How to Detect Graphics Card Chips

Knowing your chipset will help determine which update to download for your card.

Computers come with a variety of graphics cards, each with a chipset. You may need to know which chipset your graphics card uses if you are experiencing graphics-related problems, especially when attempting to run a specific software program. Some programs are not compatible with all chipsets. You also may need to know your chipset to download firmware updates for your card.

Instructions

1. Check for your video card in the Device Manager. In the Windows "Start" menu search bar, type in "Device Manager." Click "Device Manager" to launch it. Under the Display Adapters heading, select your graphics card and then right-click it to see the properties. You may be able to determine your chipset from here. If not, move to Step 2.

2. Reboot the computer. Your graphics card information may be displayed when your computer posts. Use the "Pause/Break" key to stop the screen to view the information.

3. Check the display settings. Right-click on your desktop and choose "Properties" or "Personalize," depending on your version of Windows. Select "Display Settings" or "Settings" to view the graphics card information. If you do not see the desired information, choose the "Adapter" or "Advanced Settings" tab and see if it's listed there.

4. Use the DirectX Diagnostic tool to find your card chipset. In Vista, click the "Start" button, type "dxdiag" into the Search field and press "Enter." Click the "Display" tab in the dialog box.Your video card and chipset will be displayed here.

References

• Indiana University: In Windows, How Can I Find What Chipset My Video Card Is Using Without Opening the Case?
• Computer Hope: How Do I Determine What Type of Video Card I Have?