A video card is a critical component of a computer since it is she who is responsible for displaying high-quality images, rendering special effects in games, or quickly processing multimedia materials during video editing. To determine its parameters and perform a check (both simple and stressful), specialized programs for testing video cards below.
Nvidia as the Program that Makes the Best Graphics Cards
Nvidia is one of the most popular tools used to check video cards. This application was created specifically for quick access to key parameters of the map through a single interface and optimization of parameters, including in automatic mode.
In addition to the main program, you can download the MSI Kombustor proprietary test, which is used to stress-test the video adapter available in the system. You can monitor the operating parameters of the device directly from the main screen in order to ensure the stability of its operation with the specified settings:
- voltage values and power limits allow you to assess the current power consumption, and acceleration capabilities;
- video memory and core frequencies are used to track current performance;
- the temperature and fan speed indicates the behavior under load and the efficiency of the cooling system.
For convenience, you can change the look of MSI Afterburner, using the default skin or connecting third-party skins. When testing in games, you can display key values on top of the game screen. It requires Windows to work, although individual components can be installed on Android:
- Pros: support for many video cards, convenient settings and clear results.
- Cons: the default interface may not be to everyone’s liking, only support for GeForce 8 series and above, Radeon HD 5000 and above.
Amd Designed for Comprehensive Analysis of Graphics Cards
Amd is one of the most advanced and popular utilities for checking a video card in Windows. Based on the program code of this particular utility, the MSI Kombustor testing unit was created.
The program is distributed free of charge and allows you to test equipment in extreme conditions. Various testing methods are supported, including without a time limit, which is very convenient for testing stability for several hours. If necessary (for example, obvious artifacts appeared on the screen), the test can be stopped.
The program successfully works with a large number of video cards, both from NVIDIA and from the competing chip manufacturer AMD. The direct test can be performed in windowed mode or by displaying the test image on full screen. The user can specify the desired resolution, enable or disable anti-aliasing. Basically presets are suitable for running in 4K/QHD/FHD modes, etc.
During testing, FurMark displays temperature and test progress. Additional information can be obtained using compatible utilities – for example, GPU-Z is launched directly from the interface to view the parameters of the video adapter. There is a function for comparing results with other users:
- Pros: compact and very powerful test that supports modern cards.
- Cons: English-language interface (however, everything is clear with it).
In addition to displaying characteristics, the program can perform stress testing. Due to this, it can be used both for diagnostic purposes, for example, for quick troubleshooting, and for checking system components for stability.
Running the test under load detects overheating or other malfunctions. They can be noticed not only by artifacts, but also by the data displayed directly in the interface from temperature sensors or from fans.