Troubleshooting a bad video card

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Note: Unless you're sure you're troubleshooting a bad video card before following the steps below we suggest you go through document CH000241 for steps in troubleshooting no display. No display can be a monitor related issue, no post issue, and/or a video card related issue.
 
If you've determined that your video card is bad or that it's the next likely culprit for your computer issues, you can troubleshoot a video card by following the steps below. Each of the steps will require that you open and work inside your computer. While you're working inside your computer make sure you're aware of the potential ESD dangers.
 
Reseat the video card
 
If your video card is not an on-board video card, verify that your video card is not loose by removing the video card from the computer and then re-inserting the video card back into the same slot it was removed.
 
Exchange video
 
If reseating the video card has not resolved the issue or your video card is on-board and you have access to another known working video card, try an alternative video card in the computer.
 
Replace video card
 
If an alternative video card did work or you do not have an alternative video card to try we suggest purchasing a new video card to replace the defective video card in the computer. Buying tips for video cards can be found here.
 
If an alternative video card didn't work and replacing the video card with a new video card did not resolve the issue, it's likely a defective motherboard and should be replaced.
 
Replace motherboard
 
If all the above steps have not resolved the issue it's a bad motherboard. If you feel comfortable replacing the motherboard you can find buying tips for motherboards here. Otherwise we suggest having the computer serviced at a local computer repair shop.