How Do I Fix the VGA Light on Motherboard That Stays On?

[marcowayne]

My PC won’t boot and the vga light on motherboard keeps glowing. What usually causes this GPU issue, cable, BIOS, or motherboard fault? Need step-by-step help.

 

[megamind]

Board noises are suggesting problem with GPU/display init. These steps list the most popular steps to solve it on step 4 or 5:

1. Power down and unplug the PC.
2. Bring your feet to the ground (touch a metal case or put on an anti-static strap).
3. Reinstall the GPU: take out the card, check the PCIe slot + card edge of it on dust and damage, then firmly insert it.
4. Power cables Check power cables: ensure that 6/8-pin PCIe power plugs are firmly attached to the GPU. Use substitute cables of PSU, whenever available.
5. Swap Display port - HDMI: Change one display cable to the other and another display cable and monitor/TV to eliminate a defective display cable or monitor/TV.
6. Test (no GPU) (when the CPU contains iGPU): disconnect the GPU and connect the display to the video output of the motherboard. (If your CPU has no iGPU, skip.)
7. Barebones installation: RAM: Single stick in slot of choice CPU, PSU, and GPU only. Eject additional drives, USB drives and RGB controllers.
8. Clear CMOS: touch the battery of CMOS jumper-free so that it stays off and then re-install. This is usually a solution to quaint POST problems.
9. Test another GPU or another PC: make the test in the PC of a friend or the other GPU in your board. That isolates it be it the card or the board.
10. In case GPU is working in other systems, and yet will not POST in your system, suspect motherboard/PCIe slot/BIOS. In case of failure at other places, GPU probably faulty.
11. Check BIOS: when you can boot into BIOS with on board video, then make sure that primary display has been properly configured (PEG/ PCIe). BIOS can only be updated by being able to boot or using vendor BIOS Flash via USB.
12. Should nothing: warranty/RMA GPU/Motherboard.

Please, specify your model of the motherboard, the model of the graphics card, the power supply wattage and any recent updates (driver update, BIOS flash, moved components) or I will indicate which device will be the most likely source of the problem.

 

[captainghost]

The following are some of the questions on the quick checklist before panic:

• Reseat GPU + power connectors.
• Change HDMI/DP cable + test another monitor.
• Install 1 RAM stick on the right slot.
• Clear CMOS.
• Experiment with GPU in different PC / experiment with other GPUs in your PC.
• In case CPU contains iGPU delete GPU and utilise motherboard video.
• In case nothing, probably GPU/motherboard/PSU rail problem then test/replace these.

 

[TaylorTravels]

I experienced the same in the previous month where VGA light became stuck following a clean GPU install. One of the PCIe power cables was not completely latched, turned out to be plugged in. Upon un plugging and re plugging the cable, all was alright. Very basic things (reseat + replace cable) should be tried before you begin handing parts to one another. Saved me from an RMA panic.

 

[rebeccareed]

It is the GPU 100% which means that the LED always means that the card failed.

 

[AnnP111966]

No, I have solved the same issue through clearing CMOS and re-installing the BIOS. It might be a software/compatibility issue as well.

 

[rebeccareed]

When the GPU operates in a different PC and not yours, then it is probable that BIOS is an issue.

 

[AnnP111966]

Precisely test parts prior to the faulty costly component.

 

[jameswill8520]

VGA LED = motherboard informing you that it was unable to initialize the graphics card. Most frequent root causes (ranked by frequency):

1. Bad/loose power toGPU (most frequent).
2. Malfunctioning display cable/monitor (easy to test).
3. Failed/broken GPU (tested on other system).
4. Setting conflict (prone to occur following BIOS update or a swap of GPU, CPU).
5. Motherboard PCIe slot or VRM/PSU rail issue (Uncommon; switch slot or test PSU).
6. Bent CPU pins / improper CPU seating (infrequent but severe check only in case you are comfortable).

Safety/notes:
Do not squeeze in bent pins/ components.
Do not be tempted to perform complicated repairs when your board/GPU is under warranty document everything and get in touch with support (they might insist that you do not open/void warranty).
In case you do not have any spare GPU/PSU to test, a nearby PC shop can often perform a quick parts-swap test at a low price.

 

[Yuri]

If the VGA light on your motherboard stays on, it usually means your system isn't detecting the graphics card. Start by turning off the PC, reseating the GPU, and checking that the power cables are firmly connected. Ensure your RAM is properly installed, try a different display cable or monitor, and update or reset the BIOS. If your CPU has integrated graphics, remove the GPU and test the system. If the light stays on, the GPU or motherboard may need professional diagnosis.