How to Fix a Slow PC After Adding a New Graphics Card?

When it comes to gaming on PC, the GPU (graphics processing unit) is the main weapon. The GPU is in charge of rendering everything that is displayed on the screen, including high-end 4K films and the user interface. Proper upkeep is necessary to ensure good speed and functionality.

Even if you have a new or one of the fastest GPUs available, here are a few tips to take your performance to new heights.

Keep Your Drivers Updated

To ensure that your GPU, whether integrated or dedicated, performs optimally, start with a Windows driver update.

Since this component handles most of the visual effort, your first action should be to make sure you have the most recent drivers installed. Try these steps on Windows 10/11 if you’re not sure which GPU model is installed on your computer:

• Press Ctrl + Esc and search for Device Manager.

• Open Device Manager, then select Display Adapters to expand and expose your GPU.

• The extended list should contain at least one GPU. If your computer has an Intel CPU or an AMD GPU, you will see a single entry for Intel or AMD Radeon. If you have a stand-alone GPU, you’ll notice an extra entry for an Nvidia GeForce or AMD Radeon.

• If you find an outdated driver, replace it by downloading the latest version from the manufacturer’s official website.

Update Windows

Having the most recent Windows updates guarantees that you have everything you need to use your GPU without any issues. Here’s how you can update Windows 10/11:

• Click the Start button, then the Gear symbol on the Start menu’s left border. In Windows 11, locate the Settings icon.

• In the Settings, choose Update & Security.

• Press the “Check for Updates” button.

Increase the GPU’s Power Limit

You can get extra performance out of your computer’s GPU simply by increasing its power limit. NVIDIA and AMD graphics cards feature both base and boost clock speeds. When all the prerequisites are met, your GPU will automatically increase its clock speed to the boost limit. Therefore, increasing your power limit enables your GPU to reach its boost clock speed more often and reliably. An excellent approach to begin overclocking your GPU is with MSI Afterburner, a fantastic program that can instantly determine the greatest stable overclock (including power and voltage constraints).

Note: As with overclocking, ensure your GPU has adequate cooling before proceeding.

• Download and install MSI Afterburner.

• Launch the MSI Afterburner.

• Push the Power Limit slider over 100 by dragging it. The GPU in our scenario reaches 105.

• To apply the power boost, click the checkmark beneath the sliders.

• Play a GPU-intensive game and use MSI Afterburner to check your clock speed.

• Keep an eye on your GPU temps and ensure they do not exceed the recommended limit. Continue doing this until you hit the power limit or the GPU starts to lose stability.

Modify the Power Settings in Windows

GPU performance may be improved by changing the power settings on desktop and laptop computers connected to a wall outlet.

• Press the Start button and then type Control Panel.
• Launch Control Panel and select System and Security.
• Next, go to Power Options and pick the High Performance mode.

Cleaning your PC

To protect its delicate components, your graphics card may throttle or lower its speed when it becomes hot. Dust buildup on entry fans and filters can prevent adequate airflow, which makes it more difficult for the GPU and other components to release heat. The first step in fixing this problem is to use a can of compressed air to dust down every intake fan. Turn off your computer, unplug the power cord, ground your machine, and remove the side panel. Use compressed air to clear the interior components of any accumulated dust.

Conclusion

Now you know how to fix a slow or underperforming PC that has a new Graphics card. We hope that after you have completed these adjustments, your PC will come back to its once fast speed.