GPU Failure Diagnosis – How to Test Graphics Card Issues

Graphics processing unit (GPU) failures can manifest in various ways, from subtle visual artifacts to complete system crashes. Proper diagnosis is essential to distinguish between GPU hardware failure, driver issues, power supply problems, or thermal management failures.

Common Signs of GPU Failure

• Visual artifacts such as screen tearing, flickering, or strange colors
• Screen freezes or black screens during gaming or graphics-intensive tasks
• Driver crashes with error messages about display driver recovery
• System crashes or blue screens during 3D applications
• Distorted or corrupted graphics in games or video playback
• Fan noise abnormalities with GPU fans running excessively or not at all
• No display output when the GPU is installed
• Overheating with thermal throttling or shutdowns

How to Diagnose GPU Issues

1. Update graphics drivers to rule out software-related problems
2. Monitor GPU temperature during idle and load conditions
3. Test with integrated graphics to isolate the discrete GPU
4. Reseat the graphics card and check power connections
5. Test in another system to rule out motherboard or PSU issues
6. Run GPU stress tests to identify stability problems
7. Check for physical damage such as burnt components or capacitor bulging
8. Verify adequate power supply meets GPU requirements

Professional GPU Diagnostics

PC-Doctor Service Center provides comprehensive GPU testing that validates graphics memory, rendering capabilities, thermal performance, and overall stability. The diagnostic suite identifies hardware defects, memory errors, and thermal issues that can cause intermittent failures, helping technicians make confident repair or replacement decisions.