PC Only Turns On When The GPU Is Unplugged

If your PC only turns on when the GPU is unplugged, it can be a frustrating and puzzling issue.

If your PC only turns on when the GPU is unplugged, it could be due to an inadequate PSU or faulty GPU. To troubleshoot the issue, try resetting your BIOS to default or testing with a different power supply.

In this article, we’ll explore the potential causes and solutions to help you resolve the issue and get your system back in working condition.

Table of Contents

What Causes a PC to Fail to Boot with the GPU Plugged In?

Several factors can prevent a PC from booting when the GPU is connected, including power supply issues, a faulty GPU, or improper connections.

If the power supply unit (PSU) cannot provide enough power to the GPU, the system may fail to boot entirely. Another common cause could be a short circuit in the GPU, which interferes with the normal booting process.

Is Your Power Supply Adequate?

A common cause for this problem is an inadequate or faulty power supply. GPUs, especially high-performance ones, require significant power.

If the PSU cannot deliver enough wattage or is malfunctioning, your PC may not start with the plug-in GPU. To determine if this is the issue, ensure that your PSU meets the power requirements for your GPU and the rest of your system.

As a rule of thumb, add a margin of around 100W beyond the GPU’s rated power draw to accommodate other components.

Check for Short Circuits

A short circuit can also prevent your PC from turning on when the GPU is installed. If your GPU has suffered damage from improper handling, faulty components, or liquid exposure, it could cause a short.

In some cases, users have reported issues where thermal paste or liquid cleaning agents cause short circuits on the GPU, preventing the system from starting. Removing the GPU and thoroughly inspecting it for damage or residue can help identify if this is the cause.

Does the GPU Work in Another System?

Try testing the card on another computer to rule out a defective GPU. If the GPU causes the same issue in a different PC, the card is likely the problem.

If the GPU works fine elsewhere, the issue may lie with your motherboard or PSU. Testing the GPU in another system can help you pinpoint the problem before purchasing new parts.

Test Other PCIe Slots or Components

Sometimes, the issue could be related to the PCIe slot on your motherboard. Users have reported that switching the GPU to a different PCIe slot allowed their systems to boot normally.

You could also test other components, such as RAM and storage devices, to ensure they are functioning correctly and not contributing to the problem. A faulty motherboard or defective PCIe slot could be the issue’s root.

Is Your Motherboard or BIOS the Culprit?

Outdated BIOS versions or incompatible motherboards can also prevent your PC from booting when a GPU is installed.

Make sure your motherboard supports the specific GPU you’re using. Additionally, updating the BIOS to the latest version can resolve compatibility issues with modern GPUs. Refer to your motherboard’s manual to check for any necessary firmware updates.

What if the System Boots Without PCIe Power?

Some users have found that their PC boots only when the PCIe power cables are unplugged from the GPU, indicating a potential issue with the power delivery to the card.

If this happens, check the integrity of your PCIe power cables and make sure they’re securely connected. Replacing the wires or using different power connectors from the PSU may resolve the issue. If you still encounter problems, consider testing a different PSU.

Signs of a Faulty GPU

If your GPU (graphics card) is not working correctly, there are a few clear signs you can look out for. Here are seven common symptoms of a faulty GPU:

1. Screen Flickering or Stuttering

Suppose you notice your screen flickering or freezing while gaming or watching videos; your GPU might struggle. This happens when the graphics card can’t process data properly, interrupting visuals.

2. Strange Artifacts on the Screen

Weird shapes, lines, or colors (artifacts) appearing on your screen during games or videos can indicate a problem with the GPU. These artifacts are usually the result of a malfunctioning GPU that is rendering graphics incorrectly.

3. Driver Crashes

If your graphics drivers frequently crash or your computer displays a “driver stopped responding” message, it could be a sign of a failing GPU. The drivers help the GPU communicate with the system; crashes can indicate more profound problems.

4. Overheating Issues

GPUs generate heat, but if your GPU is getting too hot, it could be damaged. If you notice the GPU temperature climbing unusually high, even under light usage, it might be inaccurate. Overheating can cause further damage and system shutdowns.

5. Fan Noise from the GPU

If the GPU’s fan is spinning loudly all the time or making unusual noises, the card might be faulty. This can happen when the GPU is overheating or an internal malfunction causes the fan to work harder than usual.

6. Frequent System Crashes or Blue Screens

A faulty GPU can cause your entire system to crash, sometimes resulting in a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD). If your PC frequently crashes during graphic-intensive tasks, it’s a significant sign of GPU failure.

7. No Display or Black Screen

The GPU might be the culprit if your monitor stays black or shows no signal even after the PC powers on. This can happen when the GPU completely fails and can no longer send visual data to the monitor.

Can a Faulty Power Supply Cause This?

Yes, a faulty PSU can cause your PC to fail to boot when a GPU is installed. The PSU supplies power to all components, and if it’s malfunctioning or overloaded, it can prevent the system from turning on.

Try using a different PSU to rule out this possibility, especially if the system runs without the GPU but fails to boot when the GPU is plugged in.

What to Do If You Suspect Hardware Failure?

If you’ve tested multiple components and the issue persists, it’s time to take your PC to a professional technician.

They can test each component more thoroughly, potentially identifying obscure issues like motherboard shorts, voltage regulation problems, or PCIe slot defects. Replacing a faulty component—whether the PSU, GPU, or motherboard—will resolve the issue.

PC Only Turns On When the GPU is Unplugged Windows

This problem often happens because of a power issue or a hardware conflict. The GPU might need more power than the system can provide, or there could be a faulty component. Check your PSU, connections, and motherboard compatibility.

Gaming PC Only Turns On When the GPU is Unplugged

If your gaming PC only powers up when the GPU is unplugged, it’s likely due to power supply problems or a faulty GPU. Ensure your PSU has enough wattage to handle the GPU and check for any potential hardware conflicts.

PC Won’t Turn On When GPU is Plugged In

A PC that won’t turn on with the GPU plugged in might point to a short circuit, inadequate power, or a faulty PCIe slot. Testing the GPU in another system and ensuring proper connections can help identify the issue.

PC Won’t Start Until I Unplug/Plug Again My New 6700 GPU

This could be due to a power supply issue or improper GPU installation. Ensure the GPU is securely seated and the PSU provides enough power. Also, check for any potential compatibility or motherboard BIOS issues.

Have to Unplug GPU Every Time I Turn on My PC

If you need to unplug your GPU every time, there might be a power issue or a GPU fault. Test your power supply unit and GPU connections. A BIOS update might also solve any hardware compatibility problems.

PC Won’t Start with GPU but Starts Without GPU

If your PC only starts without the GPU, it could indicate a power supply problem or a faulty GPU. Make sure the PSU can handle your GPU’s power needs, and test the GPU in another system.

PC Won’t Boot with the GPU Plugged In

If the PC doesn’t boot when the GPU is connected, there may be an issue with the PCIe slot or power supply. Test the GPU in a different system, ensure proper seating, and verify PSU wattage is sufficient.

Newly Built PC Won’t Turn On When Graphics Card Is Connected!

A newly built PC that does not turn on with the graphics card plugged in often indicates power supply issues or improper GPU installation. Double-check the GPU’s seating and PSU wattage and ensure all power cables are connected properly.

My PC Only Turns On When I Remove the PCIe Cables from Graphics Card

If your PC starts only after removing the PCIe cables, the power supply might need to be increased, or the GPU needs to draw more power. Try using a PSU with higher wattage and check for faulty power connections.

FAQs

1. Why Does My GPU Stop My PC Turning On?

Your GPU might stop the PC from turning on due to power issues, improper seating, or motherboard compatibility problems.

2. Can a Bad GPU Cause PC to Turn Off?

Yes, a bad GPU can cause random shutdown crashes or prevent the PC from turning on due to hardware failure.

3. Will PC Not Turn On Without GPU?

Some PCs without integrated graphics won’t turn on without a GPU; they need a dedicated card to display video output.

4. Can a Bad GPU Stop a PC from Booting?

Yes, a faulty GPU can prevent a PC from booting, often caused by short circuits or power supply issues.

5. What Are the Symptoms of Graphics Card Failure?

Symptoms include screen glitches, crashes, overheating, or the computer not booting when the GPU is connected.

6. Why Is My PC Not Turning On After New GPU?

Your PSU might need more power for the new GPU, or the card might need to be correctly seated in the motherboard.

7. Can a Bad GPU Crash a Computer?

Yes, a faulty GPU can cause crashes, blue screens, or freeze your system, especially during graphic-intensive tasks.

8. How Do I Know If My CPU or GPU Is Dying?

Signs include overheating, performance drops, screen glitches, crashes, or unusual noises from the components.

9. When My GPU Is Unplugged, My PC Works. When I Plug It In, It Doesn’t.

This indicates a power supply issue, faulty GPU, or motherboard conflict. Test the GPU or try a stronger PSU.

10. What Will Happen If I Take Out the GPU While the PC Is Off but Connected to Electricity?

If the PC is off, removing the GPU is generally safe. However, always unplug the PC from electricity to avoid potential harm.

Conclusion

If your PC only turns on when the GPU is unplugged, it’s likely due to a faulty GPU or a power supply issue. Ensure your PSU meets the GPU’s power requirements, and test the GPU in another system to identify the problem.