Are you a gaming enthusiast or simply looking to upgrade your PC’s graphics card? It’s essential to know what type of graphics card your computer uses before making any purchase decisions. A good graphics card can make all the difference in graphics-intensive applications, including gaming, video editing, or watching high-resolution media.
But how do you find out what type of graphics card you have? This can be a challenge, especially for those who don’t know where to look. In this article, we’ll explore various methods to find out what type of graphics card is in your computer. By the end of this guide, you will be equipped with the knowledge to make informed decisions about your computer’s graphics capabilities. So, let’s get started!
Checking Your Computer’s Display Settings
One of the easiest ways to find out the type of graphics card you have on your computer is by checking your display settings. This method is straightforward and requires no additional software installation. Below are the steps for both Windows and Mac operating systems:
Windows
- Right-click on your desktop and select ‘Display settings’ from the dropdown menu.
- Scroll down to the ‘Advanced display settings’ and click on it.
- Look for the ‘Display adapter properties’ link at the bottom of the page and click on it.
- A new window will open, displaying your graphics card information like the name of the manufacturer, type of graphics card and its installed memory.
Mac
- Click the Apple logo in the top-left corner of the screen.
- Select ‘About This Mac’ from the dropdown menu.
- Click on the ‘System Report’ button.
- Under the ‘Graphics/Displays’ section, you’ll see the details of your graphics card like the name of the manufacturer, type of graphics card, and memory information.
By following these simple steps, you can easily determine the type of graphics card you have installed on your computer. If you’re a gamer, these details are essential in determining whether your graphics card can handle the latest games or not.
But wait, there’s more! In the next section, we’ll be exploring another way of finding out your graphics card information – by using the Device Manager. So, let’s dive right in.
Have you ever experienced lagging in games due to your graphics card being too slow?
Device Manager is another excellent way of finding out what type of graphics card you have. It’s an inbuilt tool in Windows that lists all the devices that are connected to your computer, including the graphics card.
Here is a step-by-step guide to accessing Device Manager and finding your graphics card:
- Press the Windows Key + X on your keyboard to open the power user menu.
- From the options that appear, click on Device Manager. Alternatively, you can also search for Device Manager in the Windows search bar.
- In Device Manager, you will see a list of hardware categories. Locate the “Display adapters” category and click on the arrow next to it to expand it.
- You should now see the graphics card(s) listed under Display adapters. Click on your graphics card to expand it.
- You should now see the name of your graphics card, along with its manufacturer and driver details.
It’s that simple! Device Manager is a quick and easy way of finding out what type of graphics card you have. Plus, it’s built into Windows, so you don’t need to download or install any third-party software to use it.
So, now that you know how to use Device Manager to find your graphics card, what’s stopping you from upgrading to a newer and better one?
Third-Party Software
If you’re still having trouble figuring out the type of graphics card you have, don’t worry because there’s still another option. You can use third-party software to identify the graphics card in your computer. These programs are designed to detect and analyze the hardware components of your computer, including the graphics card. Using third-party software may seem like an extra step, but it can make your job a lot easier.
There are plenty of third-party software options available for both Windows and Mac operating systems. One popular option for Windows is GPU-Z, which can give you a lot of information about your graphics card, including the name, vendor, and model. It also displays crucial statistics like the core clock, memory clock, and memory capacity. Additionally, it can help you monitor the temperature, fan speed, and power consumption of your graphics card.
On the other hand, if you’re using a Mac, you can use the macOS “About This Mac” feature to find information about your graphics card. This feature provides some useful information, but it might not be enough to give you all the details you need. In this case, a useful third-party software is GFXCardStatus. It is a free app that allows users to quickly see the active graphics card in use, as well as information about the VRAM and GPU temperature.
BIOS Information
Another way to find information about your graphics card is via your computer’s BIOS. BIOS stands for Basic Input/Output System and it is responsible for starting up your computer and making sure everything is functioning as it should.
To access your BIOS, you will need to restart your computer, then press a specific key (usually F2 or Delete) before your operating system begins to load. Keep in mind that accessing your BIOS can be different depending on your computer’s manufacturer, so be sure to check your manual or do a quick Google search if you are unsure.
Once you are in your BIOS, navigate to the System Information or Hardware Information section. Here, you should be able to see information about your graphics card, including the manufacturer, model, and possibly even the driver version.
It’s important to note that accessing your BIOS can be intimidating for some users, so proceed with caution and only make changes if you know what you are doing. If you are uncomfortable accessing your BIOS or making any changes, it’s best to stick with the methods we’ve discussed previously.
In order to access BIOS on a Windows or Mac computer, the process is different. On a Windows computer, hold down the Shift key while clicking the Restart button in the Start menu. This will bring up the Advanced Startup Options menu where you can select UEFI Firmware Settings to access BIOS. Mac users can access BIOS through the System Management Controller (SMC) by following the instructions provided by Apple.
By accessing your computer’s BIOS, you can obtain valuable information about your graphics card that can help when it comes to upgrading or troubleshooting any issues. It may take some getting used to, but with practice, accessing your BIOS can become second nature.
Now that we know how to gather information about our graphics card using different methods, let’s move on to the conclusion where we will summarize everything we’ve learned.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, finding out what type of graphics card you have is essential if you’re upgrading your system. Utilizing your computer’s display settings, device manager, third-party software, and BIOS information can provide valuable information about your graphics card. Knowing the type and model of your graphics card can help ensure that you’re purchasing a compatible upgrade and getting the most out of your computer’s performance.
Whether you’re a gamer, video editor, or just looking to keep up with the latest technology trends, upgrading your graphics card can have a significant impact on your computer’s speed and overall capabilities. So, take the time to identify what type of graphics card you have and start exploring the exciting world of high-performance computing. Happy upgrading!