Nvidia


 * This page is an overview of Nvidia products and their common issues. For the specifics of Nvidia-branded reference graphics card models, see Nvidia Founders Edition GPUs.

Nvidia is a designer of graphics cards for desktop computers, mobile devices, and their own custom SoCs. Nvidia primarily creates reference GPU designs which are then extended and mass-produced by their board partners, however they also sell GPUs to end consumers under the Founders Edition label.

= Graphics Card Generations =


 * This list omits ancient generations unlikely to be encountered in semi-modern systems.

= Memory Diagnosis with MATS/MODS =

Symptoms: Graphical output is corrupted or missing or the monitor outputs backlight with no picture.

When video memory fails -depending on the damage-, can cause crashing, artifacts, un-stability, or just prevents the GPU from outputting a video in the first place.

Why VRAM fails in the first place? Well, there are multiple possibilities. It could be that it's a manufacturing error or VRAM kept running too hot for too long (i.e. mining with badly cooled cards) or in some cases the VRAM was overvolted which degrades the silicon over tim.

Nvidia has a proprietary software tool called MODS (Nvidia MOdular Diagnostic Software) which has a standalone VRAM test called MATS. How to use MATS can be found below.


 * Here is a written guide on how to use MATS Nvidia Memory Testing Guide.
 * Here is a video by MV TechLabs on How to set up and use MATS
 * Overview of MATS/MODS: https://rk.edu.pl/en/nvidia-modular-diagnostic-software-mods/

= BIOS Flashing =

Symptoms: Graphics card fans spin but no output.

Often a dead graphics card can be brought back to life by reflashing the appropriate VBIOS image to its ROM chip. Occasionally end users will flash a buggy BIOS image with the aim of improving performance or for special applications such as power optimized cryptocurrency mining. If users flash a bad BIOS, they often lack the expertise to restore a working image.

Depending on the damage it may be necessary to remove the BIOS ROM chip from the GPU to flash it using a standalone programmer.


 * Eli Tech video example of VBIOS removal, flashing, and replacement: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0qi4DT_d1u0
 * TechPowerUp database of flashable VBIOS files: https://www.techpowerup.com/vgabios/

= Clean reinstall of GPU drivers =

Sometimes GPU drivers are faulty or conflict, and uninstalling them from device manager might not be enough.
 * Maraksot's video on how to use DDU: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xn8z39tiEL0
 * DDU download link: https://www.guru3d.com/files-details/display-driver-uninstaller-download.html

If Windows reinstalls or updates to a faulty GPU driver you might need to use a diagcab file.
 * Microsoft support page instructions: https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/how-to-temporarily-prevent-a-driver-update-from-reinstalling-in-windows-10-17df0ef3-7480-36e9-0ed9-118351398897 (They removed the file download).
 * wushowhide.diagcab download (non official): https://www.tenforums.com/attachments/tutorials/24527d1436971294-hide-show-windows-updates-windows-10-a-wushowhide.zip