Upgraded GFX card, then got intermittent non boot ups

ArthurDent24

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TK Supporter
I upgraded to a powerful GPU and then suffererd intermittent, but mostly not working, startup errors. My motherboard has debug lights, so when I was investigating the internals, I believe it had a CPU fault. So I went off of gut instinct and upgraded to a higher wattage PSU, which was around £90.00. There is no PSU debug lights showing boot problems, I assume because if there is a problem, you wouldn't get the power to light them up! So after I received the new PSU it worked (eventually). At first, I was still getting an error light. This time, as I changed the cable going to the card. I now think the light was signifying a VGA error. You might be blaming me for not being able to interpret the lights, but it wasn't easy. At the end of the day, it wasn't the card, in fact it was the PSU. Just shows you can't beat a hunch.
 
Hi all. Just an update, the PSU upgrade didn't work, same old blank screen. So I contacted Amazon where I bought the card and requested a refund or replacement. They stated I could only return it for repair. If faulty they would replace it, if that's not possible then a refund.

I was hoping for a few video games, right now though I'm leaning towards cashing it in. The whole lot. 😡
 
Surprised at amazon, they are usually amazing with returns!

Did you use the new cables with the new psu? Always best practice, especially if a higher wattage.

Try removing RAM as well, may have been knocked, pop it out and back in, one stick at a time if you have multiple.
 
Surprised at amazon, they are usually amazing with returns!

Did you use the new cables with the new psu? Always best practice, especially if a higher wattage.

Try removing RAM as well, may have been knocked, pop it out and back in, one stick at a time if you have multiple.
Thanks for the tip on the RAM sticks. I tried that with my old PSU, possibly it might work, ultimately if I can get a card that's brand new, I can at least rule the VGA out as faulty.

Yes, I used the cables in the box of the new PSU.
 
I mean, do I not deserve a video game after years of work and then disability!? I'm a PC gamer, I like using KB & mouse for first person. Does this mean I have to buy a PS5! Oh Lord.
 
How long ago did you buy the new GPU? Try amazon again, they are usually really good, I've returned stuff thats been almost a year old!

Do you have onboard graphics? What is your CPU and motherboard? That is another option to try, remove the new GPU and try the onboard graphics, if that still gives faults, you have eliminated the GPU as well.
 
How long ago did you buy the new GPU? Try amazon again, they are usually really good, I've returned stuff thats been almost a year old!

Do you have onboard graphics? What is your CPU and motherboard? That is another option to try, remove the new GPU and try the onboard graphics, if that still gives faults, you have eliminated the GPU as well.
I bought the GPU in November '25. I've returned it for repair as they requested. Whether they should have refunded me, that's not what I was offered. Unfortunately I don't have onboard GFX as my CPU doesn't feature it. Wise after the event, or closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, I wish I'd got the model that did have GFX. I'm not really in a position to buy another CPU, TBH. I spent £500 on the card, that's enough for me.
 
I bought the GPU in November '25. I've returned it for repair as they requested. Whether they should have refunded me, that's not what I was offered. Unfortunately I don't have onboard GFX as my CPU doesn't feature it. Wise after the event, or closing the stable door after the horse has bolted, I wish I'd got the model that did have GFX. I'm not really in a position to buy another CPU, TBH. I spent £500 on the card, that's enough for me.
Sorry to hear that. So I guess now you just have to wait for the repair Did they at least say how long? Do you happen to still have the old GPU to test with?
 
Sorry to hear that. So I guess now you just have to wait for the repair Did they at least say how long? Do you happen to still have the old GPU to test with?
Oh, I'll survive! Thank you, though. As they say up here : PCs can be scunners. The repair is stated as taking 20 days once they receive it. That's another good idea from you, but the old one got sold on eBay donkies ago.
 
You should say, the OS you are using, the computer make and model, the make of the GPU, what you had before? Upgrading PSU for a CPU fault is a bit odd? There is a lot going on with Microsoft at the moment in the move from win 10 to win 11.
Did you build the PC yourself?
 
You should say, the OS you are using, the computer make and model, the make of the GPU, what you had before? Upgrading PSU for a CPU fault is a bit odd? There is a lot going on with Microsoft at the moment in the move from win 10 to win 11.
Did you build the PC yourself?

You should say, the OS you are using, the computer make and model, the make of the GPU, what you had before? Upgrading PSU for a CPU fault is a bit odd? There is a lot going on with Microsoft at the moment in the move from win 10 to win 11.
Did you build the PC yourself?
Intermittent boot up failure, more often than not. The last GPU was an RTX 4060. The fault I think was the VGA card, going off the lights on the MB. I upgraded the PSU to power the new card, thinking that's what was needed. I originally thought the wee (very wee) lights on the MB were signalling CPU error.

Finally - yes I assembled it myself. Not bothered by the possibility of a Windows error I couldn't even get into the BIOS 97% of the time.
 
Intermittent boot up failure, more often than not. The last GPU was an RTX 4060. The fault I think was the VGA card, going off the lights on the MB. I upgraded the PSU to power the new card, thinking that's what was needed. I originally thought the wee (very wee) lights on the MB were signalling CPU error.

Also FWIW, never trust the lights on the MB. They can be very misleading IMO...
 
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