Troubleshooting GPU Issues on an Asus ROG Strix: A Personal Experience

Encountering hardware issues can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it comes to critical components like graphics processing units (GPUs). Recently, I faced a challenge with my Asus ROG Strix GL553VW laptop, which has been a reliable gaming companion for some time. This device is equipped with two GPUs: the integrated Intel HD Graphics 530 and a dedicated Nvidia GeForce GTX 960M. Unfortunately, I accidentally deleted the Nvidia GPU from the Device Manager, and to my dismay, it disappeared completely from my system.

No matter how many attempts I made to resolve the issue, the Nvidia GPU remained elusive. Here’s a summary of my troubleshooting efforts:

1. Manual Installation: I first tried extracting the Nvidia drivers and installing them manually, hoping to restore visibility to my GPU.

2. Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU): I used DDU in safe mode to cleanly remove any remnants of previous driver installations, followed by attempts to reinstall the drivers. However, the installation process did not recognize my GPU.

3. Windows Reset: In a bid to eradicate any software-related issues, I decided to reset my Windows 10 operating system.

4. BIOS Battery Reseating: I even took the step of removing and reinserting the BIOS battery, hoping it would help refresh the system.

Despite my best efforts—including multiple reboots and safe mode sessions—the Nvidia GPU continued to be absent from my system. Feeling overwhelmed and concerned that my laptop was rendered nearly unusable, I reached out for help, seeking advice and potential solutions.

Final Thoughts: After exhaustive troubleshooting, it became evident that the problem was not software-related but likely stemmed from hardware issues. I suspect there could be poor soldering from the manufacturer’s side, especially since this laptop is a second-hand model that is no longer under warranty. Faced with this reality, I have concluded that the most pragmatic choice is to invest in professional repairs.

I want to extend my gratitude to everyone who offered suggestions and support during this time. Sharing such experiences can be invaluable in uncovering solutions or, in my case, helpful insights into the complexities of hardware malfunctions. While my journey with this GPU issue has been challenging, I’m optimistic about getting it back to full operational status soon.