Troubleshooting Troubles with Watch Dogs 2: Resizing Resolution and Graphic Issues on a Laptop

While playing Watch Dogs 2, I decided to increase the resolution to 1920×1080 with ultra settings. After just a minute, the laptop froze, and upon rebooting, the screen turned black. Is this a graphic card failure, or could it be something else? Let’s dive into the details.

Is the Graphic Card Failure?

Yes, it may be a graphics card issue, but it could also be due to a failing motherboard. When gaming with ultra settings, the need for better hardware is crucial. Not only does a strong processor and sufficient RAM come into play, but also, a graphics card capable of handling the high settings. If the graphics card fails to meet these demands, it can result in system crashes and screen issues.

Issues Due to Insufficient Hardware

The high resolution and ultra settings put a lot of strain on the hardware. Overheating and insufficient cooling can lead to graphical issues, especially in laptops where heat dissipation is a common problem. Switchable graphics can further complicate matters, as it affects which graphics chip is in use. With a switchable graphics system, the internal GPU may not be powerful enough to handle the demands of Watch Dogs 2 when set to ultra graphics.

A Closer Look at Your Gaming Machine

To provide a more accurate analysis, could you please describe the specifications of your gaming machine? This includes:

Processor and clock speed. RAM capacity and speed. Graphics card model and specifications. Operating System version (in case you are using Windows 10). Motherboard and BIOS version. Presence and type of any additional graphics solutions.

With this information, we can better understand why the game might be failing, and what specific hardware could be the culprit.

Basic Troubleshooting

If the specifications don't point to a clear hardware issue, there are a few basic troubleshooting steps you can try:

Check BIOS: Verify if the operating system is not corrupted by checking the BIOS settings. Reinstall OS: If the BIOS indicates a clean running system, you may need to reinstall the operating system from a bootable pendrive. Check Drivers: Ensure that the drivers are up to date and compatible. Hardware issues can often be resolved by reinstalling or updating the drivers.

In laptops, especially with switchable graphics, the internal GPU might not be sufficient for high-end games. It’s also important to keep an eye on the system’s temperature to ensure that the internal components are not overheating.

Conclusion

While playing Watch Dogs 2 can reveal underlying hardware issues, the specific causes can vary. A weak graphics card, motherboard failure, or inadequate cooling can all contribute to these issues. By understanding the specifications of your gaming machine and following some basic troubleshooting steps, we can narrow down the cause and find a solution.