The Nvidia GPU appears in the BIOS, but Windows won't let me use it. HDMI output doesn't work, and GPU-intensive applications fail. I've already restarted after removing the drivers, performed manual driver installations, and reinstalled them repeatedly through Nvidia's software. Device Manager reports: "Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43)." Does this mean the GPU has failed, or are there other checks I should try first?
2 Answers
Code 43 can indicate a driver problem, but if you’ve already done several clean driver removals and reinstallations, a hardware fault becomes much more likely. Before declaring the card dead, shut the system down, reseat the GPU, and make sure every PCIe power connector is fully inserted. If it’s a desktop, also try another slot or another set of power cables if available.
The best confirmation is to test the GPU in another compatible computer. If it shows Code 43 there too, the card itself is almost certainly failing and would need repair or an RMA if it’s still under warranty. If this is a laptop GPU, don’t attempt hot-swapping it; those chips are normally soldered in, so the practical options are warranty service or professional repair.
So it’s probably gone at this point?