Question GPU dead after windows update

[Notveryhappy]

Specs:
CPU Intel i5-2400
GPU EVGA GTX 970 SC ACX 2.0
RAM 8 GB Corsair Vengeance
MOBO Asus P8H61 Pro
PSU BeQuiet 630W
Windows 11

So I was playing a game and alt tabbed to another window but it brought me to the desktop. Everything was frozen but I could still use alt tab which didn't work. That rules out the GPU freezing so it's probably a software issue.

I force shut down my PC and started it again, before booting into the OS Windows had some updates to do. After they were done my log in screen was completely frozen, I had video output but no input would work.

I restarted my PC again which resulted in "no bootable device". I sorted that out by putting Windows Boot Manager on boot priority. I got the recovery screen where I choose to uninstall the latest quality update. After that it booted to windows and everything was working.

I put my PC back together because I was troubleshooting I thought the SSD might've been the issue. When I turned my PC on again I was facing some issues which I've never witnessed before. (Keep in mind I didn't mess with the GPU at all)
First attempt to boot made the GPU fans spin at 100% constantly. After that other attempts to boot resulted in the fans not turning, you could see them try to turn but it wasn't working properly it's like they were struggling. I was really out of ideas so I switched on (physical switch pretty old Mobo) Intel turbo. That made it work and boot normally once but never again.

Also there's not been any GPU output since then. I checked the fan connector it was connected securely. The rest of the PC doesn't have any anomalies while booting.
I'm really lost here I've fixed this PC numerous times but this one might be it. I legit have no idea what happened. Before this GPU didn't show any signs of dying.

 

[Eximo]

How old is the PSU? Might be struggling to power the GPU.

GTX 970 is pretty old at this point, so no reason it couldn't have failed as part of your initial issues, or just coincidentally.

At this point I would maybe do one last attempt at complete disassembly and reassembly with minimal components to see how it goes.

I would certainly say it is time for a new platform regardless.

PCPartPicker Part List

CPU: Intel Core i3-12100 3.3 GHz Quad-Core Processor ($113.58 @ Newegg)
Motherboard: Gigabyte Z790 S WIFI DDR4 (rev. 1.0) ATX LGA1700 Motherboard ($119.00 @ Amazon)
Memory: Silicon Power GAMING 32 GB (2 x 16 GB) DDR4-3200 CL16 Memory ($44.97 @ Newegg Sellers)
Storage: Kingston NV3 500 GB M.2-2280 PCIe 4.0 X4 NVME Solid State Drive ($41.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: ADATA XPG Core Reactor II 650 W 80+ Gold Certified Fully Modular ATX Power Supply ($72.98 @ Amazon)
Total: $392.52
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2025-05-16 11:21 EDT-0400

 

[stonecarver]

Specs:
CPU Intel i5-2400
Windows 11

Not saying the GTX 970 didn't up and die but a few things.

1 Your CPU not on the Windows 11 compatibility list.

2 Like already mentioned the GTX 970 has some miles on it.

3 You said there was a Windows update involved while your issues started.

4 No I'm not saying Windows 11 is the issue but also kind of maybe the 24-H2 version has weirdness with some older hardware.

I would see just for the sake of sanity to boot off your USB Windows installer, NOT to actually perform a clean Windows install but to see if you get video up to the point where you could do a install.

Or pull the SSD and see if you get to BIOS.

 

[Notveryhappy]

Update got everything working besides the fans, they're fighting for their life just won't spin properly most likely they did their service.

 

[ilyas8485]

Solution:
Start by resetting BIOS settings to default (via motherboard jumper or CMOS battery) to rule out configuration conflicts. Next, clean-install GPU drivers
Boot into Safe Mode using Windows Recovery (force shutdown during boot 3x)
Use Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU) to remove all GPU drivers
Install the latest WHQL certified driver for GTX 970 from NVIDIA’s legacy support page.
Hardware checks:
Reseat the GPU in the PCIe slot and ensure the 8-pin power connector is secure.
Test the GPU in another PCIe slot or system to isolate motherboard/PSU issues.
Monitor PSU voltage stability (aging 630W units may struggle under load).
If issues persist, the GPU firmware or VRAM may be failing. Consider a BIOS update for the motherboard (Asus P8H61 Pro) for improved compatibility