Video card is a crucial computer part which is an integrated chip that helps the computer system to offer graphical presentation of relevant operation. These cards are connected through the interface of ports to the motherboard. It is essential to determine whether the graphic card you possess is compatible with your system motherboard and other components. One can also upgrade his existing graphic card to a better version in order get enhanced video quality and performance. But while upgrading it is important to remember that you can only upgrade to the next best version of your video card and cannot skip to the third edition of the graphic chip. However, if you need assistance in purchasing graphic card then you can refer to our Graphic Cards/Video Card Buying Tips: Part 1 post.
There may be scenarios in which you may want to know the specification of your card for example during upgradation or repairing your audio card etc. In such cases if you desire to determine what card you are using you can do that in different methods. Here are some methods listed below.
Note: These methods are oriented towards IBM systems but may also work with other systems such as Apple.
First Method:
One of the easiest ways of accessing information on Video Card is through device manager. To your information most Windows versions nowadays are smart and can automatically detect your video device and install it. However, if you wish to see the information on installed graphic card then you may follow the below mentioned steps:
- First click on Start and then select Control Panel. With Control Panel you will be able to see Performance and Maintenance option, click on this option to reach System Properties. (Note: In most computers System Properties or System can be directly accessed from the Control Panel folder).
- Once you clicked on ‘System’ option you will see a new window popped with title ‘System Properties’. In this window you need to locate Hardware tab and click on it. Under the Hardware tab you will find ‘Device Manager’ on which you should click.
- You will find Device Manager window opened with several components listed under it. With these options you need to click on the + (plus) sign next to Display Adapter which will show you the graphic card that you are using in your system. The graphic card manufacture and model will look something like this, Intel(R) G33/G31Express Chipset Family or NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GTX.
- If you double click on the name of your graphic card then you will find another window popped up which will have all the possible details required. Based on the accessed information you can decide the configuration of the upgrade you require.
This will also show you other important information such as location which can be generally PCI. Under the same menu you will also find important information on drivers and resources etc.
Second Method:
One can download any third party program that is capable of providing information on associated graphic card. These third party software are efficient in providing information such as Operating system, computer serial number and model, information on processor, installed programs, BIOS, drivers, Security information, error logs, schedule tasks, memory of the RAM network drivers, Hard Disk Drive information and other such important data.
Third Method: There are many systems that denote the information about video cards and chipsets while the system boots specifically during POST process is running. You can try to reboot your system and it boots you need to press ‘Pause/Break’ button available on the keyboard. This will keep the screen halted for sometime on which you can read the required information. You can also jot down the information and later search for an upgrade on the site of the relevant manufacturer.
Fourth Method: You can also check for the information just by opening you computer case and locating the Video Card. It is obvious that there will some information about the graphic which was installed. This will give you an idea on the version of graphic card you are using and accordingly you can buy the next advanced version of the graphic card.
The above mentioned methods can help you access required information on video card especially when it comes to upgrading your graphic card.
