Need Help with GPU Detection and No Display Issue — Trying to Avoid RMA

[Jonelk]

1. Hello,
2.  
3. I recently bought a second-hand PC that came without a GPU. I had a GTX 950 on hand, which worked fine and showed that the computer was functioning properly.
4.  
5. Since I wanted to use the PC for gaming, I bought a used RTX 3060 8GB PNY Verto. Here’s my setup:
6. • CPU: Ryzen 9 5900X
7. • Motherboard: X570 Aorus Elite
8. • RAM: 32GB
9. • PSU: Corsair 700W Gold (original) / Corsair TX 650W Gold (tested)
10. • GPUs: GTX 950 and RTX 3060
11.  
12. The problem:
13. • When I first installed the RTX 3060, the computer had the same issue I’m experiencing now — no display, though the fans spin and the GPU LED is on.
14. • I managed to fix it previously by turning off the PSU, draining the power (holding the power button), and then turning the PSU back on. That worked at the time.
15. • Now, when I try to turn my PC on after it’s been off (e.g., overnight), I get no display again.
16. • I tried installing the GTX 950 alongside the RTX 3060 — the system boots into Windows, but the RTX 3060 is not detected in Device Manager at all.
17. • Thinking the PSU might be the issue, I swapped to a Corsair TX 650W Gold, connected the 24-pin to the motherboard and the 8-pin to the GPU, but the issue persists.
18. • I also tried removing the CMOS battery to reset, but still no change.
19.  
20. Things I’ve tried so far:
21. Reseating the RTX 3060 multiple times, checking all power connections.
22. Using different PCIe power cables and even switching to another PSU.
23. Clearing the CMOS (battery out for 5-10 minutes) and resetting.
24. Trying the GPU in different PCIe slots.
25. Booting with only the RTX 3060 installed (no GTX 950).
26. Checking Device Manager — the RTX 3060 isn’t detected at all.
27. Using DDU (Display Driver Uninstaller) to remove all GPU drivers and reinstalling NVIDIA drivers cleanly.
28.  
29. What I’m hoping to figure out:
30. I’m really trying to rule out any possibility that this isn’t a GPU fault before I RMA it. Since the RTX 3060 is used, I’m aware there’s a higher chance of hardware issues, but I want to be absolutely sure. The card is under warranty until March 8th, so I need to confirm if the GPU is defective before the warranty expires.
31.  
32. Is there anything else I can check — like motherboard PCIe slot issues or power delivery problems — before concluding that the RTX 3060 is faulty?
33.  
34. Any advice or suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
35.  
36. Thanks in advance!

[Robchil]

what can be a problem with new pc's are the UEFI config not resetting, then locking out the new part you installed. 

try removing the drive you have windows on as well. and all other drives to just boot into bios. 

sometimes booting without the GPU helps to reset it too, then install the GPU and see if it gives a picture. just remember to drain all power between attempts and when installing/removing GPU.