Troubleshooting a Silent GPU: A Journey into IT Frustration

As an IT professional, diving into hardware issues should usually feel like second nature. However, there are moments when even the most seasoned techies encounter perplexing challenges that test their problem-solving skills. Recently, I found myself in just such a situation with a laptop equipped with an Nvidia 3060 graphics card, which had initially been a reliable performer until it suddenly decided to stop working.

After purchasing this used laptop from my workplace, I enjoyed seamless performance for about two weeks. Everything changed when I noticed that the GPU had fallen silent, failing to operate as expected. Despite my background, I found myself at a loss. To remedy the situation, I embarked on a systematic troubleshooting spree that included the following:

1. Driver Reinstallation: I began by uninstalling and then reinstalling the latest graphics drivers, hoping to refresh the connection between the hardware and the software.
2. BIOS Updates: I eagerly checked for any updates to the BIOS, presuming that outdated firmware could be the culprit. I applied the latest version with a hopeful heart.
3. Rolling Back Changes: In a cautious effort to restore functionality, I reverted both BIOS and Windows updates in case newer versions introduced conflicts.
4. Exploring Previous Driver Versions: I also tried to uninstall the existing drivers and returned to older versions, clinging to the belief that an earlier driver might rekindle the GPU’s performance.
5. Operating System Reinstallation: Finally, I took the bold step of completely reinstalling Windows in a last-ditch attempt to eliminate any software-related issues.

Despite these exhaustive efforts, the graphics card remained visible in Device Manager, yet it appeared to be invisible to any other software application. Frustration mounted as I pondered what next steps to take.

Now, I turn to you, the community: Has anyone experienced a similar issue with an Nvidia 3060 or a comparable GPU? What potential solutions would you recommend that I may have overlooked? Your insights could be the key to unlocking this ongoing conundrum.