How can I find out what the video card in Windows is worth?

One of the issues that almost every computer user faces is "how to find out what the video card is worth." For some, this is simple curiosity, for others the need, caused by the desire to modernize this component of the system unit, well, and some want to solve any compatibility problem. In fact, there are a lot of reasons to ask how to find out what the video card is worth. On the pages of numerous sites and forum topics, you will find the order of actions necessary to determine the type of equipment installed in the computer. However, often descriptions are too one-sided and do not take into account some of the nuances. Therefore, in this article, we tried to collect several ways at once how to find out what the video card is worth. If any turns out to be ineffective, then it is necessary to try the following. And so to a positive result.

The simplest method

The easiest way to find out what the video card is is to read the specification. If the video adapter is discrete, and the box is preserved, then you need to read the name on the side label. For laptops is almost the same: on the body is glued advertising specification. A more fundamental solution is to read the name on the device itself. The disadvantage is that you need to open the case.

Standard feature

You can often find instructions for determining the type of installed component using the Windows operating system. To do this, right-click on the properties of the shortcut "Computer", then in the right list go to "Device Manager". In the opened window, open the "Video adapters" tab and read the name of the installed card. However, this method has a number of drawbacks, so it should be used reasonably.

First of all, this name is taken from the list of the inf-file of the installed driver. Thus, instead of "HD2000" it is quite possible to see "Intel HD Graphics", which is too generalized. In addition, with manual installation it is possible to install the control program so that instead of "Nvidia 5200", the Radeon video card will be displayed. And, finally, if the driver is not installed, then it will not be possible to determine the type of equipment in this way.

A similar mechanism is used in the diagnostic module of the DirectX package. To implement it, you must press Win + R combination, type dxdiag in the line and press Enter. In the "Device" section of the "Display" tab, you can see the name of the video adapter.

Third-Party Programs

People who have to repair video cards, and so-called "advanced" users know a more efficient way. To implement it you will have to use third-party applications. One of the most famous programs is Everest (it's Aida64). After startup, select the "Display" tab in the right list. Here in the "Graphics Processor" section you can find out all the data about the installed component. Additional information can be obtained from "Video Windows", as well as "Video PCI / AGP". Well, the most complete dossier on the video adapter can be obtained with a small program called GPU-Z. This is a highly specialized application, which in 99% of cases allows you to determine the type of installed equipment.