monitor doesn’t detect my computer after replacing hard drive

Troubleshooting Guide: Monitor Not Detecting PC After Hard Drive Replacement

Encountering connectivity issues after hardware upgrades can be quite frustrating. If you’ve recently replaced your computer’s hard drive and find that your monitor is no longer detecting your system, this comprehensive guide aims to help you identify and resolve the problem effectively.

Understanding the Issue

Based on the details provided:

• The GPU appears to be functioning normally; the fan is spinning.
• The monitor is not detecting any input—it’s not displaying a black screen but shows no signal.
• Peripheral indicators such as keyboard and mouse lights remain active, indicating power.
• The new SSD is brand new; no operating system or data has been installed yet.
• System specifications include 8GB RAM, GTX 1080 graphics card, and a WD Green 240GB SSD (previously a 120GB that was broken).

Potential Causes

Several common issues could lead to this problem:

1. Loose or Improper Cable Connections
2. Incorrect or Unsecured Hardware Installation
3. BIOS/UEFI Detection Settings
4. GPU Seating and Power Connections
5. Display Output Selection
6. Compatibility or Faulty Hardware Components

Step-by-Step Troubleshooting

1. Check Cable Connections
   Ensure that the video cable (HDMI, DisplayPort, DVI, etc.) is securely connected to both the GPU and the monitor. Try using a different cable or port to rule out faulty cables or ports.

2. Verify GPU Seating and Power
   Power down your system, unplug it from the power source, and carefully reseat the GTX 1080 graphics card. Make sure all auxiliary power connectors are firmly attached.

3. Inspect Hardware Changes
   Since you’ve replaced the SSD, double-check that all other internal components, especially RAM modules, are properly seated. If necessary, re-seat RAM sticks and ensure no components have been dislodged.

4. Test with a Different Display or Connection
   Connect your system to another monitor or TV if available. Similarly, try different video output ports on the GPU to rule out port-specific issues.

5. Enter BIOS/UEFI Settings
   If your monitor displays no signal, you may need to access your BIOS to confirm the primary display output settings. This might require connecting via integrated graphics if available, or resetting BIOS to default.

6. Reset CMOS
   Perform a motherboard