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 system fails to boot.

A common failure mode of desktop graphics cards is bad VRAM (video RAM). Desktop GPUs typically have up to 24 GDDR or HBM memory chips. If any of these chips fail then problems can occur.

Helpful software known as MATS/MODS can be used to diagnose which chips, if any, are failing on an Nvidia GTX 900, GTX 1000, or RTX 2000 series GPU.


 * Tech Cemetery has produced a great guide on using MATS/MODS: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vP9ja6OYLAY
 * 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/