How do I identify my PC's graphics card?

The video game you've been eagerly awaiting is finally here. You need to edit photos or videos for work. You've just turned on your computer and are experiencing a display problem. Whether for gaming, professional use, or computer troubleshooting, you absolutely must know the specifications of the graphics card installed in your PC.

Yes indeed! It would be a shame to discover any incompatibility or to keep a computer unusable due to a lack of awareness of this information.

Imagine! You've just bought the latest video game. You've waited for months. Excited to play, you launch it on your computer, the publisher's logo appears, and then… nothing. Black screen. Full of hope, you reinstall it… Same result. Black screen. You decide to check the game's manual to find out the minimum system requirements. Doubt creeps in when you read the graphics specifications.

Do you have enough RAM? Do you have an AMD or Nvidia graphics card ?

So you're trying to identify your graphics card. Maybe you just need to update the driver. But no luck… You don't have the box anymore, you didn't keep any of the manuals. Super frustrating!

A similar problem can occur when editing videos, retouching photos, or performing repairs . Without knowing the model name and driver version, it's difficult to even consider visiting the manufacturer's website for an update or any other information.

Of course, you try to remember them by browsing the internet. But it's no use… These cards have names that are impossible to remember.

To boost your morale and perhaps prevent you from rushing to buy a new graphics card or another computer, here is a short guide that explains from A to Z how to identify your graphics card using simply the interface of your Windows or Linux operating system.

In just a few minutes, you can take effective action!

Identifying your graphics card in Windows.

Windows operating systems (versions 10, 8.1, 8, 7 and XP combined) represented 86.88% of the global operating system

It is therefore likely that you are using this operating system.

Good news! The three methods described for identifying your graphics card work regardless of your Windows . Just a few clicks are all it takes!

It's always easier with a video! Here's how to find out your graphics card in Windows 10.

First method: via the “Device Manager” menu

1. Right-click with your mouse on the “Start” button (the “Windows” logo) located at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Select “Device Manager” from the menu.
3. In the “General” tab, you will find the card manufacturer;
4. You have the name of the card in the “Details” tab (in the “Value” field);
5. In the “Driver” tab, you can see the driver version and its date.
6. Once you have obtained the information you are looking for, click on "Cancel" at the bottom right of this window to exit and return to the desktop.

Second method: via the “DirectX Diagnostic Tool” menu.

1. Right-click with your mouse on the “Start” button (the “Windows” logo) located at the bottom left of your screen.
2. A window will appear; select "Run".
3. In the “Open” field, type “dxdiag” and click “OK”.
4. The “DirectX Diagnostic Tool” window opens. Select the “Display” tab. On the left, you will find information about your graphics card under the heading “Device.” On the right, under “Drivers,” you will find information about your card's current driver.
5. Click on "Exit" at the bottom right of the window to exit.

Third method: in 3 clicks.

1. Right-click anywhere on your desktop.
2. Select "Screen resolution" from the menu that opens.
3. A window will appear. Click on "Advanced settings" in the bottom right corner.

All information relating to your graphics card becomes accessible in the “Card” tab.

Identifying your graphics card under Linux/Ubuntu

Linux's share of the global operating system market appears to be much smaller than that of the giant Microsoft. According to the same study, this share is estimated at 2.33% (Source: NetMarketShare – August 2020)².

Free, stable, high-performing… Despite its many advantages, the Linux system still has many fans.

Fans of this operating system, don't worry. I'll guide you too.

The method for Ubuntu users.

1. Go to the top right of your screen. Click the “Start” button.
2. A drop-down menu will appear. Select “System settings”.
3. In the window titled “System Settings”, click on “Details”.
4. A new window will appear (named “Details”). Choose the “Summary” or “About” tab (these tabs are located on your left) depending on your Ubuntu version.

From then on, you have access to several pieces of information, including a line dedicated to your graphics card.

The method for Linux Mint users

1. Click on "Menu" at the bottom left of your screen.
2. Enter “Settings” in the search bar.
3. Click on "Menu" at the bottom left of your screen.
4. Enter “Settings” in the search bar.

A new window appears with useful information about your graphics card.

Identifying your graphics card for troubleshooting (for desktop PC owners)

The previous methods are very effective and accessible. However, they are useless if you have no display on your screen.

Last resort: open your case and, if possible, search directly for information about your graphics card.

The operation is not overly complex, but you must be organized and proceed with care. It would be a shame to damage all of your equipment.

Here are some general precautions to take if you wish to remove your graphics card:

• Completely shut down your computer and unplug all cables before proceeding.
• Locate the screws to be removed and get the right screwdrivers.
• Set yourself up on a clean, hard and stable surface (preferably a wooden table, avoid carpeted floors, etc.).
• Before touching your graphics card or any other component, discharge any static electricity. Touch a metal object in contact with the ground (a radiator, etc.). If you don't, you risk damaging a component.
• Never force it ! You probably have screws to remove and/or a security feature to release. If your graphics card won't come out, there's definitely a reason.

You now know how to identify your graphics card. Regardless of your operating system, a few clicks are all it takes to access the key information. 

These methods have one advantage: you avoid downloading software designed to obtain this information. Say goodbye to the risk of viruses, and no more wasting time wondering which software to choose based on countless reviews.

Now it's your turn. Which method will you choose? I encourage you to share your thoughts in the comments. I'd love to hear your impressions and discuss this with you.