{"id":1279,"date":"2020-07-22T09:11:17","date_gmt":"2020-07-22T09:11:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/?p=1279"},"modified":"2022-01-07T13:24:39","modified_gmt":"2022-01-07T07:54:39","slug":"how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/","title":{"rendered":"It\u2019s Probably Not Your Eyesight! - How to Tell if your Graphics Card is Dying"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>Do graphic cards die?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Probably not like the villain in a movie but yes with time and use your <a href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">GPU or graphics card<\/a> could wear out and render your PC unusable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After reading the above sentence, many of you would think there a difference between a GPU and a graphics card?<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The terms are used interchangeably. To be specific GPU is the main chip on a graphics card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>GPU issues can either be software or hardware related<\/strong>. Fortunately, these issues are easy to troubleshoot and resolve.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Read on to learn more about why graphic cards fail, signs on how to tell if your graphics card is dying and how to troubleshoot GPU issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_64 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-white ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Contents<\/p>\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6613468569741\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6613468569741\" checked aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#What_Causes_a_Graphics_Card_to_Wear_Out\" title=\"What Causes a Graphics Card to Wear Out?\">What Causes a Graphics Card to Wear Out?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#How_Long_Does_a_GPU_Unit_Last_For\" title=\"How Long Does a GPU Unit Last For?\">How Long Does a GPU Unit Last For?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#Most_Common_Signs_of_a_Dying_Graphics_Card\" title=\"Most Common Signs of a Dying Graphics Card\">Most Common Signs of a Dying Graphics Card<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#1_StutteringLag\" title=\"1. Stuttering\/Lag\">1. Stuttering\/Lag<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#2_Screen_Glitches\" title=\"2. Screen Glitches\">2. Screen Glitches<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#3_Artifacts\" title=\"3. Artifacts\">3. Artifacts<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#4_Blue_Screen\" title=\"4. Blue Screen\">4. Blue Screen<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#5_LOUD_Fan_Noises\" title=\"5. LOUD Fan Noises\">5. LOUD Fan Noises<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#Troubleshoot\" title=\"Troubleshoot\">Troubleshoot<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#1_Check_for_Motherboard_error_codes_or_Beeps_during_POST_Not_all_PC_have_motherboards_with_Error_Codes\" title=\"1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for Motherboard error codes or Beeps during POST (Not all PC have motherboards with Error Codes)\">1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for Motherboard error codes or Beeps during POST (Not all PC have motherboards with Error Codes)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#2_Check_for_loose_connection_and_if_the_card_is_installed_properly\" title=\"2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for loose connection and if the card is installed properly\">2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for loose connection and if the card is installed properly<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#3_Check_temperature\" title=\"3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check temperature\">3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check temperature<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#4_Test_the_card_Under_Load\" title=\"4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Test the card Under Load\">4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Test the card Under Load<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/graphics-card\/how-to-tell-if-your-graphics-card-is-dying\/#5_Swap_Graphics_Cards\" title=\"5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swap Graphics Cards\">5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swap Graphics Cards<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_Causes_a_Graphics_Card_to_Wear_Out\"><\/span>What Causes a Graphics Card to Wear Out?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though <strong>GPU issues are easy to troubleshoot and resolve<\/strong>, it might not come to your attention that your GPU is dead until some drastic happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What I mean is that we tend to ignore some of the signs that occur (I\u2019ll get into that later). We think it\u2019s a software issue or a one-time thing and either restart our PCs or hold the power button for 10s before we're back up and running.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These warnings build up and when ignored can lead to severe events such as your computer crashing or even catching on fire. It\u2019s probably too later to salvage your GPU when this happens.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graphics cards fail mostly because of the following reasons,<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul><li>Faulty Manufacturing: Always buy reputable brands<\/li><li>Incomplete\/Incompatible installation: Get professional installation done if unsure<\/li><li>Moisture on the surface of the card<\/li><li>Static electricity during installation<\/li><li>Using incompatible software drivers<\/li><li>Overheating caused by faulty cooling fans<\/li><li>Overheating caused by dust build-up reducing the efficiency of cooling fans<\/li><li>Electrical Outage: Always recommended to use a UPS <\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>All of the above situations can be avoided by regular digital and physical maintenance of your system.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always get professional help if you don\u2019t have experience in hardware installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"375\" src=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/graphics-card-and-other-computer-parts.jpg\" alt=\"computer parts\" class=\"wp-image-1285\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/graphics-card-and-other-computer-parts.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/graphics-card-and-other-computer-parts-300x225.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_Long_Does_a_GPU_Unit_Last_For\"><\/span>How Long Does a GPU Unit Last For?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>There isn\u2019t a fixed period a GPU can last for. It depends on usage and how regularly you maintain your hardware and software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Graphic cards nowadays are quite innovative and designed for demanding usage. Cards usually include more than one cooling fan, a metal backplate, and big heatsinks to divert the heat away from the GPU.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember that overheating of the GPU is the main cause of your card dying.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Always purchase from reputed or highly review brands to avoid poorly manufactured cards. Reputed brands usually provide a warranty to replace the card if it dies prematurely due to manufacturing issues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>All in all, if you maintain the card properly and only run applications that can be supported by your graphics card, it should last you an average of 5 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Most_Common_Signs_of_a_Dying_Graphics_Card\"><\/span>Most Common Signs of a Dying Graphics Card<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_StutteringLag\"><\/span>1. Stuttering\/Lag<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The screen might freeze or stutter. It is highly visible during gameplay because the frame rate will drop drastically.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This particular issue alone might not be the consequences of a dying graphics card so don\u2019t jump into conclusions. Lag or shuttering can occur due to an unoptimized game, the presence of malware, a corrupted RAM, or hard drive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If shuttering occurs along with other warning signs, it is quite likely that the issue is regarding the graphics card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Screen_Glitches\"><\/span>2. Screen Glitches<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>If you\u2019ve observed weird colors or shapes appearing on your screen during gameplay or when you\u2019re watching a movie it might be indicating a dying graphics card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Again, screen glitches do not accurately indicate a dying GPU. It can also be a bad display cable or an outdated device driver<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the graphic defects start small and increase in size and frequency over time it is most likely due to a dying GPU<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Artifacts\"><\/span>3. Artifacts<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Similar to screen glitches this is another common sign.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your computer starts showing small dots, weird lines and patterns, or visual garbage, your GPU may be nearing its final days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When your PC is idle you wouldn\u2019t notice artifacts on your screen. It comes up only when your GPU goes under load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Blue_Screen\"><\/span>4. Blue Screen<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>I\u2019m sure you\u2019ve come across the blue screen with a massive \u201c \ud83d\ude41 \u201c.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This screen pops up for several issues related to your RAM, Hard drive, graphics card, or any component of your PC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A blue screen is an indicator of a dying graphics card when it pops up when you start a task that puts your GPU under load or in other words a graphics demanding task such as playing a game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_LOUD_Fan_Noises\"><\/span>5. LOUD Fan Noises<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The hotter your GPU gets, the faster the fan will spin to cool it down. The faster your fan spins the louder it will be.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, if you hear really loud fan noises, there could be something wrong.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\"><figure class=\"aligncenter size-large\"><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" width=\"500\" height=\"334\" src=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fixing-a-graphics-card.jpg\" alt=\"fixing-a-graphics-card\" class=\"wp-image-1289\" srcset=\"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fixing-a-graphics-card.jpg 500w, https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/07\/fixing-a-graphics-card-300x200.jpg 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 500px) 100vw, 500px\" \/><figcaption><br><\/figcaption><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Troubleshoot\"><\/span>Troubleshoot<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_Check_for_Motherboard_error_codes_or_Beeps_during_POST_Not_all_PC_have_motherboards_with_Error_Codes\"><\/span>1.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for Motherboard error codes or Beeps during <strong>POST<\/strong> (Not all PC have motherboards with Error Codes)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Motherboards nowadays are designed to shut down a part that is not working. Therefore, the easiest way to find out if your graphics card is dead is to check for error codes on the motherboard.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can\u2019t tell if your GPU is dying with this method, you can only find out whether it is completely dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your <a href=\"https:\/\/docs.oracle.com\/cd\/E19464-01\/820-6850-11\/POST.html\" target=\"_blank\" aria-label=\"motherboard has error codes (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\" class=\"rank-math-link\">motherboard has error codes<\/a>, you can remove the computer case and record the error codes on the motherboard and check it against your PC manual if it is indicating that the GPU is dead.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If your motherboard doesn\u2019t have error codes you could listen to the <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcmag.com\/encyclopedia\/term\/beep-codes\" target=\"_blank\">Beeps<\/a> when the PC is booting and check your manufacture's manual for what it means.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Check_for_loose_connection_and_if_the_card_is_installed_properly\"><\/span>2.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check for loose connection and if the card is installed properly<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The display cable can also cause glitching and display issues. Check if both ends are connected securely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Make sure the card is correctly plugged into the PCI slots properly without wiggle room. While you\u2019re at it make sure that there is no damage on the fans which might cause the card to overheat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wipe off any dust because the collection of dust can also lead to overheating. This is mostly the case in a laptop where the space is limited and enclosed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Check_temperature\"><\/span>3.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Check temperature<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>An overheated GPU usually means something is wrong with the fan or the application you are using cannot be supported by your current graphics card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>There are many applications <a aria-label=\" (opens in a new tab)\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" class=\"rank-math-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.pcworld.com\/article\/3396643\/how-to-check-your-graphics-card-gpu-temperature.html\" target=\"_blank\">to monitor<\/a> the real-time temperature of your card.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Test_the_card_Under_Load\"><\/span>4.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Test the card Under Load<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This goes along with checking the temperature. You can check the temperature while performing your daily tasks such as gaming or 3D rendering. You can also download software specifically designed to test your GPU under load.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If the stress test shows that your GPU is working fine but it still overheats, the issue might be in the software. Upgrade your device driver thought device manager and it might solve your issue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Swap_Graphics_Cards\"><\/span>5.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Swap Graphics Cards<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>One of the simplest methods available is to switch your current card with another and see if the problem goes away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>If none of the signs are popping up with the new graphics cards, it is quite obvious that the old one is faulty or nearing its end. Regularly update your drivers. This simple step can save you quite a bit of cash in repairs and replacements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So, I\u2019ve mentioned a few signs of a dying GPU above. These might even indicate issues with other components. Therefore, always remember to troubleshoot your GPU as soon as you notice any of the signs I\u2019ve mentioned.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Do graphic cards die? Probably not like the villain in a movie but yes with time and use your GPU or graphics card could wear out and render your PC unusable. After reading the above sentence, many of you would think there a difference between a GPU and a graphics card? The terms are used [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6,"featured_media":1284,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[18,24],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1279"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1912,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1279\/revisions\/1912"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1284"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1279"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1279"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/cpuforever.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1279"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}