Graphics card not recognized by system but outputing to display

[Dr. Prop]

I have a 2013 Alienware Aurora R4 deskop. It has run near flawlessly since I got it.

 

Specs:

CPU: Intel Core i7-4960X

GPU(s): 2X Nvidia GeForce GTX 780 in SLI

Motherboard: Alienware proprietary

Ram: 32 GB DDR3, Unknown make

Samsung 860 EVO SSD (1TB) Boot Drive

Running Windows 10

 

Problem(s):

• When both graphics cards are in (call them card 1 and card 2) computer boots to a black screen. This is true for card 1 on top with card 2 on bottom or card 2 on top with card 1 on bottom. Switching which GPU the hdmi cord is plugged into doesn't help. Reversing the direction of the SLI bridge doesn't help. 
• When card 1 is plugged in to either the top or bottom slot, output to display from the card's hdmi port is fine, and I can boot into windows normally, but task manager does not list a GPU under the performance tab.
  • These results are identical when card 2 is plugged into the top or bottom slot
  • Geforce Experience won't let me navigate off the drivers tab, indicating it doesn't see a GPU either.
  • When I booted into the bios in this config, I didn't see the graphics card listed either
• When I start it with the power button (independent of GPU configuration), the fans immediately ramp up to full
  • The Alienware Command center can usually be used to reduce the full fan setting after booting into windows

Drivers:

• The drivers are either what windows deems appropriate or updated via GeForce Experience. They are up to date according to GeForce Experience.

 

 

My Thoughts:

• I think one of my graphics cards is busted, but I can't debug without resolving why I can get output to display with the hdmi cord plugged into the graphics card without the OS recognizing the card. Can the card act as a passthrough some how?
• I imagine the fan issue is a separate issue

 

The Questions:

 

What do you think is broken here, what else can I try, and why am I able to get output from a graphics card the OS/bios doesn't see?

[Prodigy_Smit]

Did you post this earlier today?

[Dr. Prop]

14 minutes ago, Smit Devrukhkar said:

Did you post this earlier today?

@Smit Devrukhkar Yesterday yes. I won't post third time, but I posted at a very inopportune time, and my post got buried overnight. I doubt that string will get any more responses. Any links to similar issues/other troubleshooting advise is appreciated.

[Prodigy_Smit]

3 minutes ago, Dr. Prop said:

@Smit Devrukhkar Yesterday yes. I won't post third time, but I posted at a very inopportune time, and my post got buried overnight. I doubt that string will get any more responses. Any links to similar issues/other troubleshooting advise is appreciated.

oh ok cool. Either way what PSU do you have?

[Dr. Prop]

1 minute ago, Smit Devrukhkar said:

oh ok cool. Either way what PSU do you have?

The computer came as a prebuilt from Dell, so I'm not sure. The PSU/PSU compartment is not easily accessible, but I can find out if you really think it's a PSU issue.

 

Given that I can get it to boot, and I can't identify any component that isn't receiving power, I doubt its a PSU issue.

[Guest]

Previous thread for reference.

[Dr. Prop]

7 minutes ago, ShrimpBrime said:

Previous thread for reference.

@ShrimpBrime does my improved explanation of symptoms help at all?

[Guest]

49 minutes ago, Dr. Prop said:

@ShrimpBrime does my improved explanation of symptoms help at all?

Yes actually.

 

One thing you can try is a fresh windows installation and se if W10 detects and installs drivers for the card or cards. (I'd try one at a time).

 

Once concluded the new OS gives similar results, I would try each card in a different PC to be sure they are operation. If so and drivers are successful, would move on to diagnose any mainboard issues perhaps by trying a different gpu altogether.

[Dr. Prop]

Update: Reinstalling Windows 10 and the Alienware Control Center software worked.

 

I am currently running the computer successfully with 1 graphics card installed. The graphics card is listed in task manager. I have not tried to revert to SLI configuration yet.

 

Reinstalling Alienware Command Center fixed my computer turning into a hair dryer when on.

[Guest]

1 hour ago, Dr. Prop said:

Update: Reinstalling Windows 10 and the Alienware Control Center software worked.

 

I am currently running the computer successfully with 1 graphics card installed. The graphics card is listed in task manager. I have not tried to revert to SLI configuration yet.

 

Reinstalling Alienware Command Center fixed my computer turning into a hair dryer when on.

Good to hear! hopefully the SLI works as it should and you're all set. 

[Dr. Prop]

On 12/17/2020 at 8:18 PM, ShrimpBrime said:

Good to hear! hopefully the SLI works as it should and you're all set. 

Another update: SLI works fine thankfully.