Unsolved
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
0
75
May 18th, 2025 02:07
XPS 8950, discrete draphics not detected, i7-12700
Hello,
I have a Dell XPS 8950, I did not use it for quite some time as it was in storage, never had dedicated graphics in it as it shipped without. I wanted to use it to serve up some video on LAN and for whatever reason that escapes me it will not detect any known working GPU. I tired a AMD 480, 580, Nvidia 4060, 3050, and even a 3060.
The BIOS reports not discrete graphics is plugged in, the cards all get some kind of power from the PSU, so it's not a PSU problem and the cards are all tested working in other systems. Windows settings make the problem no clearer. I do believe I'm on the latest BIOS available. Machine obviously still works with the displayport plugged in directly to the main board.
Thanks,
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
•
8.9K Posts
0
May 18th, 2025 02:15
For cards over 75w requiring an extra power connector, was it used? The Nvidia 4060 comes in at 115w.
XPSEXPRESS
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
0
May 18th, 2025 02:23
Yes all cards that required external power were plugged in with the available power connectors.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
•
8.9K Posts
0
May 18th, 2025 02:27
One other thing to try is Secure Boot off in BIOS. Or toggle it. If it's off, turn it on.
XPSEXPRESS
1 Rookie
•
3 Posts
0
May 18th, 2025 04:32
Attempted a few times, no changes, I might try to use an external PSU with a module however the PSU is rated at 480 or watts so I think it's adequate, also tested with an Nvidia 1660 which is relatively low power and no resolution.
Element115s4
2 Intern
•
284 Posts
0
May 18th, 2025 21:49
I recently did some GPU updating and thought I'd mention the Dell RTX 3060 TI I removed from my 8950, I wanted to use in one of my older PCs.
One thing I noticed right away was an issue with video output as in almost none even at boot to get into the PC bios.
I wasn't really expecting that but in my testing, I was able to get it to work with a GTX 970 FE also installed.
I am troubleshooting to see if maybe a BIOS setting can rectify things.
I mention this because even in the land of PCs, things come up that aren't expected when you mix and match components.
This is even more true when you deal with 'custom' made components that move to a more open standard setting.
It seems you might be having the opposite thing going on here.
bradthetechnut
7 Technologist
•
8.9K Posts
0
May 19th, 2025 03:00
The RTX 3050 and 3060 are on the list of compatible GPU's. So I'm a bit stumped also.
XPS 8950 Setup and Specifications
Element115s4
2 Intern
•
284 Posts
0
May 19th, 2025 03:24
@bradthetechnut
Yes, understood but I do think Dell means the Dell LHR special versions of GPUs but maybe not as my RTX 5070 FE is working great in my 8950.
On my 3060TI LHR Dell GPU I am getting some mixed results with a VERY old motherboard so it would be understandable to have issues.
After changing out the power cables (2 x 6pin to an 8 pin vs just the 8 pin), I was able to get into the BIOS but then when I enabled UEFI, now it's having a problem again.
The lesson again is, maybe something is out of spec (PS, MB, BIOS, etc).
Although less likely if parts are not so old, it can still be an issue.
Element115s4
2 Intern
•
284 Posts
0
May 30th, 2025 04:03
FYI...the issues I was having with my Dell RTX 3060 TI when I moved it to an OLD PC was that black screen nVidia bug which disappeared loading up the latest driver with a fresh driver install.
It only happened with Win11.
Same machine on Win10 was not a problem.
So, sometimes it can be driver related but that is a rare thing for nVidia.