In standard computer cases, the graphics card video ports are always below the motherboard I/O.
These extra power connectors typically plug into the side of the graphics card.
They’re often 6-pin and 8-pin connectors, and there can be more than one.
Justin Duino / How-To Geek
Don’t ask how I know.
Reseat the Graphics Card
Yes, you read that rightyou want toreseatthe graphics card, notresetit.
This means that you should take the graphics card out of your rig and then slide it back in.
Ismar Hrnjicevic / How-To Geek
To reseat the graphics card, first turn off your setup and disconnect all video cables from the back.
Next, shut off the power supply switch and remove the side panel on your case.
Gently pull on the PCIe retention clip until you feel the graphics card “unlock.”
Ismar Hrnjicevic / How-To Geek
Once you’ve made sure that everything is disconnected, pull the graphics card out completely.
The leftover code can cause issues with how the operating system utilizes the graphics card.
Thankfully, the solution is rather quick and painless.
Jason Fitzpatrick / How-To Geek
When you’re done, do a fresh installation of your graphics card drivers.
If it’s within thegraphics card’s specs sheet, overheating probably isn’t the issue.
But if itisoverheating, it can cause the graphics card to slow down and consequently drop frames.
Justin Duino / How-To Geek
To fix it, you should first check thefans to see whether they’re spinning.
If they are, try boosting the fan to see if anything changes.
For instance, miners typically use a modified BIOS to increase cryptocurrency yields.
Custom firmware isn’t necessarily bad, but it can change how your graphics card works.
For instance, AMD doesn’t show the last few numbers that identify your exact graphics card model.
Instead, download and installGPU-Z.
When that happens, your graphics card can’t fire off the game at its full potential.
So, open up your dusty Steam library and download a few recent triple-A titles.
Still, some features can mess with how your rig operates, the most notorious of which isGame Mode.
Tryturning Game Mode on and offunder Windows options to see if it helps.
We also have aWindows 11 gaming optimization guidethat’ll help you squeeze out even more performance.
In simple terms, the graphics card is being held back by your CPU or RAM.
The only solution for this is to upgrade the rest of your PC.
