> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.opentechacademy.org/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# HW206: Graphics Deep Dive on GPUs and Displays

> Plain-English graphics course covering GPU rendering pipelines, VRAM bandwidth, HDMI and DisplayPort links, driver stacks, and troubleshooting visual artifacts.

**Difficulty**: Intermediate\
**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.

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## 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.

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## 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.