Check graphics card for errors - how it works
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If your computer crashes in graphics-intensive applications, you should test your graphics card for errors. We'll show you how it's done.
Update of the graphics card driver
The most common cause of a graphics card not working is hardware overheating or a driver that is not working.
- Overheated graphics card: If you have recently changed the settings of your graphics card, it can overheat. Even a failed fan can keep your GPU running hot.
- Defective driver: If an error occurs in the driver, it is out of date, or you cannot get the changed settings reset, you should update the driver again.
- Uninstall the graphics card driver using the Control Panel. In another practical tip you can read how this works under your Windows version. Then download and install the latest version of the driver from the manufacturer's website. Here you can find drivers for graphics cards from Intel, NVIDIA and ATI / AMD.
Direct X: Check graphics card for errors
DirectX is already installed on most computers.
- Simultaneously press the [Window] and [R] keys, enter "dxdiag" in the input field and click "OK".
- Wait a moment for the program to load completely, then click the "Display" tab at the top.
- Below is an area for hints. If errors are listed there, you can take further steps to solve the problem. If this is not the case, your graphics card is likely to be free of errors.
FurMark: stress test for the graphics card
The free program FurMark puts your graphics card under high stress and checks it for errors. Warning: If your graphics card already has errors, this program will not help you. In some cases, this leads to even greater damage.
- Download the free FurMark tool.
- After the installation start the program.
- If you click the "Burn-in Benchmark 15 min" button, a 15-minute stress test starts. You will then be shown a text file in which you can see whether the program has detected errors.
The graphics card is a fundamental element of the Windows environment. Serious error messages should therefore be passed on to an expert depending on the level of knowledge.