Work out which of four problems you have before changing anything: the card won’t fit the case or slot, it fits but isn’t seated or powered, the PC runs but the screen is blank, or Windows boots but doesn’t see the GPU or fails on drivers. Each has a different fix. Do the hardware checks first, because no driver can repair a card that isn’t seated or powered. Whatever you do, never force a card that won’t align or seat.
Step 1: Identify which problem you have
| Symptom | Likely class | Go to |
|---|---|---|
| Card hits the drive cage, side panel or another part, or the bracket won’t line up | Physical fit | Section 2 |
| Card is in, but the PC won’t start, shuts down, or fans don’t spin | Seating or power | Section 3 |
| PC seems to run, but the monitor says “no signal” or stays black | Display path | Section 4 |
| Windows loads but the card is missing, flagged, or the installer fails | Detection or driver | Section 5 |
Exact answers depend on your specific card and PC model numbers. Connector types and wattage requirements vary between cards and power supplies (PSUs), so none of the advice below replaces your component manuals.
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Step 2: The card physically does not fit
“Doesn’t fit” can mean several things. Identify which one before buying anything.
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- Length: compare the card’s published length with the maximum GPU clearance in your case’s specifications. Allow for front fans, radiators or drive cages in the way.
- Height and thickness: a thick card can cover neighbouring slots, or a tall one can press against the side panel.
- Slot access: confirm the motherboard has a suitable PCIe slot free, and that nothing in the neighbouring slots blocks the card or its rear bracket.
Published dimensions for an unspecified card and case can’t be given here. Use the manufacturer’s spec sheets for both.
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What not to do
Don’t bend the card, the bracket or the slot, and don’t push hard to make it go in. If the card can’t be aligned without force, stop. The realistic options are a different case layout (removing a removable drive cage, if your case’s manual allows it) or exchanging for a card that suits the case.
Step 3: It fits, but won’t seat or power on
Shut the PC down and disconnect it from mains power before opening it. Then:
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- Align the card with the primary PCIe slot and make sure it is fully seated, then secure the rear bracket to the case.
- Connect every power lead your specific card requires, pushing each plug in fully.
- Confirm the PSU meets the card’s and system’s requirements and that you are using the correct PSU cables.
- If a PCIe riser cable is in use, remove it for testing and connect the card directly to the motherboard’s primary slot.
This follows AMD’s general troubleshooting guidance on correct installation, secure PCIe power connections, PSU requirements and removing risers: AMD, Troubleshooting Tips for Resolving System Stability Issues and AMD, Troubleshooting System Stability Issues. AMD’s pages also cover reseating and swapping in known-good parts where practical.
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Step 4: The PC starts but the screen is blank
- Check the monitor is powered on and set to the input you’re using.
- Make sure the cable is plugged into an output on the new graphics card, not the motherboard’s video ports.
- Reseat the cable at both ends.
- Try another known-good, compatible HDMI or DisplayPort cable.
- Try a different output on the card, if it has one.
- Test the monitor on another system to rule out the display itself.
These checks match Microsoft’s guidance in Troubleshoot external monitor connections in Windows and Troubleshooting blank screens in Windows.
If Windows seems to be running
Press Windows + Ctrl + Shift + B to reset the graphics driver, as documented in Microsoft’s screen flickering guide. A restart can also help. If the trouble began after a driver update, check whether rollback is available; otherwise reinstall the display driver following the device maker’s instructions.
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Step 5: Windows doesn’t detect the card, or the driver won’t install
Open Device Manager and expand Display adapters. Look for your card, and for any device with a warning icon. If the card isn’t listed at all, return to Section 3: it is probably a seating or power issue, not software.
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AMD Error 173
This error means AMD’s installer found no AMD graphics hardware. AMD’s stated next step is to ensure the product is correctly installed and recognized by the operating system, and check Device Manager for conflicts before running setup again. See AMD’s Error 173 article.
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Getting the right driver
For supported AMD products, AMD’s Auto-Detect and Install tool checks compatible AMD graphics and chipset hardware and your Windows version, then offers the matching driver package. AMD’s article (last updated June 2, 2025) lists Windows 11 version 21H2 and later and 64-bit Windows 10 version 1809 and later. Support lists change, so check AMD’s current page. For other brands, download from the card maker’s support page for your exact model.
When to stop and get help
- The card can’t be aligned or seated without force.
- The power connector doesn’t match.
- You can’t confirm the PSU meets the requirements.
- The PC repeatedly shuts down or is unstable after installation.
Reseating, known-good swap tests and PSU checks are fair game if you’re comfortable inside a PC; otherwise a repair technician can do them.
If you need to exchange the card
Before choosing a replacement, compare these against your own system:
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Quick Recap
- Card length, height and slot thickness versus case clearance
- Free motherboard slot and neighbouring-slot space
- PSU capacity and the card’s required connectors
- Output types versus your monitor’s inputs
- Driver and Windows support
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