When using a dedicated graphics card, you need to plug your monitor or input directly into the HDMI port on the card. When that port isn’t working, you may be unable to use your graphics card – which is a problem if it’s the only port you need.
Luckily, not all problems with a GPU HDMI port mean there’s a hardware issue. Sometimes you may fix it with a bit of software troubleshooting.
Do I Have to Use the GPU’s HDMI Port?
you may use any port that connects to your graphics card. The only caveat is that you need to use one of the ports on your graphics card, not the inputs on your motherboard. Those might bypass the graphics card.
If you have integrated graphics, your monitor will show graphics generated using the weaker card on the motherboard. You won’t get the same performance that you would if you used the dedicated graphics card.
If you have a dedicated graphics card and no integrated graphics, you probably won’t see anything if you plug your cable into the motherboard.
So to make a long story short: you may use any port you want, but it needs to be one on the graphics card. Since there are a limited number of ports, fixing anyproblems with the HDMIis a good thing to do even if you don’t need it immediately.
You may need it in the future since some displays are only compatible with that port.
What Ports Are on a Graphics Card?
What ports are on your GPU varies depending on which model you own? Check the specifications for any card you might want to buy to see what options it offers before purchasing.
How to Fix Graphics Card’s HDMI Connection
Trying some compatibility and software fixes is an excellent way to start fixing your HDMI connection. You should also consider the physical cables and the port itself if it isn’t working.
Update Your GPU driver
An out-of-date GPU driver can cause all sorts of unexpected problems. It might even be the cause of the HDMI connection not working. Keeping your drivers updated regularly is an excellent way to keep all your computer components working correctly.
Youupdate the driversdifferently depending on what kind of GPU you use. For example, with NVIDIA:
