GPU crashes entire PC when attempting to install its drivers

[EternallySylver]

Early 2021 I was given an ex-business PC by one of my Dad's friends (who is his boss). When I started using it later toward the end of 2021, I noticed the GPU would not work. That was fine. My temporary solution was to use Intel's iGPU. Except I didn't realize how low end the Core 2 Duo was. 

At first, I thought the GPU was dead, or so my school's IT manager said it might be. I started testing it today. It somewhat worked, half on half off. One of my friends suggested I update the BIOS, which I thought it already was. It wasn't. It was still on the stock 1.04, so I updated it to 1.14, the latest I could find on HP's site. 

The BIOS update somewhat fixed the GPU. I am now able to use the GPU using the Microsoft Basic Display Adapter, but not using any other driver. I have tried updating it automatically from NVIDIA, as MSI had suggested. I have also downloaded drivers manually to test, but no. They all lead to the same result of a black screen and unusable PC to the point I have to forcefully power it off. I was told the GPU was an MSI GT 710 by a tech group on Discord, and have researched to ensure that they were right. I still think they are. 

What would the issue be? 

*I marked this as Windows 10 even though this issue also occurs on Windows 8.1, haven't tried 7 due to support cutoff. 

[Prométhée · Accepted solution]

hi

@EternallySylver 

Sorry, but in 90% of cases, if you can't use a video card, only with the basic driver, that's what's faulty

a good way to check it, it might be to test it on another computer!

is the required power sufficient?
but I guess so, it must have worked before?

maybe it's time to replace it

Hardware Reference Guide - HP Compaq 8000 Elite Small Form Factor PC

Illustrated Parts & Service Map: HP Compaq 8000 Elite Small Form Factor Business PC

https://support.hp.com/us-en/product/hp-compaq-8000-elite-small-form-factor-pc/4065894/product-info

[TheOldMan]

That PC is very old.  According to the spec page, the MSI GT 710 was not part of the original choices and is a very low-end graphics addition- I would assume it was used to replace either a setup that did not have a graphics card or a failed graphics card.

https://support.hp.com/us-en/document/c01926347

Here is a thread concerning the same model and a graphics solution that is recommended.

https://h30434.www3.hp.com/t5/Desktop-Hardware-and-Upgrade-Questions/HP-Compaq-8000-Elite-Small-Form...

Here are some very inexpensive solutions

https://www.amazon.com/ATI-Radeon-Graphics-584081-001-584217-001/dp/B011AG7EMO

OR

https://www.amazon.com/ATI-Radeon-Profile-512MB-Video/dp/B00K1VFPT4/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=radeon+hd+46...

Both of those graphics cards are supported for that PC and should solve the situation.

[EternallySylver]

I didn't realise a dead GPU could run with the basic drivers. Oh well. Thanks. 

[Prométhée]

Yes, indeed, it may seem curious
one would think that if a graphics card no longer works, it will no longer work at all
but I have already encountered this case several times, where it can only work with the basic drivers
I guess in this case, it does not exploit all the gpu, and it allows to use it, but impossible to use the computer, normally!