I recently bought a Palit RTX 3050 at a great discount to upgrade from my old 1050, planning to game at 1080p. However, after installing the new GPU and connecting the PCIe cable, my PC doesn't turn on at all—it seems to short circuit. The old GPU works perfectly fine, so I'm puzzled. I've tried removing the CMOS battery and updating the BIOS, but no luck. My PC starts without the PCIe cable connected, but it won't boot. Could my new GPU be faulty? Or is my 650W power supply not sufficient?
2 Answers
It doesn't sound like a typical power supply issue, especially since you confirmed the old GPU works fine. However, if the PCIe connection isn't solid, that might cause problems. If you're able to, try reseating the GPU and ensure that it's locked in place properly. If the card is new and you have a warranty, don't hesitate to contact the seller to discuss the possibility of a replacement just in case it's defective. Better safe than sorry!
First, check the exact brand of your PSU. It's crucial that the PCIe power connector is plugged in correctly—make sure it’s actually the right one for the GPU and not the CPU connector, or you risk damaging the card. That said, if you’re using non-modular cables, it’s a bit tricky to tell if everything is seated properly. Just to be safe, it might be worth looking into a better PSU if that’s an off-brand. Your setup really shouldn’t draw too much power, but safety first!

Related Questions
Lenovo Thinkpad Stuck In Update Loop Install FilterDriverU2_Reload