Random GPU death?

[KingTdiGGiTTy]

My system was running, I used it in the morning and when I came back it wouldn't display anything after going to sleep. So, I tried to restart it. I got no display, but the post codes read as normal. I took out my graphics card and cleaned it, and replaced the past. I put it back in and the same thing happened. The fans on the card are not spinning, I noticed, but there is power in the card because the "push to overclock" button lights up when I press it. I reset the CMOS with a jumper and then by removing the battery. Now I started to get post codes, first d7. I couldn't figure that one out so I reset CMOS again and now I am getting code B2 which means that their is a problem with something plugged into PCIe, since my graphics card is the only thing connected, I guess that must be the problem.

However, I don't understand what could cause my only my GPU to die while my system was booted and running as normal.

 

Thinkstation s30 Motherboard

Intel Xeon E5-2680

32GB of Samsung DDR3 1066 ECC

AMD Sapphire Nitro+ R9 390 tri-fan

1 TB HDD & Adata SU650 SSD 120 GB

 

I'm currently waiting for a friend to deliver their extra GPU so I can test it, but until then, what could have killed my Graphics Card?

[Skiiwee29]

does your board have a 2nd PCIe slot? Try it if you do?

[KingTdiGGiTTy]

Just now, Skiiwee29 said:

does your board have a 2nd PCIe slot? Try it if you do?

I did try this. Nothing happened, same codes and no fan spin on the GPU

[KingTdiGGiTTy]

Okay I've gotten a test GPU and it posted, which is a disappointment because it would've been way better to replace my motherboard. 

But, I still don't understand what killed my GPU or how to avoid it happening again.

[Skiiwee29]

1 hour ago, KingTdiGGiTTy said:

Okay I've gotten a test GPU and it posted, which is a disappointment because it would've been way better to replace my motherboard. 

But, I still don't understand what killed my GPU or how to avoid it happening again.

Usually what happens is the solder ball that attaches the GPU die to the PCB comes loose. You can sometimes reflow them with a baking method or send it off to a professional who has the proper equipment to reflow a GPU die, but generally its not worth the the time or hassle as its usually on a card thats well past its life span.