How to Check the Video Card in a Computer

By Maxwell Payne

Updated September 28, 2017

Checking the video card in a computer allows you to not only check to make sure the video card is fully functional, but also allows you to determine what kind of video card you have. Determining what kind of video card that you have can allow you to figure out if you have a powerful enough video card for a video game that you want to play, or for another program that you want to run.

Check the Video Card in a PC

Click on the "Start" button in the Start bar menu. Click on "Settings," and then Control Panel.

Look for and locate the System icon. Click on the System icon. Click on the Hardware tab and then click on "Device Manager."

Scroll down the list of devices until you find the "video" or "displays." Double click on that listing to view the current video card. It may be listed under the heading "Display Adapters." You will be able to view the name and model of the video card in a drop down menu.

Check the Video Card on a Mac

Click on the Apple icon in the top right corner of the screen. Select "About this Mac."

Click on the "More Info" button and scroll down in the left hand menu until you find a heading titled "Graphics/Displays."

Click on this heading, and a text box will appear on the right hand side detailing the video card information.

Tips

Always check the requirements for a new application or video game to make sure that your computer's video card meets the minimum requirements.

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