Question:

Why does my PC not detect the GPU when connected via HDMI?

I have a new PC with a new motherboard, CPU, PSU, and RAM, and an old SSD and GPU from my brother’s PC. The PC works fine when the HDMI cable is plugged into the motherboard’s integrated graphics, but it does not show any display when the HDMI cable is plugged into either of the two GPUs I tested. How can I troubleshoot this issue?

Answer:

If you have a PC that works fine with the integrated graphics of the motherboard, but does not show any display when you connect the HDMI cable to the GPU, you might be facing a common issue that many PC users encounter. There are several possible causes and solutions for this problem, and in this article, we will go over some of the most common ones.

Cause 1: The GPU is not properly installed or powered

One of the first things you should check is whether the GPU is properly installed and powered. Sometimes, the GPU might not be fully inserted into the PCIe slot, or the power cables might not be connected correctly. This can prevent the GPU from being detected by the PC or sending any signal to the monitor.

Solution 1: Reinstall and reconnect the GPU

To fix this issue, you should turn off the PC, unplug the power cord, and open the case. Then, you should carefully remove the GPU from the PCIe slot, and inspect it for any physical damage or dust. You should also check the PCIe slot and the power cables for any signs of wear or tear. If everything looks fine, you should reinstall the GPU into the PCIe slot, making sure it clicks into place. You should also reconnect the power cables to the GPU, ensuring they are firmly attached. Then, you should close the case, plug the power cord, and turn on the PC. If the GPU is properly installed and powered, you should see the display on the monitor when you connect the HDMI cable to the GPU.

Cause 2: The BIOS settings are not configured correctly

Another possible cause of the problem is that the BIOS settings are not configured correctly. The BIOS is the basic input/output system that controls the hardware settings of the PC. Sometimes, the BIOS might be set to use the integrated graphics as the primary display output, instead of the GPU. This can prevent the PC from switching to the GPU when you connect the HDMI cable to it.

Solution 2: Change the BIOS settings

To fix this issue, you should enter the BIOS settings of your PC. To do this, you should turn on the PC, and press the appropriate key (such as F2, F10, or Del) to access the BIOS menu. The exact key and the BIOS menu might vary depending on the manufacturer and model of your PC and motherboard, so you should refer to the user manual or the online support for more details. Once you enter the BIOS menu, you should look for the option that controls the display output. It might be called something like “Primary Display”, “Graphics Adapter”, or “Initiate Graphic Adapter”. You should change this option to use the GPU as the primary display output, instead of the integrated graphics. Then, you should save the changes and exit the BIOS menu. If the BIOS settings are configured correctly, you should see the display on the monitor when you connect the HDMI cable to the GPU.

Cause 3: The GPU drivers are outdated or corrupted

A third possible cause of the problem is that the GPU drivers are outdated or corrupted. The GPU drivers are the software that allows the PC to communicate with the GPU and use its features. Sometimes, the GPU drivers might be missing, outdated, or corrupted, due to various reasons such as system updates, malware infections, or hardware conflicts. This can prevent the PC from recognizing the GPU or using it properly.

Solution 3: Update or reinstall the GPU drivers

To fix this issue, you should update or reinstall the GPU drivers. To do this, you should first connect the HDMI cable to the motherboard’s integrated graphics, and boot the PC. Then, you should open the Device Manager, and locate the GPU under the Display Adapters category. You should right-click on the GPU, and select the option to update the driver. You should follow the instructions on the screen, and let the PC search for the latest driver online. If the PC finds a newer driver, you should install it and restart the PC. If the PC does not find a newer driver, or if the update fails, you should right-click on the GPU again, and select the option to uninstall the driver. You should confirm the uninstallation, and restart the PC. Then, you should visit the official website of the GPU manufacturer, and download the latest driver for your GPU model and operating system. You should run the downloaded file, and follow the instructions on the screen to install the driver. Then, you should restart the PC again. If the GPU drivers are updated or reinstalled, you should see the display on the monitor when you connect the HDMI cable to the GPU.

Conclusion

In this article, we have discussed some of the most common causes and solutions for the problem of the PC not detecting the GPU when connected via HDMI. We hope that this article has helped you troubleshoot and fix the issue, and enjoy the benefits of using the GPU for your PC. However, if none of the solutions above work for you, or if you encounter any other problems with your PC or GPU, you should contact the technical support of the PC or GPU manufacturer, or seek professional help from a qualified technician. Thank you for reading this article, and have a great day!