Setting up Nvidia drivers 3080ti causes system failure on a 13900k processor
Setting up Nvidia drivers 3080ti causes system failure on a 13900k processor
In short, after a fresh Windows 11 setup with no drivers installed, the system functions but fails when attempting to install Nvidia drivers for the 3080ti. The PC freezes, restarts, or displays a black screen, often requiring a clean installation to regain access. This issue seems linked to a GPU problem, as similar failures occurred after upgrading components. When using older models like the 980ti, the process worked smoothly. To confirm the GPU failed, you can check GPUZ and note that it defaults to Microsoft drivers without showing VRAM details. The situation worsened when moving the PC, suggesting hardware instability. Recent changes—like motherboard and CPU upgrades, drive formatting, and RAM swaps—seem to have triggered recurring problems. The Qcode 42 error persists despite attempts to resolve it through replacements or troubleshooting steps. Consider verifying GPU functionality with tools like GPU-Z and exploring BIOS updates or hardware diagnostics.
If it functions well with the 980 Ti, the issue might lie with the 3080 Ti. You can temporarily use the 980 Ti and then return it for repair. Typically, you have three years from purchase to keep the warranty active, so you should still have ample time for a return.