New RTX 5070 Ti turns our PC into a reboot loop machine, what did we mess up?

Title: Troubleshooting a Reboot Loop After Installing the RTX 5070 Ti: Common Pitfalls and Solutions

Introduction:

Upgrading your graphics card can be an exciting experience, but it occasionally leads to unexpected issues. Recently, a fortunate winner received an RTX 5070 Ti through a sweepstakes, and upon installing it, encountered an endless reboot cycle. If you find yourself in a similar situation, read on to understand possible causes and effective troubleshooting steps.

Case Overview:

After installing the new RTX 5070 Ti, the system fails to boot properly. Instead of starting up normally, the PC begins a continuous reboot loop: fans spin briefly, then power down momentarily before restarting, with no successful boot. Interestingly, switching back to the previous GPU restores normal operation.

Diagnosed Components and Conditions:

Power Supply: 750W Gold-certified PSU, all cables properly connected, including the large PCIe power connector.
Memory: Unaltered RAM modules.
BIOS: An older version, which might impact hardware compatibility.
Hardware Environment: Typical desktop configuration.

Potential Causes and Troubleshooting Steps:

BIOS Compatibility and Firmware Updates

An outdated BIOS can sometimes cause issues with newer or high-end GPUs. Check the motherboard manufacturer’s website for the latest BIOS version and update accordingly. This can improve compatibility with new graphics cards, especially if they utilize recent PCIe standards or firmware.

Power Delivery and PSU Adequacy

While a 750W Gold PSU generally provides sufficient power, high-performance GPUs like the RTX 5070 Ti may have specific power requirements. Ensure the PSU can deliver consistent power under load, and verify all PCIe power connectors are securely attached. Testing with another power supply, if available, can rule out PSU limitations.

PCIe Slot and Compatibility Settings

Confirm that the GPU is correctly seated in the PCIe slot. Also, examine BIOS settings related to PCIe configurations—such as PCIe generation mode (Auto, Gen3, Gen4)—to ensure they align with the GPU’s specifications. Resetting BIOS settings to default after updating can sometimes resolve conflicts.

Driver and Software Considerations

While the system may not boot fully, attempting to boot in Safe Mode and uninstalling previous graphics drivers can help. Once the system recognizes the new GPU, install the latest drivers directly from NVIDIA’s official website.