I'm in a bit of a pickle and need some advice. I've been using a Ryzen 4600G that has a broken pin, which I accidentally damaged while removing the stock cooler (thanks to some stubborn thermal paste). This pin primarily affects the audio outputs, so I've been using a USB headset as a workaround. Recently, my Galax GTX 1650 started having issues and eventually stopped outputting video altogether. After taking it to a couple of technicians, it was declared 'unfixable' at first, but one managed to get it working temporarily. However, it gives video output only for a short time before the screen goes black, with audio still working. The second technician mentioned that the PCI slot might be defective. In the meantime, I impulsively bought an RX 7600, which is arriving soon. My concern is: could I end up damaging my new graphics card by connecting it to this potentially faulty motherboard?
3 Answers
It's possible for a motherboard to damage a GPU, but it's pretty uncommon. Your main issue seems more tied to a bad PCIe slot or perhaps the power supply instead of that missing CPU pin. Before you hook up the RX 7600, double-check the PCIe slot and maybe test it with a different power supply. You don't want to risk your new card if the motherboard is truly failing.
Your GTX 1650 might have a failing VRM (voltage regulator module). That second technician who 'fixed' it probably just removed a failed component, but with a card that's already struggling, these quick fixes don't tend to hold up. Yes, a motherboard can potentially kill a GPU, but it's rare unless there's a short circuit, which wouldn’t be intermittent. It seems more likely your GPU is on its last legs.
I have a multimeter at home. Is there any test I can run to ensure I don't damage my new GPU?
Haha, I love that song. *Motherboard killed the video card. In our minds and in our hearts.* 🎶🎶
Actually, I found out my power supply is pretty bad too. I'm waiting for a better one to arrive!