Troubleshooting GPU Disappearance on an Asus ROG Strix GL553VW

Encountering issues with your laptop can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it involves critical components like the graphics processing unit (GPU). This was the case for one Asus ROG Strix GL553VW user who faced a head-scratching dilemma: their Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M had vanished from the device manager after an accidental removal. Here’s a closer look at their experience, the troubleshooting steps they undertook, and the eventual realization that it was a hardware issue.

The Hardware Setup

This laptop is equipped with dual GPUs: the Intel HD Graphics 530 and the Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M. After removing the Nvidia GPU from the device manager, the user noticed it no longer appeared, regardless of the numerous attempts made to rectify the situation.

Troubleshooting Attempts

Determined to restore their laptop’s functionality, the user explored several troubleshooting methods:

1. Manual Driver Installation: They attempted to unzip the Nvidia drivers and install them manually, hoping this would recognize the missing GPU.

2. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): The user utilized DDU in safe mode to completely remove the existing GPU drivers, followed by a fresh installation. Unfortunately, the installer did not recognize the GTX 960M.

3. Windows Reset: In an effort to eliminate any software-related issues, they performed a reset of Windows 10, expecting it might resolve the problem.

4. Reinserting BIOS Battery: As a final step, the user even removed and reinserted the BIOS battery, hoping to reset any underlying hardware settings.

Despite these extensive efforts, the Nvidia GPU remained untraceable, leading the user to seek further assistance.

A Hard Realization

After exhausting software-based solutions, the user was left in a difficult position. On further reflection, they acknowledged that the issue likely stemmed from hardware failure, possibly due to poor soldering during manufacturing. Being a second-hand device that had surpassed the manufacturer’s warranty period, the user decided that seeking professional repairs was the most viable option moving forward.

Conclusion

This experience underscores the importance of understanding the intricacies of hardware and troubleshooting effectively. While software issues can often be resolved with the right steps, sometimes the resolution lies within the hardware that requires specialized attention. If you find yourself in a similar predicament, don’t hesitate to consult a professional to diagnose and rectify hardware-related problems.

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