Estimated Time: 13 Hours
Target Audience: Learners who know a graphics card creates display output and need deeper practical judgment for gaming, creator, multi-monitor, and repair scenarios.
Course Overview
HW206 covers the graphics subsystem of a PC. You will learn to compare integrated and discrete graphics architectures, analyze VRAM and memory bandwidth limits, troubleshoot display connectors and adapter chains, resolve driver issues, and plan balanced graphics upgrades.Course Outline
Module 1: GPU Big Picture
Build a simple model of what graphics hardware does.- 1.1 The GPU as a visual work crew: Use a work-crew analogy to explain GPU parallel execution, VRAM assets (textures, buffers), and CPU-to-GPU draw call limits.
- 1.2 Quick Check: Graphics big picture: 3-question check on core workloads, VRAM usage, and non-GPU system bottlenecks.
- 1.3 Workloads that use graphics differently: Contrast graphics needs for gaming, video rendering, multi-monitor productivity, and machine learning.
- 1.4 Practice: Match a graphics need to the right concern: Autograded checks on esports framerates, 4K video timeline rendering, and multi-display outputs.
Module 2: GPU Hardware Inside the Card
Understand VRAM, bandwidth, outputs, cooling, and power.- 2.1 Cores, VRAM, memory bus, and bandwidth: Learn how VRAM capacity, memory bus widths, and cooling shroud profiles limit GPU performance.
- 2.2 Quick Check: GPU card hardware: 3-question check on VRAM allocation limits, custom card coolers, and memory speed.
- 2.3 Encoders, ray tracing, and specialized blocks: Explain media encoders (NVENC, AV1), ray-tracing cores, and hardware upscaling blocks (DLSS, FSR).
- 2.4 Practice: Read a graphics card spec sheet: Autograded assignment on interpreting dimensions, video encoder support, and bus speeds from a manufacturer sheet.
Module 3: Displays, Cables, and Output Links
Connect display goals to ports, cables, and monitor settings.- 3.1 Resolution, refresh rate, and color basics: Check resolution densities, high-refresh rates (144Hz+), color depth (HDR), and color-accurate monitors.
- 3.2 Quick Check: Display chains: 3-question check on display bandwidth negotiation, resolution scaling, and color gamut usage.
- 3.3 HDMI, DisplayPort, USB-C, and adapters: Navigate display standards, active vs. passive converters, and USB-C Alternate Mode video output.
- 3.4 Practice: Fix a missing display mode: Autograded checks on resolving missing refresh-rate options, cable restrictions, and adapter limitations.
Module 4: Drivers and Graphics Troubleshooting
Diagnose common display and GPU failures methodically.- 4.1 Drivers, control panels, and update discipline: Learn the role of graphics drivers, control software, and safe updates.
- 4.2 Quick Check: Graphics drivers: 3-question check on driver crashes, resolution scaling, and resolving application glitches.
- 4.3 Artifacts, black screens, and instability:Triage visual artifacts, crash-to-desktop events, and black screens under thermal load.
- 4.4 Practice: Graphics symptom triage: Autograded checks on isolating monitor cables, checking power cables, and rollback procedures.
Module 5: Graphics Selection and Upgrade Planning
Balance performance, fit, power, cooling, and user needs.- 5.1 Picking the right graphics upgrade: Match user display targets and budgets to GPU performance, PSU requirements, and case clearances.
- 5.2 Quick Check: Graphics upgrade planning: 3-question check on power connections, cable setups, and avoiding graphics bottlenecks.
- 5.3 Validate a graphics change: Run post-install stress tests to verify display connections, driver versions, noise, and thermals.
- 5.4 Practice: Graphics upgrade recommendation: Autograded checks on making complete, balanced GPU upgrades.
Course Review & Final Exam
Review graphics concepts and complete the final quiz.- 6.1 Course review: What to remember: Core concepts review on GPU architecture, VRAM, displays, and diagnostics.
- 6.2 Final Quiz: Graphics Deep Dive: 5-question cumulative quiz testing your understanding of GPU selection, VRAM allocation stutters, refresh link fallbacks, and update discipline.