The graphics card is the component of the computer that brings your inputs into view on the GPU – the screen. When installed correctly and the model is compatible with the whole ensemble of your system, you should have your screen showing you things you are doing. Otherwise, you may experience blank screens. Let us know about “New Graphics Card Black Screen – Causes And Solutions”
Before you go assuming that the new graphics card you purchased is no good or faulty, you may want to check out a few things. Some of the common problems with the black screen issue after installing a new graphics card is that you unknowingly disabled the graphics cards. Another reason is probably that you did not install the graphics card correctly in its slot on the motherboard. Whatever the reason may be, there are solutions.
Keep reading this article to find out more about this issue.
Causes and fixes for black screens when new graphics cards are installed
Specks of dust in the motherboard
The problem may not be so farfetched. It may just be an issue with dust in the motherboard causing signal bridges among your computer components.
Before you go looking in other places, try to dust up the motherboard without tampering with the delicate components. You can use a soft brush or dedicated dust cleaners which are available online for sale. Making sure that all nooks and crannies are clean can go a long way to fixing your black screen.
Faulty motherboard
The good standing of the motherboard as a whole determines whether the computer will function properly or not. This is because the motherboard functions as the conduit for other components of the computer to connect and interact through. When there is a fault on the motherboard, it bridges the signal reception and may cause you to have a black screen.
The common fault with the motherboard comes from tampering with the pins which are delicate by nature probably while installing the computer. So, if you find that one of the gold pins on the motherboard is not as it should be, you may have to replace the motherboard entirely. Of course, that would be costly. This is why you must be very careful when installing anything on it.
Faulty or inadequate power supply
When the amount of power reaching your GPU is not enough, your computer will not be able to display graphics. An inadequate power supply could be a result of a faulty power pack or low voltage from the mains.
Check to see if the voltage is inadequate supply by connecting a voltameter to the main supply or socket and checking the readings. The voltage should be the minimum requirement for a home or office environment. If the voltage is low, then you should consider using a stabilizer, especially if the situation persists.
Another issue with an inadequate power supply to the GPU could be coming from your power supply unit. You must ensure that the power supply from the power supply unit is equal to or higher than that which is required by the GPU to function well. If the power supply unit is supplying lower wattage than necessary, then you should go get a new and improved one.
Otherwise, the power supply unit itself may be faulty and needs to be changed.
Faulty display cable
If you are using a desktop instead of a laptop, locating the display cable is easier. The cable connecting the computer monitor to the central processing unit may either be faulty or not properly connected. When the connection to either end is not done well, there will be a break in signals and that will cause the GPU not to display.
First, make sure that both ends of the display cable are properly keyed into the GPU and CPU respectively. If the problem was improper connections, then that action alone should fix it and your screen begins to display. If the issue was with a faulty cable, you may have to change the cable to ascertain that.
Peradventure you are using a laptop, you may have not connected the display cable correctly and you need to locate and fix that. Just open the computer casing and check.
Defective graphics card slot
Sometimes, the slot for placing the graphics card in the motherboard may be faulty. If your computer comes with multiple slots for graphic cards, you can simply change the slot and see if it works.
Another issue with graphic card slots on the motherboard could arise from incompatibility. Graphic cards and their slots come with specific labeling which must not be ignored. So, before you go buy a new graphics card, check the motherboard to see the type of graphics card you should get.
The designations for the PCIe (peripheral component interconnect express) that are available are x32, x16, x8, and x4. The numbers assigned correspond with the number of lines in the particular slot. The graphics card must have the same number of lines and designation as the slot on your motherboard if you want it to work.
Faulty GPU
Another reason for your screen not displaying could be that the GPU itself is faulty. The best way to rule this out is to connect another GPU to your CPU and see if it displays. If the other GPU does display, then the issue is with your GPU and you need to replace it.
You can also try connecting the graphics card directly to the monitor via an HDI or VGA cable through the onboard slot of the graphics card and monitor. This method also will tell you if your GPU is at fault.
Incorrect BIOS settings
The settings in the BIOS of the system determine whether some gadgets will work on it or not. It is often advised that after installing a new graphics card, you should install it properly through the BIOS, making sure it is enabled.
Outdated BIOS
Some BIOS are outdated and will not support modern graphic cards. So, if you are using an old computer with an aged motherboard, a new and improved graphics card may not work on it due to incompatibility.
Outdated or missing system driver
All hardware fitted into a computer must have a driver installed in the computer before it can function. While others are plug-and-play in nature, others need their drivers to be installed from disks or downloaded from the developer’s website.
So, you need to be sure that the driver for the graphic card is properly installed before you put the computer on. If the graphic card did not come with a driver disk for installation, it is probably a plug-and-play version that installs the driver as soon as you put your system on. Follow the instructions carefully and get your system running the way it should because improper installation can also cause you to have a black screen.
Another reason may be that the driver for the graphics card is outdated and needs to be updated.
Screen resolution issues
After the installation of a new graphics card, the driver is installed and it may as well change your screen resolution without your permission. If the change sets the resolution to very low values, you can end up with black screens because the images are not bright enough for your eyes to see.
You may have to increase the brightness of your screen if it is low and then proceed to change the resolution to that which is convenient for you.
Faulty or incompatible graphics card
The problem could be a factory default in the graphics card. This problem should be the last of your troubleshooting attempts because the other problems listed above could very well be the reason for your computer not displaying.
If you have tried all and the computer screen is still black, you should consider changing the graphics card altogether. However, make sure that the graphics card you want to purchase newly is compatible with the GPU. This is because incompatibility between your GPU and graphics card can also cause the computer not to display graphics, even if the graphics card is high-end. Most of the time, getting a graphics card of the same make as your GPU is the best option to avoid issues of incompatibility.
Conclusion
Before buying a new graphics card, you must ensure that you have all the necessary things checked out to make sure you are getting the one that is compatible with the whole ensemble of your computer. You should also ensure that you take all the necessary precautions while installing the new card to avoid damaging the motherboard. If you have tried all and are still experiencing a black screen, consider consulting a professional for further help.
FAQ
Why does my computer screen go black suddenly?
If your computer is not overheating, it could be due to too much RAM memory space in use. If the RAM is too full, it could also cause overheating. At other times, the cooling unit may have stopped working and is causing the system to overheat. Switching off the screen may be a preventive measure for the computer to not completely fry.
Is there a quick way to reset my graphics card when the screen goes black?
Yes. Simply press the Windows key + ctrl + shift + B on your computer’s keyboard. You should hear a beep after a while and the screen will come up again. If this does not fix your black screen, then the issue may not be a quick fix and needs deeper troubleshooting.
