There are several reasons why it might be important to know what graphics card you have. There are many types of graphics cards with specifications well-suited for different purposes.
For example, some graphics cards are best for playing PC games, editing high-definition videos, photos, films, or other graphics-intensive applications. The lower specification GPUs allow for optimal performance in other areas.
Most newer PC games require a powerful enough GPU to handle higher display settings and refresh rates and run the game smoothly. If you are a gamer, you need to know your graphics card specifications to ensure the games you have installed can run on your computer. A GPU with good specifications can also help you significantly if your setup includes multiple displays.
PC gaming has become an intense hobby for millions across the globe. So let us help you understand a critical component of PC gaming!
This guide will explain a few things about GPUs and different ways to check what graphics card you have.
What is a Graphics Processing Unit (GPU)?
GPUs, often called video cards or graphics cards, have become the most critical component of a PC setup. They work alongside the CPU to maximize performance and provide high display settings without causing lags. A video card is used in various applications, mainly for rendering video and graphics.
The GPU has become an extremely popular modification to most computers, especially gaming computers. But they are also useful for AI and creative productions.
While the graphics or video card is actual card hardware fixed into your PC's motherboard, the GPU is different. It is an actual chip found within the hardware which processes all the graphics.
If you open up your PC or are building your own, you will see that a motherboard may come with multiple GPU slots. You can install one card if you do not mind lower graphical settings, use a powerful enough GPU, or place multiple cards to enhance graphical performance.
They were initially designed to optimize 3D graphic rendering but have been improved to be programmable for enhanced capabilities. Recently, GPUs have been increasingly used in high-performance computing, deep learning, etc.
What is a Device Manager?
You may have heard of the term device manager regarding PC build lingo. A device manager is similar to a settings app on your computer, except it's dedicated to hardware. It provides you with a graphical display of the hardware installed on your PC.
You can use a device manager to view the state and condition of your hardware and manage device drivers. The device manager may not come in handy when looking for system information, display information, and the task manager for your graphics hardware.
4 Ways To Check Which GPU You Have
The most straightforward method to find out which GPU you have is by searching for the Device Manager on your desktop search bar or Start menu. When the Device Manager window opens, you will be able to find the Display Adapters option with a drop-down arrow.
You will right-click the drop-down arrow and Viola! You found the name and model of the GPU installed on your PC. However, this only provides you with a basic idea of what graphics card is installed, but not what it is doing, how it performs and does not provide a performance tab.
Fortunately, there are different ways to find out what graphics card you have and alter its settings. However, note that these methods are for Windows PC mostly.
Settings
Open the start menu to open Settings and right-click on the system. Then right, click on Display and then click on Advanced Display Settings. You will find display information, under which you can find which graphics card is installed and what is impacting your computer graphics, such as the refresh rate.
System Information
The System information app is a good tool to examine your graphics card and all relevant drivers that work with it. You could also use it to look at the state of your RAM.
All you need to do to access is open the start menu, search for “system information”, and click the + beside Components in the top left. Lastly, you will find Display when the list expands, in which you will be able to view all the information regarding your GPU and its drivers.
Windows Task Manager
The windows task manager comes in handy when looking at your GPU's condition and overall performance. You will have to access the device manager first to access the task manager. On the device manager window, you will find the task manager option, right-click to open it, and then select Performance Tab. in the performance Tab, and you will select GPU. You can view various details regarding your GPU.
Directx Diagnostic Tool
You can also use a DirectX diagnostic tool, which you will find after searching for “dxdiag” on your start menu. When DirectX diagnostic tool appears in the results, you will press enter to start running the command. Lastly, right-click Display to get a full view of your graphics card information.
These are just a few way to check your GPU. If you don't find it in any of the abovementioned settings, please refer to this article: https://techimperatives.net/tips/gpu-not-detected-what-to-do/
