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Finding out which GPU is installed in your laptop or desktop is easier than you think. Whether you want to check compatibility for a game, troubleshoot performance issues, or verify hardware details, this guide explains simple steps for Windows and Mac users.
Unsure which graphics card your system uses? Don’t worry. From Task Manager to System Information on Windows and the About This Mac section on macOS, you can identify your GPU within minutes using built-in tools.
As computers evolve and apps demand more graphics power, knowing your GPU helps you make better upgrade, gaming, and performance decisions. Here’s everything you need to identify your graphics card without confusion.
GPU has become an essential component of PC setups. In the past, powerful GPUs were primarily important to gamers, but the growing adoption of advanced technologies has made them crucial to overall PC performance. This is particularly true for video editors and designers as well.
Despite this importance, many people remain unaware of the type of GPU their system has when purchasing a laptop or building a PC. Some users might not even know whether their system includes an integrated GPU or a dedicated one from manufacturers like NVIDIA or AMD.
Knowing your hardware is essential, and both Windows and macOS offer straightforward ways to view GPU information without installing third-party apps. The process takes only a few minutes and gives users a glimpse of GPU performance, memory usage, and driver details.
If you are a new user who has no idea how things work, don’t get confused. This article will break down every reliable method for finding your GPU without complicated steps.
Now, one thing may bother you, and that’s why you even need to know about your GPU. A valid question indeed. The fact is, GPUs play a major role in delivering smooth visuals, lag-free gaming, and high-resolution content. Modern operating systems depend heavily on graphics processors. Whether you are a streamer or an animator, a powerful GPU is the first requirement. Below are the reasons why you should know about your GPU:
Knowing your GPU helps you determine whether your system can run a game or editing software.
If you have a clear understanding of your GPU, you can determine the causes of performance issues such as stuttering or low FPS.
The GPU needs an update. Once you know which GPU your system has, you can update the drivers periodically.
GPU knowledge also helps users to check whether updates are compatible with their systems.
To sum up, whether your computer uses integrated Intel graphics, Apple’s M-series GPU, or a dedicated NVIDIA/AMD card, you must identify it for smoother performance. The next section will discuss how to check the details on both Windows and Mac.
Also Read: Best GPUs for Video Editing in 2025
Initially, these steps may feel technical, but the process to know GPU details is straightforward and takes only a few minutes. Windows and macOS offer multiple built-in tools to help you check everything from GPU name to memory usage to driver information, all without installing any apps.
Let’s begin by checking out how to view GPU details on Windows. There are four methods for that, and each takes only a few seconds.
Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager
Click More details
Go to the Performance tab
Select GPU 0 (GPU 1 should be selected, if available.)
Once you complete these four steps, you will see the GPU name, usage percentage, temperature, and memory details.
Press Windows + X
Select Device Manager
Expand the Display adapter.
Once there, you will see your GPU model listed there. Double-click on it to view the version and properties.
Press Windows + R
Type msinfo32
Go to Components, and click on Display
The display section provides an in-depth overview of GPU memory, driver type, and status.
Press Windows + R
Type dxdiag
Open the Display tab
Again, once you reach the display, you will see the GPU name, manufacturer details, and essential performance info.
If you use a Mac and want to know what GPU your system contains, below are the methods to follow:
Click the Apple () menu
Select ‘About This Mac’
Under ‘Graphics,’ you will see your GPU name.
For those with Apple Silicon devices, the GPU is part of the M-series chip, for example, the Apple M2 10-Core GPU.
Go to About This Mac
Click on System Report
Select Graphics/Displays
Once in this section, you will find detailed info on VRAM, GPU type, and display configurations.
Whether you use a MacBook, iMac, or Mac Studio, this method gives complete system-level GPU details instantly.
Also Read: Best GPUs for 1440p Gaming
Understanding how to check your GPU helps you troubleshoot your computer quickly. A thorough understanding of GPUs will allow you to rely less on technicians. Instead, you can identify hardware limitations, check compatibility before installing software, and ensure that your device meets performance requirements.
Further, knowing your hardware will help you stay informed about your system and its capabilities. This knowledge will especially help when you plan to upgrade your hardware or buy a new laptop.
How can I quickly check which GPU I have on Windows?
Ans: To quickly determine which GPU model you have, follow these steps: Task Manager > Performance > GPU. This will provide details on your installed GPU (model), the amount of memory it has, and the amount of memory currently in use.
How do I check my GPU on a MacBook or iMac?
Ans: To check your GPU on a MacBook/iMac, open the Apple menu and select 'About This Mac' to display your computer's graphics information. To get further specifications, you can go to System Report, and select Graphics/Displays.
How do I know if my PC has a dedicated graphics card?
Ans: When you open Device Manager on your PC, if there are two entries under 'Display Adapters,' then both integrated and dedicated graphics cards are installed in your system.
Can I upgrade my GPU?
Ans: Most desktop GPUs can be replaced with newer ones. In contrast, laptop GPUs are mostly irreplaceable. A handful of models come with changeable GPUs or support external GPUs.
Why does my PC show multiple GPUs?
Ans: Many laptops and desktops use hybrid graphics: light work is handled by an integrated GPU, while gaming or heavy workloads are handled by a dedicated GPU.
