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How to Check Your Laptops Graphics Card: A Guide for UK Users
Vidhu Jain
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September 17, 2024
Graphics cards are the unsung heroes of our computing experience, powering everything from casual web browsing to intense gaming sessions. For UK gamers, video editors, and graphics artists, understanding the capabilities of your laptop’s GPU is crucial. Whether you’re working on a creative project in London or gaming in Glasgow, knowing how to check your graphics card can help you make the most of your machine.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through simple methods to identify your laptop’s graphics card and locate its specifications in Windows 10 and 11. We’ll also provide up-to-date information to help you choose the best HP laptop with the right graphics cards for your specific needs in the UK market.
Getting to know your graphics card
Graphics cards are electronic chips that handle a wide range of visual tasks, from displaying images on your computer monitor to rendering complex graphics for games and video editing software.
They typically fit into an expansion slot on your motherboard and add graphics functionalities, which is particularly useful if you’re a gamer, graphics designer, video editor, or someone who enjoys streaming crystal clear 4K content without stuttering and lag.
Some laptops have graphics on board the CPU itself, referred to as “integrated graphics,” while others have dedicated graphics cards, often also called display adapters, video cards, and GPUs. Dedicated GPUs are typically faster, as they feature a separate graphics processor with its own memory reserve.
How to check the graphics card in your laptop
If you’ve forgotten what graphics card you have in your laptop, don’t worry. There’s no need to open up your machine to find out. Here are five quick methods to check your graphics card on Windows 11 or an older version.
1. Use Settings to see your display adapter
- Click the Windows Start button and open Settings.
- Select System, then Display.
- Scroll down and click Advanced display (Windows 11) or Advanced display settings (Windows 10).
- Under Display information, you’ll see your graphics card listed next to Connected to.
2. Check your GPU in Windows Task Manager
- Press Ctrl + Alt + Del and select Task Manager.
- Click the Performance tab.
- Select GPU in the left navigation pane.
This will display the name of your graphics card along with performance statistics, including GPU Temperature, Utilisation, and Dedicated GPU memory.
3. Find graphics card specs in System Information
- Click the Start button and search for “System Information”.
- In the left navigation pane, click the + icon next to Components, then select Display.
You’ll see your graphics card details, including Adapter RAM, Resolution, and Driver Version.
4. Check the graphics card from Control Panel
If you have an NVIDIA® graphics card:
- Open the Control Panel.
- Click Hardware and Sound.
- Select NVIDIA Control Panel to learn more about your NVIDIA GPU.
5. Use DirectX Diagnostic Tool
- Press Windows + R to open the Run dialog box.
- Enter dxdiag and press Enter.
- In the DirectX Diagnostic Tool, check the Display tab for your graphics card information.
Understanding graphics card specs
When choosing a graphics card, it’s important to understand these key specifications:
- GPU: The brain of the graphics card, handling complex calculations for visuals.
- VRAM: Video RAM, measured in GB, determines how much memory is available for graphics tasks.
- Core count: More cores (CUDA Cores for NVIDIA, Stream Processors for AMD) generally mean better performance.
- Clock speed: Measured in MHz, this determines how many computations each core can perform per second.
- Resolution: The maximum display resolution supported by the card.
- Refresh rate: Measured in Hz, this is crucial for smooth gaming experiences.
- Driver version: Ensures your graphics card communicates effectively with Windows.
How to choose the right laptop graphics card
If you’re in the market for a new laptop with a powerful graphics card, HP offers a range of options for UK customers. You can easily search the HP UK Store by graphics card to find the perfect match for your needs.
For top-tier performance, consider laptops with cutting-edge graphics cards like the NVIDIA GeForce RTX™ 4070 SUPER. The OMEN 25L GT15-2009na Gaming Desktop features this powerful GPU, making it ideal for 8K video editing and 1440p gaming.
For a balance of performance and value, the HP Pavilion Plus 14-eh1001na Laptop comes equipped with Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics, offering integrated graphics performance that's sufficient for most users' needs.
Updating your graphics card drivers
Keeping your graphics card drivers up to date is crucial for optimal performance and security. Here’s how to update them:
- Visit HP Support and search for your laptop model to download the latest drivers.
- Alternatively, you can use Windows Update:
- Open Settings > System > Display > Advanced display.
- Click Display adapter properties > Properties > Driver > Update Driver.
Let your graphics adventures begin!
Whether you’re editing videos in Manchester or playing the latest AAA games in Edinburgh, your laptop’s graphics card is the key to smooth, immersive experiences. HP laptops available in the UK feature powerful graphics cards that make rich and realistic virtual experiences possible.
Now that you know how to check and understand your laptop’s graphics capabilities, you’re ready to make the most of your machine. Whether you’re upgrading your current system or shopping for a new HP laptop, you’re equipped with the knowledge to choose the right graphics card for your needs.
