Newbie question: How do I know what video card I have?

jean15paul · 10-07-2005, 09:19 AM

How do I know what video card I have? Is there away to check in windows or do I need to open up the computer?

Also, what's the best way to check if the driver is up to date? Windows Update, computer manufacturer's website, or video card's manufacturer's website?

Thanks for putting up with dumb newbie questions.

10-07-2005, 09:35 AM

unknown device identifier might be very handy and make things easier. You can open up the case and look for brand and model number of the card. If it is onboard you might need to look for the motherboard model number and get the video drivers from the motherboard manufacturers website.

To be sure your drivers are up to date you need to check the manufacturers website. I never ever get video or sound driver updates from windows update. It may be harm then fix.

jean15paul · 10-07-2005, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleSky

If it is onboard you might need to look for the motherboard model number and get the video drivers from the motherboard manufacturers website.

Thanks for the help.

This is probably another stupid question, but what does it me for the video card to be "onboard"?

I kinda feel bad bothering you guys with my basic questions. Thanks again for the help.

douglascharlton · 10-07-2005, 11:32 AM

on board means the pc you have does not have a graphicas card plugged into it but instead has a built in graphics card on the motherboard, this card cant be taken out but can be disabled if you were to add a new one. These onboard graphics card are normally poor quality.

jean15paul · 10-07-2005, 12:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PurpleSky

unknown device identifier

How do you use the Unknown Device Identifier?

I downloaded it and ran it. It seemed to run (hobbes went across the screen). Then it stopped. A few seconds later a window appeared but disappeared immediately.

Was the window supposed to disappear? (I'm thinking no.) What went wrong?

**Resolution** · 10-07-2005, 12:34 PM

Give Everest Home Edition a try. It works for me and it's free.

douglascharlton · 10-07-2005, 03:42 PM

or jsut go in start>controll panel > sytem > hardware tab > device manage and then click the + by display adaptors and that will be your graphics card.

10-07-2005, 09:19 AM	#1 (permalink)
jean15paul Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: New Orleans, LA Posts: 15 OS: WinXP Home	Newbie question: How do I know what video card I have? How do I know what video card I have? Is there away to check in windows or do I need to open up the computer? Also, what's the best way to check if the driver is up to date? Windows Update, computer manufacturer's website, or video card's manufacturer's website? Thanks for putting up with dumb newbie questions.

10-07-2005, 09:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
PurpleSky Guest Posts: n/a OS:	unknown device identifier might be very handy and make things easier. You can open up the case and look for brand and model number of the card. If it is onboard you might need to look for the motherboard model number and get the video drivers from the motherboard manufacturers website. To be sure your drivers are up to date you need to check the manufacturers website. I never ever get video or sound driver updates from windows update. It may be harm then fix.

10-07-2005, 11:32 AM	#4 (permalink)
douglascharlton Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England Posts: 37 OS: XP	on board means the pc you have does not have a graphicas card plugged into it but instead has a built in graphics card on the motherboard, this card cant be taken out but can be disabled if you were to add a new one. These onboard graphics card are normally poor quality.

10-07-2005, 12:34 PM	#6 (permalink)
Resolution TSF Enthusiast Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Louisiana Posts: 1,091 OS: FreeBSD/Win98/2000/XP	Give Everest Home Edition a try. It works for me and it's free.

10-07-2005, 03:42 PM	#7 (permalink)
douglascharlton Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: England Posts: 37 OS: XP	or jsut go in start>controll panel > sytem > hardware tab > device manage and then click the + by display adaptors and that will be your graphics card.