What Graphics Card Do I Have in My PC?
If you want to know if your computer can handle a certain game, run creative software correctly, or how to tell what’s wrong, one of the first things to check is your graphics card. This hardware is responsible for rendering everything you see on your screen. If things seem sluggish or sluggish, your graphics card may be the cause.
In most cases, you can quickly find out what type of graphics card you have, provided you can turn on your computer. Even if you can’t do this, there are still some options.
Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET as your preferred Google source.
What graphics card do I have?
Knowing what graphics card you have can help you determine if your computer can run certain games or handle creative work like video editing. It’s also useful if you’re considering upgrading or troubleshooting an issue.
To find your graphics card:
- Open Device Manager (right-click Start > Device Manager).
- Find a section called Graphics Adapters and click the arrow next to it. You will see your GPU listed here.
- If you want more details, right-click the GPU name and click Properties. This will give you information such as manufacturer and model.
You can also find your graphics card in other applications. In Task Manager, click the performance tab, then click GPU.
There are also third-party tools, such as the popular TechPowerUp GPU-Z, that get the job done.
How to Find Your GPU If Your Computer Won’t Turn On
If your computer won’t turn on and you need to find your GPU, assuming you’re using a laptop, your best bet is to look up the model number online or check the manual that came with the original package for GPU information. Most laptops have a sticker telling you what type of GPU they have, but it doesn’t give any details like the model number.
If you are using a desktop computer, you can open the case to check. Unplug the power, ground yourself so you don’t zap anything, and remove the side panel. Look for the large card plugged into the motherboard near the bottom. It will be the one with the HDMI or DisplayPort ports. It’s your GPU.
You can unscrew it and remove it (there may be a latch holding it in place). On the card itself, there should be a label with the manufacturer’s name and model number.
If it turns out that your GPU is holding you back, the next step is to figure out why: Don’t assume the solution is to buy a new desktop or laptop. Unless you’re dying to upgrade, you need to narrow down your performance issues to exclude your settings and your software or games.
