Graphics Card Not Turning On | Get Your Graphics Card Back in the Game

A computer is nothing but a lot of separate parts put together for a unified purpose. A graphics card plays a crucial role here, as it allows the computer to output the results it processes. And even though modern computers come with an in-built graphics chip with the CPU, a dedicated graphics card is what most of us use since it offers so much more power.

So, what if your graphics card is not turning on? In this article, we will explain why your graphics card might not be turning on and how to fix it. So, if your graphics card is not turning on, please continue reading below.

Why Graphics Card Doesn’t Turn On?

There are many reasons why your graphics card might not be turning on. Here are some of the most common reasons:

• Your graphics card might not be properly connected.
• If the GPU driver is faulty or outdated, it might be not detected by your computer.
• Your GPU, as well as the PCIe port it is connected to, might have accumulated a lot of dust and debris.
• You might have recently overclocked your graphics card which caused instability and led to eventual failure.
• Your graphics card or the PCIe port is worn out or damaged, which is a possibility if you have been using the card for quite a while. 

Now that you know what might be causing the problem, we will discuss how you can fix the issue.

How to Troubleshoot a Graphics Card that Won’t Turn On?

Try out the following solutions if your graphics card is not turning on.

Fix 1: Clean Your PCIe Slot 

This happens especially when people install a new graphics card in a motherboard that they have been using for quite a while. Dust and debris accumulation in the PCIe slot can cause it to malfunction. Therefore, your graphics card is not being detected properly and is not turning on. So, your first order of action should be to take out the graphics card, clean the PCIe slot with a soft brush or a blower then reinstall the card again. Then turn your PC and see if it’s working now.

Note: If there’s quite a lot of dust and debris stuck inside your PCIe slot, you may need to use isopropyl alcohol to clean it.  Remember to wipe it off afterward.

Fix 2: Try Different PCIe Slot

Sometimes PCIe slots go bad when you leave them unused for long. That can be the case with you too. To test it, connect the graphics card to a different PCIe slot and power on your computer. If it is working properly, then the PCIe slot is the culprit.

Fix 3: Use the Right PCIe Slot

PCIe slots, although might look similar, in reality, are not all the same. They usually come in the x16 size but some are capable of housing only x4 devices. If that’s the case with you, your graphics card will not work. Therefore, make sure that you have connected your GPU to the x8 PCIe slot, as most graphics cards need 8 lanes to work.

Fix 4: Install the Graphics Card Properly

Even if the PCIe slot is working fine, an improper installation can also cause the graphics card not to turn on. Therefore, it is important to understand how to install PCIe components properly. To do it, remove your GPU from its slot carefully. Then reinstall it, paying close attention to its alignment. Look for a small cut in the gold strip of the card and a corresponding bump in the slot. They should align, the notch and the bump.

Insert the card into the PCIe slot carefully, applying gentle pressure until you hear a clicking sound. When you hear the click, it means that the card is properly installed and is secure. However, with modern graphics cards, which are quite heavy, it is important to properly screw the card to the casing as well. Otherwise, it will cause a loose connection and your graphics card might not turn on.

Fix 5: PSU Faults

Nowadays, GPUs have a high power demand. Therefore, connecting them to the motherboard is not enough, you need to connect them to the power supply unit as well, especially if your GPU’s power requirement is over 100 watts. So, check if your GPU needs to be connected to the PSU to turn on.

Also, you need to make sure that your PSU is powerful enough to power your GPU, alongside everything else connected to the motherboard of your PC. Calculate the total power requirement of every component and make sure that it doesn’t exceed the total power output of your PSU. If it does, you might need to upgrade your PSU.

Fix 6: Use the Proper Ports

Another issue that may have been occurring with you is that you are connecting your monitor to the wrong graphics port. You see, there are multiple graphics ports on the back of your computer casing. That’s because there’s an integrated GPU in your PC. So, you need to make sure that you are using the one that belongs to your graphics card, not the motherboard.

Fix 7: Update BIOS and Windows

This can help if you are trying to use a newer graphics card for an older system. If that’s the case with you, your motherboard might need a BIOS update to detect the graphics card successfully. Do note that BIOS is a sensitive thing and you need to do some research to learn how to do it properly and safely. 

Then make sure that your Windows, as well as graphics drivers, are all up to date.

People Also Search For

Will a dead GPU turn on?

Yes, a PC with a dead GPU will still turn on, but you won’t get any display output. However, if your dead GPU is causing short, it will stop your computer from turning on altogether.

How long do graphics cards last?

Properly maintained graphics cards can last a very long time, 5 to 10 years at least.

Final Thoughts

If none of the solutions mentioned above works for you, it’s possible that your graphics card itself is faulty. Make sure to test it out on another PC, if you have access to one. If it’s indeed faulty, don’t try to repair it yourself, as it will void your warranty completely. To make sure that your GPU keeps on working properly for years, make sure to do proper maintenance and avoid overclocking it, if you don’t really need that much speed.