Computer Won’t Start with GPU Plugged in: Here’s What To Do!

We do a lot of things to upgrade our PCs as per our wish. Adding RAM, storage and GPU are the primary things that we like to do. 

But a common problem we face often is PC not starting after plugging in the GPU.

So, why my computer won’t start with GPU plugged in?

Improper GPU placement is one of the main reason if you see your PC not starting after plugging in the GPU. However, there are other reasons like insufficient power from PSU, lack of compatibility. Not to forget, a damaged GPU could also hold them accountable. 

That was just the reason behind these issues. I’ve explained all of the solutions to these issues.

So, get started now!

Why Won’t My Computer Start after Plugging in the GPU?

When you see your PC not starting after plugging in, you get tense. You may look here and there for the reasons and solutions. I understand what kind of panic is going through your mind.

So, you may wonder, why doesn’t my PC start after plugging in the GPU? Well, have a look here to know about it now!

Reason 1: Improper Placement of the GPU

The very first reason for computer starting issues after the GPU plugin is due to placement. This is the main reason for which you would have PC starting issues after the GPU plugin.

When you are plugging in the GPU, you have to be very careful. And sometimes, due to a lack of knowledge or responsibilities, the GPU doesn’t place properly.

That is, some people can not place the GPU properly into the slot of the PCI-e. And that is where the problem arises.

This is the biggest issue of this problem. And this is a very common mistake for a user to do.

Solution

So, how to plug the GPU into the PCI-e slot. To plug in the GPU properly, first, you need to find out the PCI-e slot on your motherboard.

Different motherboards have different configurations. But if you have an x16 PCI Express slot then any type of PCI Express card will fit into it properly.

If you think you are less confident about it, ask for help. Any friend or family member could help you out by plugging in the GPU. Or you can check out this video here explaining how to install a GPU properly.

Reason 2: No Power in the GPU

GPU needs power to run, which is supplied from the PSU. If your Power Supply Unit is insufficient to supply the minimum power then obviously it won’t boot up.

For example, NVIDIA recommends you to use at least a 750W PSU for their RTX 30 series GPUs. So, if you have a 550W PSU then your PC will not boot up.

Also, there might be no connection between PSU and the motherboard. Thus, you would notice that your PC would not start with a GPU plugged in.

Solution

Remember while choosing a PSU, make sure its wattage is higher than your entire build’s wattage. To make your life easier here are some of the GPUs with their recommended PSU wattage.

Also, you just need to make sure that the connection between the PSU, GPU, and the motherboard is done properly.

Reason 3: Issues with CMOS or BIOS Settings 

Sometimes, the PC doesn’t start after plugging in the GPU due to the settings. That is, you may see that the CMOS or BIOS settings are not set properly.

This happens if the motherboard has a built-in graphics card mostly. This graphics card may be set as the primary display. In that case, the display would not start even if the PC starts. 

Solution

To fix this, you just need to fix the settings. Make sure the Primary Display is from the PCI-e graphics card. Also, you need to make sure that the other CMOS/BIOS setting is in default settings.

This would enable the PC and the display to work properly with the GPU plugged in.

Reason 4: A Damaged GPU

It is not always your bad memory and lack of knowledge, which is the culprit for the problem. Because there might be an issue with the GPU as well. 

You know the GPU might have broken or damaged chips. As a result, the GPU you get would not work. And this might also result in your PC not starting.

However, if you see that the GPU fan operating at its max speed, it is not damaged.

Solution

The easiest way to check if a GPU is damaged or not is to install it on another computer. If you see that the problem is still there then it’s a problem with the GPU.

In this case, all you can do is get a new GPU. Most of the GPUs have a 2-3 years warranty so you can easily replace them. But a defective GPU is very rare.

So, if you think you are certain about it, take action. That is, you need to replace the current GPU.

Reason 5: Motherboard Issues

If you think there are none of the issues mentioned above, there is something else. That is, your PC might have some internal issues.

There might be many issues that we are normally not aware of all the time. And this is why your PC might not start after plugging in the GPU.

So, what could be the internal issues that fail the PC to start with the GPU? 

Well, there could be issues with the motherboard. For example, the PCI-e slot that you are using to connect the GPU might be faulty. Moreover, the processor might be defective to take the pressure off the GPU.

Also, the slot might be loose or ripped off like this one. 

So, there might be many issues like that. And you are not probably well aware of that.

Remember that this does not necessarily have to be involved with the GPU. Because there might be other miscellaneous internal complications too.

As a result, you may have come through other problems too. One of the common symptoms of this is either the CPU or GPU getting hot.

Solution

If there is a fault in your motherboard’s port then all you can do is replace it.

But for any advanced problems, we recommend someone professional. So, consult an expert in no time.

So, these are the main reasons for this problem. Along with that, the solutions are also covered here to resolve this issue!

FAQs

Is there a way to enable the GPU in Bios?

Yes, you can enable the GPU in the bios yourself. To begin, launch the bios menu. Then go to the advanced settings. After that, you need to go to the video settings. There you need to configure the settings. Then select the GPU you want to enable and press F10. And it would be enabled then.

Can I run my PC without plugging in a GPU?

Well, you can turn on your PC without a GPU. But you can actually no way browse or run it without a GPU. Because there would be no display visible to you turning on a PC without a GPU. And remember that a GPU is one of the main parts of a PC.

Can I install or upgrade a new GPU?

Well, if you are a PC user, you are lucky. Because you can install a new GPU if that is compatible. However, this does not remain the same for a laptop user. Because if you are a laptop user, you can not do it anyway. What you can do to get a new GPU is buy a new laptop.  

The Final Words

Now you know the reasons why your computer won’t start with the gpu plugged in! You now know the solutions for this too!

But remember one thing. You should not try anything to resolve any mechanical issues without proper knowledge. Because this can actually damage your device permanently.

So, be aware of it! All the best!