I bought a used 2080 Super on Facebook Marketplace for $140 after negotiating it down from $180. Usually, I have no issues buying used GPUs, but this time seems different. I'm currently using a GTX 1080, which works perfectly, but when I installed the 2080 Super, my monitor showed 'unable to read.' The fans on the 2080 don't spin up like they do on the 1080. I've updated the BIOS on my Aorus Z370 Gaming 3 motherboard, but the 2080 still doesn't register with either the DisplayPort or HDMI cables. Am I just out of luck, or is there a chance I can fix this?
7 Answers
It's not uncommon for 2080s to have issues with HDMI or DisplayPort. Make sure to check all the ports. But if the fans aren’t spinning at all, that could indicate more serious problems. Also, double-check that the PCIe power cables are securely connected to the GPU.
Honestly, it might just be cheaper to buy a new one. That could save you a lot of hassle.
If you’ve got enough power and the 1080 works fine, it might be bad news. Still, you could try cleaning the GPU contacts and checking the fan connection. Cracking it open could reveal something, but if you don’t know how to fix it, that might be tough.
You're probably not getting a refund, so why not take a look inside? Learning experience, right? Just remember, next time, test it out before you hand over the cash. Bring a spare setup to check if you can.
Yeah, but who actually carries a second PC to a seller for testing? It’s not always practical.
Can you clarify what's wrong? We're missing some details here. What exactly seems to be the issue with the GPU?
Sorry, I'm a bit stressed about this! Let me provide more info.
Did you connect all the necessary power connectors? The 2080 needs more power than the 1080. If it requires an 8-pin and a 6-pin, make sure they're hooked up properly. Also, check the ports for any issues; there's even a USB-C port you could experiment with, although gaming through that might not be ideal.
Check your BIOS settings as well, there might be something affecting your GPU. You can also run the monitor through your CPU while the 2080 is installed to see if your system recognizes it. If you opt to clean or repair, there are plenty of online tutorials that can guide you through it. Just try to match your tools and materials properly!

Is there any way to test this without moving it to another PC? It’s such a chore. Can a voltmeter help?