How To Check If A GPU Is Working Properly

Graphics cards play a crucial role in gaming and overall system performance. Regularly checking your GPU’s health ensures your system remains stable and prevents unexpected issues, especially during demanding tasks like gaming. This guide will walk you through the steps to verify if your GPU is working properly.

1. Inspecting the GPU Hardware

Check Cooling Fans

1. Power Off and Unplug: Ensure your PC is turned off and unplugged before inspecting the GPU.
2. Clean the Cooling Assembly: Remove the graphics card and use compressed air to clean the heatsink and fan area to ensure proper airflow.
3. Check Fan Operation: Spin the fans manually. They should spin freely without stopping quickly or wobbling.

Refresh Thermal Paste

1. Remove Old Thermal Paste: Use isopropyl alcohol and a lint-free cloth to clean the old thermal paste from the GPU.
2. Apply New Thermal Paste: Apply a small amount of new thermal paste to the GPU chip.
3. Reassemble the GPU: Ensure all screws are secure and reinsert the GPU into the PCI-E slot.

Read our detailed guide on how to replace your GPU’s thermal paste for more.

Reassemble and Test

1. Power Up: Power up the machine and listen to the fans. They should be quiet and spin adequately to cool the heatsink surface.

2. Performing Preliminary Checks

Secure GPU Seating

1. Check Seating: Ensure the GPU is firmly seated in the PCI-E slot.
2. Lock Mechanism: Check that the locking mechanism on the slot is engaged.

Verify Correct Slot and Connections

1. PCI-E Slot: Ensure the GPU is in the appropriate PCI-E slot with the maximum number of lanes.
2. Monitor Connection: Connect the monitor cable to the correct GPU port.

Ensure Power and Heatsink Security

1. Power Cables: Ensure all power supply cables are securely connected to the GPU.
2. Heatsink Attachment: Verify the heatsink is securely attached and all fans are operational.

3. Stress Testing the GPU

Running FurMark Stress Test

1. Download FurMark: Download and install the FurMark GPU Stress Test tool.
2. Setup MSI Afterburner: Open MSI Afterburner to set up a fan curve (refer to our guide on speeding up graphics card fans for detailed steps).
3. Run FurMark: Select ‘GPU Stress Test’ and click ‘Go’. Listen for the fans increasing speed, indicating proper cooling response to the stress test.

Monitoring GPU Temperature

1. Use Monitoring Tools: Use GPU-Z or GPU Shark to monitor GPU temperature during the stress test.
2. Address Cooling Issues: If temperatures exceed safe limits, consider replacing the GPU cooler or improving case ventilation.

4. Using Windows Built-In Tools

DirectX Diagnostic Tool (DxDiag)

1. Open DxDiag: Press Windows key + R, type dxdiag, and press Enter.
2. Check Display Tab: Look for any issues listed as “Not Available”. This indicates a problem with the GPU.

Common Issues and Solutions

Artifacts and Screen Tearing:

• Ensure drivers are updated and consider adjusting settings like V-Sync or G-Sync.

Crashes and Freezes:

• Check for overheating and ensure proper power supply connections.

Conclusion

Regularly checking your GPU’s health ensures optimal performance and longevity. Follow these steps to maintain your GPU and prevent potential issues.

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We have created a video summary of this article on YouTube.