graphics card, it is essential to increase the core clock by +20Mhz or +50Mhz, increase the memory clock and repeat the stress test. Make sure your system is well-ventilated before overclocking and benchmarking. Use MSI Afterburner to overclock your graphics card. Games have different requirements, so make sure your system meets the requirements before playing. Lastly, enjoy your gaming experience!
Thank you for reading! If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I will be happy to answer them. Have a great day! 🙂