Nvidia

How to Resolve RTX 4070 Not Being Detected

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It sounds like you’re dealing with an intermittent issue where your RTX 4070 is randomly detected by your system after long shutdowns or sleep, despite multiple troubleshooting steps. This kind of problem is tricky, as it could stem from a combination of hardware, BIOS, and software issues. However, based on your extensive troubleshooting, there are still a few avenues to explore that could potentially resolve the issue or narrow down the cause.

Steps to Resolve RTX 4070 Not Being Detected:

1. Double-Check BIOS Settings

Given that the system sometimes detects the GPU when entering the BIOS (specifically when using M-Flash), it’s possible that certain BIOS settings may not be saving or are resetting improperly after long shutdowns. Here’s what you can try:

  • Ensure PEG is the Primary Display Adapter:
    In the BIOS, ensure that the Primary Graphics Adapter is set to PEG (PCI-Express Graphics) rather than IGP (Integrated Graphics Processor). This will force the motherboard to prioritize the GPU over the iGPU. Steps:
  • Enter BIOS (Delete or F2 on startup).
  • Go to Advanced Settings.
  • Under Integrated Graphics Configuration, set Primary Display to PEG or PCIe (whichever is available).
  • Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module):
    Disabling CSM can resolve detection issues with GPUs in modern UEFI systems.
  • In the BIOS, go to the Boot section.
  • Disable CSM (Compatibility Support Module).
  • Reconfigure PCIe Settings:
    Set the PCIe lane to Gen3 or Gen4. Sometimes, mismatches in PCIe versions between the motherboard and GPU can cause detection problems.
  • In the BIOS, navigate to PCIe Configuration.
  • Set PCIe Lanes from Auto to Gen4 or Gen3, and test.

2. Power Supply Issues

Even though you’ve confirmed your PSU is working, the Corsair RM850X may still be worth a second look, as power delivery inconsistencies can cause components like the GPU to fail intermittently.

  • Ensure the GPU is getting sufficient power:
    Double-check that both 8-pin PCIe connectors are plugged securely into the GPU. Additionally, try using a different set of PCIe power cables or ports from the PSU.
  • Test with Another PSU:
    If possible, borrow a PSU with similar wattage to see if the GPU behaves more consistently. Sometimes, even functional PSUs can have quirks in power delivery affecting the GPU.

3. GPU Slot and Lane

Intermittent detection could be due to a loose or damaged connection between the GPU and motherboard.

  • Reseat the GPU:
    Reseat the RTX 4070 by carefully removing it and reinserting it into the primary PCIe slot. Ensure that the GPU is sitting flat and properly clicked into place.
  • Test in a Different PCIe Slot:
    If reseating doesn’t work, try moving the GPU to a different PCIe slot (if available), as the primary PCIe slot may be faulty.
  • Check for Physical Damage:
    Examine the GPU and PCIe slot for any signs of physical damage or dust buildup. Sometimes, a misaligned GPU can cause intermittent detection.

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4. Windows Power Management Settings

It’s possible that your system’s power management settings are interfering with how the GPU is detected after sleep or long shutdowns.

  • Disable Fast Startup:
    Fast startup can sometimes cause problems with hardware detection, especially with GPUs.
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Choose what the power buttons do.
  • Click Change settings that are currently unavailable.
  • Uncheck Turn on fast startup (recommended).
  • Adjust PCIe Link State Power Management:
    Disable any power-saving features that might affect PCIe slots.
  • Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Change plan settings.
  • Click Change advanced power settings.
  • Under PCI Express, set Link State Power Management to Off.

5. Firmware and Driver Conflicts

You’ve already tried multiple BIOS updates and clean OS installations, but the problem could still stem from an inconsistency in the firmware or drivers. Here’s what to try next:

  • GPU Firmware Update:
    NVIDIA has released firmware updates for certain RTX GPUs to address issues with compatibility in UEFI systems. Head to the NVIDIA website to check if your RTX 4070 requires a firmware update.
  • Test with Older Drivers:
    Even though the latest drivers should, in theory, be better, sometimes older drivers are more stable for certain hardware configurations.
  • Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) in safe mode to completely remove existing drivers.
  • Download an older version of the NVIDIA drivers (search for a stable version that matches the timeframe when your system worked properly).
  • Install Chipset Drivers:
    Ensure you have the latest AMD chipset drivers installed from MSI’s website or AMD’s official page, as these could affect PCIe lane stability.

6. Test the GPU in Another System

If you can, test the RTX 4070 in another system to confirm whether the GPU itself is faulty. If it works perfectly in another machine, then the problem is likely with your motherboard or power delivery.

Conversely, if the GPU has issues in another system, it’s more likely that the GPU is at fault and may need repair or replacement.

7. Long-Term Sleep/Shut Down Issue

Since the GPU works after a clean install or short restarts but fails after long shutdowns, this could suggest a deep sleep power state issue:

  • Turn Off Hybrid Sleep:
    Go to Control Panel > Power Options > Advanced Settings > Sleep, and disable Hybrid Sleep.
  • Disable Hibernation:
    Open Command Prompt (Admin) and type:
  powercfg -h off

This will disable hibernation, which could help prevent GPU detection issues after long periods of sleep.

8. BIOS Battery (CMOS Battery)

If your system keeps losing settings after shutdowns, the CMOS battery could be failing. This can lead to BIOS settings being reset, including any settings related to GPU detection.

  • Replace the CMOS Battery:
    Try replacing the CMOS battery (usually a CR2032 battery) on the motherboard. It’s a cheap and quick fix that can resolve BIOS-related problems.

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Final Thoughts

Since the issue seems to revolve around intermittent detection, it’s likely related to a power management issue, faulty BIOS settings, or a hardware connection problem. Given that it works after certain resets or BIOS flashes, your troubleshooting should focus on the PCIe connection, power delivery, and power settings.

If these steps still don’t resolve the issue, it might be worth considering an RMA (Return Merchandise Authorization) for either the GPU or the motherboard, especially if the problem persists after trying these fixes in another system.

By following the above steps, you should be able to isolate the cause and hopefully return your system to its fully functional glory.