How to Read GPU Information from DXDiag

Q: How do I check my GPU name in DXDiag?

Open DXDiag using Windows + R and typing dxdiag. Click the Display tab. The very first field, Card Name, shows your GPU's full commercial name — for example, NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4070 or AMD Radeon RX 7800 XT. This is the same name used in game requirements and driver download pages.

Q: How much VRAM does my GPU have according to DXDiag?

On the DXDiag Display tab, find the Dedicated Video Memory field. This shows the physical VRAM on your GPU in megabytes. Divide by 1024 to convert to gigabytes. For example, 8192 MB equals 8 GB VRAM. Use this number when comparing to game requirements. Ignore the Approx. Total Memory field — it includes shared system RAM and is not the accurate VRAM figure.

Q: Does DXDiag show GPU temperature?

No. DXDiag does not show GPU temperature, GPU usage percentage, or real-time performance metrics. It is a static diagnostic tool that shows driver and configuration information. To check GPU temperature, use third-party tools like GPU-Z, HWiNFO, MSI Afterburner, or the GPU manufacturer's own software such as NVIDIA's GeForce Experience.

Q: Why does my GPU show as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter in DXDiag?

If DXDiag shows Microsoft Basic Display Adapter instead of your actual GPU name, it means your GPU driver is not installed. Windows is using a generic Microsoft driver instead. To fix this, go to Device Manager (Windows + X, Device Manager), find your display adapter, right-click it, and select Update driver. Or download the latest driver from the NVIDIA, AMD, or Intel website for your specific GPU model.

Open DXDiag (Windows + R, type dxdiag). Click the Display tab. Your GPU name is shown in Card Name. Your video memory (VRAM) is in Dedicated Video Memory. Your driver version is in Driver Version. Multiple Display tabs appear if you have multiple GPUs.

Step by Step: Finding GPU Info in DXDiag

Press Windows + R, type dxdiag, press Enter.
Wait for DXDiag to finish loading.
Click the Display tab at the top.
Read the following fields:
- Card Name — your GPU model name
- Dedicated Video Memory — your VRAM in MB
- Driver Version — your graphics driver version
- Driver Date — when your driver was released
- Current Display Mode — your current resolution
Check the Notes field at the bottom for problems.

What to Do With Your GPU Information

Checking Game Compatibility

Compare your DXDiag GPU information against a game's requirements page. Look for: GPU model name, Dedicated Video Memory (VRAM), and DirectX feature level. If your Dedicated Video Memory is below the game's minimum VRAM requirement, the game may not run properly.

Updating Your GPU Driver

Note your Card Name and current Driver Version from DXDiag. Visit your GPU manufacturer's driver page, enter your GPU model, and download the latest driver. After installation, run DXDiag again to confirm the Driver Version and Driver Date have updated.

Sharing GPU Info for Support

When asking for help with graphics issues, click Save All Information in DXDiag to export a text report. The report includes all Display tab information. Share this file with technical support so they have your exact GPU model, driver version, and any detected problems.

GPU Information Available in DXDiag

GPU Detail	DXDiag Location
GPU name	Display tab → Card Name
GPU manufacturer	Display tab → Manufacturer
VRAM (video memory)	Display tab → Dedicated Video Memory
Driver version	Display tab → Driver Version
Driver date	Display tab → Driver Date
Display resolution	Display tab → Current Display Mode
DirectX support level	Display tab → DDI Version
Problem status	Display tab → Notes

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I check my GPU name in DXDiag?+

How much VRAM does my GPU have according to DXDiag?+

Does DXDiag show GPU temperature?+

Why does my GPU show as Microsoft Basic Display Adapter in DXDiag?+

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