What should you do to determine if a video problem is due to hardware or software?

To determine if a video problem is due to hardware or software, running the enhanced Pre-boot System Assessment (ePSA) is a crucial step. This diagnostic tool tests various hardware components, including the graphics system. By running ePSA, you can assess whether the issue is tied to hardware failures. Pressing esc to regain cursor control during this test can help determine if the video issue is affecting user input or if it's a broader hardware concern. This indicates that the system is attempting to engage with hardware components and can provide feedback on the status of the graphics operation.

If the ePSA test reveals that the video hardware is functioning correctly, it suggests that the problem might reside within the software, such as drivers or settings. Thus, this approach effectively helps isolate the source of the video issue, making it easier to address the problem accordingly.

Monitoring fan speed, checking for errors in system settings, or reinstalling the operating system do not directly assess the integrity of the video hardware and may not provide clear insight into distinguishing between a hardware malfunction and a software-related issue.