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To reseat a GPU, you turn off and unplug the PC, disconnect the PCIe power cables, unscrew the bracket, release the PCIe slot latch, pull the graphics card straight out, then push it firmly back into the same slot until the latch clicks and reconnect everything. Reseating takes about 10 minutes and fixes many display and detection problems.
What does reseating a GPU fix?
Reseating a GPU fixes problems caused by poor contact between the graphics card and the PCIe slot. There are 6 common problems it fixes:
- No display or black screen after boot.
- GPU not detected in Device Manager.
- Artifacts or flickering; see GPU artifacting.
- GPU running at PCIe x1 or x4 instead of x16.
- Crashes after moving the PC or shipping it.
- GPU fans not spinning because of a loose power connector.
What happens if a GPU is not seated properly?
A GPU that is not seated properly has partial contact with the PCIe slot. It can show no display, appear and disappear in Windows, run at reduced PCIe link width, or crash under load. In rare cases, a poorly seated card short-circuits pins.
What do you need to reseat a GPU?
You need 3 things to reseat a GPU:
- A Phillips #2 screwdriver.
- Compressed air to clean the slot.
- A way to ground yourself, such as touching the metal case or wearing an anti-static strap.
How do you reseat a GPU step by step?
You reseat a GPU in 10 steps:
- Shut down the PC and switch off the power supply.
- Unplug the power cable and press the power button to drain remaining charge.
- Open the side panel and ground yourself on the metal case.
- Disconnect the PCIe power cables from the graphics card.
- Remove the bracket screws that hold the GPU to the case.
- Release the PCIe slot latch at the end of the slot.
- Pull the GPU straight out, holding it by the edges and bracket.
- Blow dust out of the PCIe slot and check the gold contacts for damage.
- Push the GPU straight down into the slot until the latch clicks and the bracket lines up.
- Screw in the bracket, reconnect the power cables until they click, close the case and boot.
For a full removal and installation walkthrough, see how to remove a GPU and how to install a graphics card.
Why does my GPU only work in the second slot?
Your GPU only works in the second slot because the first PCIe x16 slot has a fault, dust, a bent pin, or a BIOS setting that disables it. Reseat the card in the first slot, clean the slot, update the motherboard BIOS and check the PCIe settings. The second slot often runs at fewer lanes (x4 or x8), so the first slot is preferred.
How do you check the GPU is seated correctly after reseating?
You check the GPU is seated correctly by opening GPU-Z and reading Bus Interface. A correctly seated modern card shows PCIe x16 4.0 or x16 5.0 (or x8 for cards like the RTX 5060). Click the question mark next to it and run the render test, because cards drop to a lower PCIe speed at idle to save power.
FAQ
Is it safe to reseat a GPU?
Yes. Reseating a GPU is safe when the PC is unplugged and you ground yourself before touching components.
How often should you reseat a GPU?
You only need to reseat a GPU when a problem appears or after moving the PC.
Should I use a support bracket after reseating?
Yes for heavy cards. A GPU support bracket prevents sag that can stress the PCIe slot.
Related guides
- GPU Problems & Fixes
- How to Reset Your Graphics Card
- GPU Fans Not Spinning
- Installing & Upgrading a GPU
