Potentially failing GPU

[Mikeybb]

I have a Zotac GTX980 Amp Omega (yada, yada, yada) and, since replacing the motherboard, CPU, and RAM, have been experiencing graphical errors. When I first installed the GPU after the swap, I didn't install it correctly and the connector portions of my SATA cables were pushing the back side of the GPU laterally towards the top side of the mobo (towards CPU socket).

I have a post over on the motherboard portion of the forum (HERE) with more details on the problems I've been experiencing and what I've done/haven't done. However, I'm coming to the experts with my GPU. I've taken nearly everything off of the card and can't see anything that looks like it blew or let the smoke out, but I don't know anything about graphics cards and I'm hoping to get some advice on what to look for. I took some pictures of the front and back of the card and I'll post those here. Any advice is welcome, I need to get my computer working to analyze RNA from environmental sources with a proprietary program for my graduate thesis. Hopefully, with your help, I can figure this out.

Thanks,
Mike

Quick other question, what is that black OC+ thing for? Looks like it has a micro USB port in it...

 

[cin19]

Whatever just try to use the onboard iGPU from the i7 , and boot the PC, use DDU uninstall the nvidia GPU driver.

At the same time, reapply the new Thermal Compound on the GPU, put back the fan and try it, and make sure the GPU cooler fan works or not. If you get the same problem, move it into the 2nd pciex16 slot. If you still get the same problem, the gtx980 has problem.

DDU https://www.guru3d.com/files_details/display_driver_uninstaller_download.html