100-140 Question 100
Select 3A user reports that their newly installed graphics card is not being detected by their desktop PC. Upon inspection, you find that the PC’s motherboard has PCIe 3.0 slots, while the graphics card is designed for PCIe 4.0. Which of the following could explain why the card is not working?
- A
The graphics card is not backward compatible with PCIe 3.0 slots.
- B
The graphics card requires an additional power connection from the PSU.
- C
The motherboard's BIOS may need an update to support newer expansion cards.
- D
The PCIe slot on the motherboard may be physically damaged.
- E
The graphics card requires a specific driver that has not been installed.
Show answer and explanation
Correct answers: A, B, C
Explanation
When troubleshooting compatibility issues between a graphics card and a motherboard, it is important to consider factors such as backward compatibility between PCIe versions, additional power requirements, and the need for a BIOS update to support newer hardware. Physical damage to the slot or missing drivers are less likely to cause the card not to be detected in this scenario.
- A. Correct.
Correct: Some PCIe 4.0 devices may not be backward compatible with older PCIe versions, depending on the device and motherboard.
- B. Correct.
Correct: Many modern graphics cards require additional power from the PSU through dedicated connectors, and failure to connect these can prevent proper operation.
- C. Correct.
Correct: A BIOS update may be necessary to ensure compatibility with newer hardware, such as PCIe 4.0 expansion cards.
- D. Incorrect.
Incorrect: While physical damage to the PCIe slot could prevent the card from functioning, there is no indication of such damage in this scenario.
- E. Incorrect.
Incorrect: While drivers are necessary for proper operation, a missing driver would not prevent the card from being detected by the motherboard.