How to check the video card for operability. How to test the memory and performance of a video card

A video card is one of the most important nodes in the system unit, which helps the CPU to display an image on the monitor. This part is equipped with its own RAM, which is characterized by high speed and a graphics processor. The latter is specially designed to quickly create 3D effects. However, like any other mechanism, it can suddenly come to a malfunction. In such cases, the question is how to check the video card on the computer. In addition, you need to find out its performance and a number of other important aspects. How to check how the video card works? The answer to this question is in the article.

What do we want to define?

Before verifying that the video card works (nvidia as well), you need to find out exactly what we need to extract from testing this part. Often the diagnostic programs calculate the following:

• Stability of the video processor.
• Mode of operation of the video card.
• The invariance of the video memory.

Stability of the video processor

This aspect is key to creating normal operating conditions for the entire system. It is on it that you can determine the serviceability and performance of the entire video card. And what video processor is installed in your laptop or a system unit can be seen on a sticker that is glued directly to the surface of the part itself. In addition, the model of this element is written on the box, the guarantee sheet and in the documents that are attached to it. Such characteristics as the type of processor and its performance, affect almost the entire operation of the computer. This can be both increased power consumption, and the stability and performance of games installed on the PC. Sometimes after buying a new video card, there is a need to replace the power supply. If the requirements for the game are too large, the load on the processor will increase significantly. Accordingly, the temperature regime of the system unit will be violated.

The permanence of the video memory

The stability of the video card depends primarily on the amount of memory. The larger this value, the more productive the PC will be. This is especially important when working with high-resolution monitors. Therefore, you should check the graphics card for operability.

About the mode of operation

This characteristic is the determining factor that affects the service life of the device, that is, the durability. Also, the "lifetime" of a video card depends on the stability of the power supply, temperature and dustiness of the room in which the unit is located. Another interesting point: if you do not periodically clean the block from dust, sooner or later one of them will certainly fail. In addition, the life of the video card depends on the degree of load and time of continuous use of a PC or laptop.

So, we decided on all the main points that affect the operation of the video card and found out what exactly we need to diagnose. The question remains "how?".

You can check the video card for operation by several utilities, we'll show this on the example of the two most popular ones. This is AOST and ATITool.

How can I check the operation of the video card using the OSST program?

This is one of the most popular programs, which allows you to quickly determine the operability and performance of this part of the PC. The OSST program is free, so if you are required to enter any code and send an SMS message to an unknown number, you should know - these are tricks of scammers. After downloading this software, you need to run the EXE installer and install the program on your computer. It should be noted that the Internet during installation of this program should be enabled. Also, along with OSST, the latest version of DiretX will also be installed on your computer.

Before you check the graphics card for operation, you must select the GPU: 3D from the program bookmarks. All other options should be left as they were before. In addition, it is recommended to replace some fields in the options. Here you should check "Check for ...". At whom there is an English version, this line is called as Error Check. But we note at once that it's much more convenient to use the version with Russifier, since the interface of the program in Russian is more understandable and familiar. Some exhibit full-screen test mode. In principle, the last option does not affect the speed of testing the video card, but only deploy it to full screen. It is a matter of principle to translate an OSST into a full-screen test mode or not.

After setting all the necessary values, click on the green "OK" button and wait for the program to check the graphics card for performance.

As for the determination of the temperature of the part, it can not be determined in the OSST at once, since the built-in algorithm for working with sensors and sensors in the "prog" does not allow this to be done until a certain point. To find out the heating temperature, you need to wait a few minutes - and then the values on the screen will appear.

It is not necessary to test the video card for a long time. It is enough to "torment" her 4-5 minutes, no longer necessary. Under a heavy load, the video card is very hot, and, as we have already noted, large heating does not have the best effect on the longevity of this part. The main purpose of testing is to compare the dynamics of the temperature of the tested element under different loads with certain time intervals. The way the graphics card works under load can be seen almost immediately after pressing the "OK" button. At the same time, "squeeze all the juices" from it does not follow, as this will only damage the details in the system unit.

When testing a video card, pay attention to the indicators, especially on ERRORS. Its values should be zero when the OSD program is running. If this number is diverted to one side or the other, then the video card is working intermittently.

Thanks to the OSTST program, it is possible to diagnose the state of this element within minutes. In particular, the video card is checked for kernel and memory failures.

Kernel errors can occur when a blue BSOD screen appears on the monitor or the computer hangs. The last "symptom" is most often observed when an error occurs in the drivers. Therefore, the first thing to do in this case is to reinstall the "firewood", and it is better to reinstall Windows on the PC. By the way, such processes need to be done at least once every 6-12 months.

Can I make a screenshot of the program by the time of diagnosis?

When the OSST tests the graphics card, it periodically takes screenshots and saves them to a folder that immediately opens after the test is terminated. Therefore, every second you press "PrintScrin" and you do not need to enter Paint.

What is the critical temperature of the video card's heating?

If you saw on the screenshot that the heating of the tested part is 85 or more degrees Celsius, this undoubtedly indicates that it is working with interruptions. And if you do not take certain measures, the video card will simply burn under such stress. Such measures are a set of procedures, which consists in cleaning the parts from dust and self-measurement of thermal paste. If this is a laptop, you are unlikely to do it yourself - you will have to turn to specialists.

How to check the video card for operation with the ATITool utility?

This is no less popular program that allows you to determine the health of the video card on a desktop computer and laptop. As well as OSST, this utility is absolutely free, which makes it very popular on the territory of Russia and beyond. Before downloading and installing the ATITool program, you should always update the driver, after which you can safely proceed to diagnostics. How to check the memory of the video card and its performance with this utility?

Let's move on to actions

After installing ATITool, click on the Show 3D view button. Then an unusual hairy cube will appear before our eyes. There are also sliders here, but it's not worth changing their meaning. All that you need after clicking the Show 3D view button is to wait for the program to diagnose the video card for operation. By the time it's about 5-10 minutes. As in the previous case, during the testing you need to pay attention to the temperature of the heating equipment. How to check the video card for performance so that it does not burn? If the value has exceeded the level above 85 degrees, immediately turn off the program - that's all. It is also not acceptable that yellow dots appear in the render window. If so, your video card is at risk of failure.

So, we learned how to test the performance of a video card and what to do with its increased heating.