If your computer's graphics aren’t quite meeting your expectations, be it because of a laggy gameplay, choppy video editing, or dull visuals, a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) can make all the difference. But before rushing to buy a new one, it’s worth checking what GPU your system already has.
Most PCs and laptops come with a pre-installed GPU, and knowing your current graphics card can help you determine if an upgrade is needed or if your device meets the requirements for certain games or software. In this article, I'll show you to help you answer “What GPU do I have?” so you can make informed decisions about upgrades, driver updates, or performance optimization.
Why You Should Know Your GPU
Knowing what GPU can be really useful to you, and it’s always for the best that you know what GPU your computer is running on. First, it helps you understand your computer’s performance, especially if you play games, edit videos, or use demanding software. If things are running slower than expected, your GPU might be the reason.
It also matters for compatibility. Some games and applications have specific GPU requirements, so knowing what you’re working with can save you from crashes or poor performance.
A GPU (graphics processing unit) isn’t the same as a graphics card. The GPU is the chip that processes graphics, while the graphics card includes the GPU, memory, and cooling system. Your computer might have an integrated GPU (built into the CPU) or a discrete GPU (a separate, more powerful component). Integrated GPUs are more energy-efficient, but discrete GPUs handle heavier tasks better.
If you're thinking about upgrading your system, knowing your GPU makes it easier to figure out what your options are. Whether you’re troubleshooting issues or just curious, it’s always good to know what’s under the hood.
Check GPU from System Settings
If you're using a Windows laptop or desktop, finding your GPU is pretty simple.This is the easiest way you can find your GPU model from your Windows system settings:
Step 1: On your laptop, open Settings by pressing the “Windows + I” shortcut on your keyboard.
Step 2: From the Settings window, click on “System”.
Step 3: In the System section, select “Display” from the left-hand menu.
Step 4: Scroll down and click on “Advanced display settings”.
Step 5: Under the "Display information" section, you will see the name of the GPU next to “Display adapter properties” for Display 1.
On Mac:
Just like Window, finding your GPU on Mac is equally really easy, here’s how you can do it:
Step 1: On your Mac, click the Apple logo located in the top-left corner of your screen.
Step 2: From the dropdown menu, select "About This Mac”.
Step 3: A window will appear showing an overview of your Mac. Under the "Overview" tab, you will find the name of your GPU listed next to Graphics.
Check GPU in Task Manager (Windows only)
You were wrong if you assumed there was just one way to check your GPU model on Window, this other method will help you confirm which GPU models is your Windows running on:
Step 1: On your laptop, right-click on the Taskbar and select Task Manager. Alternatively, you can press “Ctrl + Shift + Esc” to open it directly.
Step 2: In the Task Manager window, click on the “Performance tab”.
Step 3: From the left-hand side, select “GPU 0” (or GPU 1 if you have multiple GPUs).
Step 4: You will now see the name, model, and performance details of your GPU displayed on the right-hand side.
Check GPU on Linux
If you’re a Linux user, you’d be happy to know there’s a really easy way for you to find out “How to see what GPU I have?” Here’s how you can check:
Step 1: On your Linux laptop, open the Terminal application. You can do this by pressing the “Ctrl + Alt + T” shortcut on your keyboard.
Step 2: In the Terminal, type "lspci | grep -i vga" and press Enter.
Step 3: You will now see the name of your GPU displayed next to the VGA compatible controller.
WPS Office — Fully Compatible with All GPUs
If you're thinking about upgrading your GPU or already have one; whether it's from NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel, you don’t have to worry about compatibility with WPS Office. It runs smoothly on any GPU, so you can focus on getting your work done without any hiccups. No lag, no glitches, just seamless performance, no matter what you're working on.
WPS Office isn’t just another productivity suite. While its core functions include a word processor, presentation software, and spreadsheets, it goes beyond the basics. With built-in AI capabilities, it can handle tasks that even some of the most expensive office suites struggle with. Whether you need advanced formatting, real-time collaboration, or AI-assisted document creation, WPS Office delivers efficiency without compromise.
Alt text: WPS Office
WPS Office offers a range of AI-powered tools designed to enhance productivity and simplify various writing and document-related tasks.
AI Resume Assistant helps generate polished and professional resumes, handling formatting and phrasing.
AI Spell & Grammar Check detects and corrects typos, grammar mistakes, and awkward phrasing while also offering paraphrasing suggestions.
Academic Writing Support assists in structuring and refining research papers, making the writing process more efficient.
AI Writing Assistant generates content for articles, reports, and stories based on user-provided prompts.
AI Slides Creator automatically creates structured and well-designed presentations from plain text topics.
Smart PDF Tools summarize, analyze, and extract key insights from lengthy PDF documents for quick information retrieval.
FAQs
1. How do I know what GPU I have?
To determine the GPU (graphics card) in your computer, follow the appropriate method for your operating system:
Windows:
Step 1: Open the Task Manager using the Ctrl + Shift + Esc shortcut.
Step 2: Click More Details to expand the Task Manager if needed.
Step 3: Navigate to the Performance tab.
Step 4: Select GPU to view its details.
Linux:
Open Terminal and type “lspci | grep VGA”, then press “Enter” to see your GPU details.
2. Can I upgrade my GPU?
GPU upgrades are feasible for desktop computers, as most models allow the replacement or enhancement of the graphics card. However, it is essential to first verify compatibility with the motherboard, power supply, and CPU. In contrast, most laptops have integrated GPUs that are permanently soldered to the motherboard, making upgrades impractical or impossible.
3. Does WPS Office require a powerful GPU?
No, WPS Office operates efficiently on most computers and does not require a high-end GPU. It performs well even on systems with integrated graphics.
4. Can I use WPS Office on Linux?
Yes, WPS Office is fully compatible with Linux and supports various distributions, including Ubuntu and Linux Mint. It serves as a strong alternative to Microsoft Office, offering essential applications such as Writer for word processing, Presentation for slideshows, and Spreadsheet for data management. The Linux version provides all core functionalities, ensuring a smooth user experience.
Compatible with All: WPS Office
If you're still wondering "What GPU do I have?" and the sticker on your laptop isn't giving you the full picture of the specifics of the GPU model you are trying to confirm for gaming, video editing, or just general performance checks, your system provides detailed information about it.
And if you're worried about compatibility with certain software, WPS Office has you covered. It’s a versatile productivity suite with a broad compatibility range, meaning it runs smoothly on virtually any GPU. So no matter what graphics card your system has, WPS Office ensures seamless performance for all your work-related tasks.
