My brand-new RTX 5080 suddenly caused the computer to shut off during a gaming session. Now, whenever the card is installed, the system loses power almost immediately after pressing the power button, before Windows can start. This seems to be triggering the power supply's short-circuit protection. With the graphics card removed and the other components connected, the PC boots into Windows and remains completely stable. What should I check before deciding whether the card needs to be replaced?
3 Answers
Before blaming the card with absolute certainty, inspect the PCIe slot and the card's connector for debris, scorching, bent contacts, or other physical damage. If your motherboard has another full-length slot, you could try it there, or test the slot with a known-good GPU. Since the PC is stable without the 5080, the card is the most likely culprit, but checking the motherboard slot helps rule out collateral damage.
The 1500W Platinum power supply you mentioned has far more than enough capacity for this setup, so insufficient wattage is unlikely. Still, make sure the card's power connector is fully seated and that you're using the correct native cable supplied for the PSU rather than an unsuitable adapter. If the shutdown happens with the connector installed correctly, stop repeatedly testing it and arrange an RMA.
This strongly points to a failed graphics card, so a warranty replacement or RMA is the sensible next step. A new card that causes an immediate protection shutdown should not be used further.
I don't have several spare graphics cards available, but I can inspect the slot and connectors and try another slot if the motherboard supports it.