How to Check and Reseat Your GPU Riser Cable

10 Mins

Intermediate

Tools Needed

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Required Tools

A screwdriver (if your case requires it)

An anti-static wrist strap (recommended)

A clean, static-free workspace like a benchtop

If you're experiencing issues with your GPU and suspect that the riser cable might be the culprit, don't worry. This guide will walk you through the process of checking and reseating your GPU riser cable without removing the GPU.

Reasons to Reseat Your GPU Riser Cable

Reseating your GPU riser cable can assist with resolving the following:

Inconsistent Performance: Fixes frame rate drops and stuttering.
Display Issues: Resolves signal loss, artifacts, and screen tearing.
System Instability: Prevents random crashes and reboots.
No GPU Detection: Ensures the GPU is recognised by the system.
After Movement: Secures connections after moving the PC.

Reseating your GPU riser cable can assist with resolving the following:

Inconsistent Performance: Fixes frame rate drops and stuttering.
Display Issues: Resolves signal loss, artifacts, and screen tearing.
System Instability: Prevents random crashes and reboots.
No GPU Detection: Ensures the GPU is recognised by the system.
After Movement: Secures connections after moving the PC.

Steps to Check and Reseat Your GPU Riser Cable

Prepare the PC

Shut down your PC completely.
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet or powerboard and disconnect all peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc.).
Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the side panel of your PC case.
Carefully remove the side panel to access the internals.
If you have an anti-static wrist strap, put it on and attach it to a grounded metal surface.
If you don't have one, periodically touch a metal part of your case to discharge any static electricity.

Prepare the PC

Shut down your PC completely.
Unplug the power cable from the wall outlet or powerboard and disconnect all peripherals (mouse, keyboard, monitor, etc.).
Use your screwdriver to remove the screws holding the side panel of your PC case.
Carefully remove the side panel to access the internals.
If you have an anti-static wrist strap, put it on and attach it to a grounded metal surface.
If you don't have one, periodically touch a metal part of your case to discharge any static electricity.

Locate the Riser Cable

Find your GPU, which is typically installed in a PCIe slot on the motherboard.
Locate the riser cable connecting the GPU to the motherboard. The riser cable is usually a flat, flexible ribbon cable.
Inspect the riser cable for any visible damage, such as cuts, kinks, or bent pins.
Ensure that the cable is securely connected to both the GPU and the motherboard.

Locate the Riser Cable

Find your GPU, which is typically installed in a PCIe slot on the motherboard.
Locate the riser cable connecting the GPU to the motherboard. The riser cable is usually a flat, flexible ribbon cable.
Inspect the riser cable for any visible damage, such as cuts, kinks, or bent pins.
Ensure that the cable is securely connected to both the GPU and the motherboard.

Reseat the Riser Cable (Motherboard Side)

Press the PCIe retention clip in towards the motherboard to release the cable.
Gently pull the riser cable connector out of the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Hold the connector itself, not the cable, to avoid damaging the cable.
Align the riser cable connector with the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Gently press it into the slot until it is firmly seated. Ensure the connector is straight and fully inserted.

Press the PCIe retention clip in towards the motherboard to release the cable.
Gently pull the riser cable connector out of the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Hold the connector itself, not the cable, to avoid damaging the cable.
Align the riser cable connector with the PCIe slot on the motherboard. Gently press it into the slot until it is firmly seated. Ensure the connector is straight and fully inserted.

Reseat the Riser Cable (GPU Side)

Carefully disconnect the riser cable from the GPU's PCIe connector. Hold the connector itself to avoid damaging the cable.
Align the riser cable connector with the PCIe connector on the GPU. Gently press it into the connector until it is firmly seated. Ensure the connector is straight and fully inserted.
If your GPU is secured with screws, reattach them to hold the card firmly in place. This helps prevent the GPU from moving and ensures a stable connection.

Carefully disconnect the riser cable from the GPU's PCIe connector. Hold the connector itself to avoid damaging the cable.
Align the riser cable connector with the PCIe connector on the GPU. Gently press it into the connector until it is firmly seated. Ensure the connector is straight and fully inserted.
If your GPU is secured with screws, reattach them to hold the card firmly in place. This helps prevent the GPU from moving and ensures a stable connection.

Power Up and Test

Replace the side panel of your case and fasten the screws.
Reconnect the power cable and all peripherals.
Power on your PC and check if the GPU is functioning correctly.
Run some graphics-intensive tasks, such as games or GPU benchmarks, to ensure stability and to see if it's working as intended.

Replace the side panel of your case and fasten the screws.
Reconnect the power cable and all peripherals.
Power on your PC and check if the GPU is functioning correctly.
Run some graphics-intensive tasks, such as games or GPU benchmarks, to ensure stability and to see if it's working as intended.

What's Next?

After checking and reseating your GPU riser cable, monitor your PC to ensure that the GPU is functioning correctly. If problems persist, consider contacting support or further troubleshooting with the following guides: