Whether you’re an avid gamer, a 3D modeler, a video editor, or simply someone who wants to ensure your computer is running at optimal performance, knowing how to check if a GPU is working properly is essential. Proper GPU functionality not only delivers smooth visuals and quick rendering but also ensures the longevity of your hardware.

Preliminary Checks Before You Begin

Before diving into complex diagnostics, start with a few simple steps. These help confirm whether a deeper look is warranted:

Verify Power Connections: Ensure that the GPU is properly connected to the power supply if it requires dedicated power cables (e.g., 6-pin or 8-pin connectors). Sometimes, a loose cable can mimic GPU failures.
Check Display Connections: Make sure your display cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI) is secure and functioning. A faulty cable can create performance issues or display problems that might seem like GPU trouble.
Confirm System Requirements: If you’re using new software or games, verify the minimum required GPU specifications. Your GPU might be working, but simply not powerful enough.
Monitor Basic Temperatures: A quick glance at your GPU temperature when idle and under minimal load can provide early signs of overheating. Most manufacturers recommend a resting temperature of 30°C to 40°C and gaming loads between 60°C and 85°C, but this varies by model.
Run a Quick Software Update: Outdated drivers can cause stutters, screen tearing, or other performance hiccups. A fresh set of drivers might immediately clear up minor issues.

These preliminary checks can often pinpoint obvious issues. If everything seems good in these areas, you can move on to more detailed diagnostics.

Using Built-In Diagnostic Tools

Many operating systems and GPU manufacturers provide diagnostic tools that are either built-in or easy to install. These tools offer a baseline assessment of your card’s health and performance.

Windows Task Manager (Windows): Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open the Task Manager. Under the “Performance” tab, select “GPU.” You’ll see real-time utilization, temperature (on newer Windows versions), and memory usage. While this view won’t offer a stress test, it helps you see if the GPU is recognized and whether it’s responding to small tasks.
System Information (macOS): On macOS, go to “About This Mac,” then click “System Report.” Under the “Graphics/Displays” section, you can verify that the GPU is detected. You may also monitor usage through “Activity Monitor” (found in Applications > Utilities).
NVIDIA Control Panel / AMD Radeon Software: Both NVIDIA and AMD offer their own tools for managing graphics card settings and checking driver versions. These utilities typically provide real-time GPU performance metrics, such as core and memory clocks, voltage, and temperatures.

If your GPU isn’t visible in these tools, or if the tools flag an error, it might be an immediate indication of a hardware or driver issue. In contrast, if everything looks normal here, proceed to more thorough tests.

Conducting a GPU Stress Test

A stress test pushes your GPU to its operational limits, revealing hidden weaknesses that might not show up under normal usage. Keep in mind that stress tests can generate significant heat, so always monitor temperatures throughout the process to prevent damage.

Recommended Stress Test Tools

FurMark: Known for its extreme GPU “torture tests,” FurMark can help identify overheating or instability issues rapidly. If your GPU has a defect, FurMark often exposes it.
3DMark (Time Spy / Fire Strike): This suite of benchmarking tools is great for synthetic performance scores and also includes stress test loops that can run for extended durations.
Unigine Heaven / Unigine Superposition: Both are highly popular benchmarks offering real-time monitoring and a stress test option.

How to Conduct the Stress Test

Download and install one of the recommended programs.
Close unnecessary applications to focus resources on the stress test.
Monitor temperatures closely using GPU-Z or your GPU manufacturer’s monitoring software.
Run the stress test for at least 15–30 minutes. During this period, watch for rising temperatures, stuttering, artifacting, or crashes.
Review results and logs. If the test completes without errors or overheating, your GPU is likely stable.

If you experience crashes or overheating, turn off the test immediately to avoid damaging your hardware. Take note of the symptoms and temperature thresholds, as these can guide further troubleshooting or the potential need for better cooling solutions.

Monitoring GPU Temperatures and Performance

Maintaining a healthy temperature range is crucial for long GPU life. Overheating not only reduces performance but can cause permanent damage. Beyond simply checking idle temperatures, regular monitoring helps you spot trends or deviations over time.

Monitoring Software Tools

HWMonitor: Provides a comprehensive snapshot of your system’s health, including CPU, GPU, and system fans.
MSI Afterburner: Popular among gamers, it displays real-time stats and offers overclocking features. You can customize on-screen displays to monitor in-game performance.
Open Hardware Monitor: An open-source solution that reveals temperatures, voltages, and fan speeds.

Best Practices

Regular Checks: Monitor temperatures whenever you notice performance lag or after installing new games or software.
Set Fan Curves: Use tools like MSI Afterburner to adjust fan speeds at certain temperature thresholds. This proactive approach helps prevent temperature spikes.
Clean the System: Dust buildup can obstruct airflow. A quick cleaning every few months can dramatically improve cooling efficiency.

By closely tracking temperature and performance data, you can address issues before they escalate. Over time, you’ll develop an understanding of your GPU’s “normal” operating temperatures, which makes spotting anomalies easier.

Benchmarking for Performance Comparison

Benchmarking tools measure your GPU’s rendering capabilities and provide a quantifiable score, making it easier to compare your setup with standardized performance metrics or other systems with similar hardware. If your score is significantly lower than the average for your GPU model, it suggests a problem.

Popular Benchmarking Tools

3DMark: Offers a variety of tests tailored to different GPU tiers, including Time Spy for DirectX 12.
Unigine Heaven / Valley / Superposition: Showcase heavy graphical effects and advanced visuals to push GPUs to their limits.
UserBenchmark: A quick test that compares your results with thousands of other systems online.

Interpreting Results

Compare to Manufacturer Claims: Check the ballpark FPS or score your GPU is supposed to achieve for certain benchmarks.
Check Online Databases: Many benchmarking tools store user-submitted results. Look for your GPU model and note the average range.
Monitor for Throttling: If your GPU scores drop mid-benchmark, it could be due to thermal throttling.

Benchmarking not only validates your GPU’s functionality but also helps you gauge whether any tweaks or upgrades could further optimize your system.

Identifying Visual Artifacts

One of the clearest signs of a failing or overheating GPU is the presence of visual artifacts. These can include:

Screen Flicker or Strobing: Rapid flashes or a partially dim screen.
Horizontal or Vertical Lines: Often colored stripes or bands across the display.
Pixelated Blocks or “Snow”: Random, colored dots or blocks scattered across the screen.
Distorted Colors: Unnatural tints or patterns in specific regions of the screen.

These artifacts may appear during intense gaming sessions, GPU stress tests, or sometimes even during everyday browsing. While drivers can occasionally cause such anomalies, persistent artifacts often indicate hardware-level issues, such as failing VRAM or an overheated GPU core.

Ensuring Drivers and Firmware Are Up to Date

Software plays a significant role in your GPU’s functionality. Outdated or corrupted drivers can create performance bottlenecks and other problems that mimic hardware failures. Keeping GPU drivers updated ensures compatibility with the latest games and professional software.

How to Update Drivers

NVIDIA Graphics Cards: Use the NVIDIA GeForce Experience application or manually download the latest driver from NVIDIA’s official website.
AMD Graphics Cards: Utilize the AMD Radeon Software app or visit AMD’s official site for the newest drivers.
Intel Integrated Graphics: Though less common for gaming, Intel frequently updates their integrated GPU drivers. Check Intel’s support page for driver downloads.

Firmware Updates

Some GPU models allow firmware updates. This is less common, but it may address critical bugs or hardware-level performance issues. If your manufacturer provides a firmware tool, follow the given instructions carefully. Improper firmware updates can brick your GPU, so always back up important data and proceed with caution.

Physical Inspection and Maintenance

While software diagnostics are invaluable, a physical inspection can reveal issues that no benchmark can detect:

Dust Buildup: Dust restricts airflow, leading to higher temperatures and faster thermal throttling. Use compressed air or an electric duster to clean fans and heatsinks.
Loose or Bent PCIe Slot Contacts: If the GPU isn’t seated properly in the PCIe slot, you might experience intermittent connection problems. Reseat the card firmly and ensure the locking mechanism clicks into place.
Damaged Ports: Check the HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI ports for debris or damage. A damaged port can cause flickering or loss of signal.
Cracked or Missing Thermal Paste: Over time, thermal paste can dry out, especially on older GPUs. Reapplying thermal paste can significantly lower temperatures, but this process should be done with care.

If you’re not comfortable with opening your PC case or performing these checks, consider reaching out to a professional or an experienced friend. Physical damage or incorrect handling can quickly transform a minor issue into a major hardware failure.

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Conclusion

By regularly monitoring performance and staying proactive about maintenance, you can ensure the longevity and efficiency of your graphics card. A well-cared-for GPU not only enhances your computer’s performance but also saves you from unexpected expenses down the road.

Whether you’re chasing high-frame-rate gameplay or meticulously rendering complex scenes, these steps will help you keep your GPU running in top form—ensuring that your system remains both reliable and powerful for years to come.