GForce graphics card not showing in Device Manager

[steve1441]

I have an HP Pavilion 6740uk; it is running the latest version of W10 (21H1) with the latest updates. I  have the operating system on a Crucial 500GB SSD and two 1 TB HDD’s, one for downloads, photos and documents, the other is used for back-ups, it has been in this state for about 2 years.

The computer suddenly started to show “no signal” on the monitor. The computer came fitted with a GForce 405 graphics card, so I used the internally fitted graphics unit, which is an ATI Radian 3000 to get the display working.

I checked the BIOS and it showed that the “primary” video adaptor is the PCI-E and the secondary is “on-board”. If I remove the 405 card, the PCI-E no longer shows, so I assume that the PC is recognising it. Checking the Device Manager, this only shows the ATI Radeon 3000. I have replaced the button battery, which did not resolve the problem.

I downloaded the latest driver for the 405 card, but when trying to install it, it could not find the hardware. I decided to buy another second-hand graphics card, a nVidea GForce 620, which is an acceptable upgrade for this model of computer; thinking that the 405 may be faulty. I downloaded the latest driver for the 620, but again it could not find the hardware when trying to install the driver; the Device Manager does not show the 620 card. I ensured that the graphics cards were seated correctly when inserting them in the PCI slot, of which there is only one.

I reverted the computer to the original Windows 7 operating system, but this did not help matters, every test was as described above. I then re-installed a “system back-up” that was about one month older than when the fault first occurred, but again this did not resolve the problem and again, every test  was as described above.

I am wondering if I have a fault on the motherboard or is it a registry problem.

Any help or advice would be most appreciated.

[Paul_Tikkanen]

Hi:

From what you are describing, I seems to me like there is a problem with the PCIe x16 slot.

It must have died on you.

The only thing that is a mystery is if the slot was completely dead, why did the GT 405 show up as present in the BIOS, until you removed it?

It would have led me to the same conclusion, that it was just the card itself.

But now that you have installed a different card, and it doesn't show up either...it has to be the slot.

You may want to remove the card (if you have not done so already), and carefully inspect the slot contacts and whatnot to make sure nothing is bent or out of place.

Clean the slot with compressed air.

I had a PCIe x16 slot go out of me once before too, a few years ago.

I initially thought it was the power supply and replaced that, but the PC still showed no signal, and nothing worked.

I decided to remove the video card and the PC worked fine with the onboard graphics.

I replaced the motherboard since I was able to get one for only $25.00, and now have a spare power supply FWIW.

[Prométhée]

Hello
a pci port failure may indeed be an option!
but if you can have your graphics cards tested it might be useful
You have a used graphics card, it may also be defective
Check the power requirement as well, according to the product page you have a 300w power supply, and some 620 models may need more than 300w

https://support.hp.com/gb-en/product/hp-pavilion-p6700-desktop-pc-series/5035348/model/5053345/docum...

[steve1441]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I have tried the suggestions that you have highlighted but still no luck. I will continue using the internal ATI Radian 3000 graphics unit. If I come across a cheap motherboard I will try that, if not, I may decide at some point to replace the computer, which is getting quite old now.

[steve1441]

Hi,

Thanks for the reply.

I have not been able to get the graphics card tested but will try as soon as practically possible. 

[Paul_Tikkanen]

You're very welcome.