Troubleshooting Nvidia GPU Issues on an Asus ROG Strix GL553VW

As technology continues to evolve, so do the challenges we face with our devices. Recently, I encountered a significant issue with my Asus ROG Strix GL553VW laptop, which features both Intel HD Graphics 530 and Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M GPUs. After accidentally removing the Nvidia GPU from the Device Manager, it has seemingly vanished from my system, despite numerous troubleshooting efforts.

The Troubleshooting Journey

In my quest to restore functionality to my laptop, I tried several methods:

1. Manual Installation of Drivers: After unzipping the Nvidia drivers, I attempted to install the necessary components manually. Unfortunately, this did not yield any results.

2. Utilizing Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): I ran DDU in safe mode to eliminate any residual drivers before attempting to reinstall the latest versions. Regrettably, the installer failed to recognize my GPU.

3. Resetting Windows 10: In hopes of resolving any software conflicts, I chose to reset my Windows 10 installation, but this also did not rectify the issue.

4. BIOS Battery Reseating: I even went as far as to reinsert the BIOS battery, believing it might help in recognizing the missing GPU, yet the problem persisted.

The Realization

After exhausting all software-related troubleshooting options, I came to a difficult conclusion: this issue is likely hardware-related. Given that my laptop is a second-hand unit and beyond its original manufacturer’s warranty, the problem appears to stem from subpar soldering during its production.

The Next Steps

Faced with a laptop that has become nearly unusable, I’ve determined that seeking professional repair services is the most prudent course of action. Although it’s disappointing to face such challenges with technology, sometimes, it’s best to invest in a quality repair to restore functionality.

I appreciate all the advice and insights provided by the community throughout this process. It’s reassuring to know that I’m not alone in navigating these technical hurdles. If you’re experiencing similar issues, remember that sometimes the best solution lies beyond DIY fixes and requires professional intervention.