Blog / GIGABYTE GTX 960 OC 4GB – Step-by-Step GPU Repair Guide

GIGABYTE GTX 960 OC 4GB – Step-by-Step GPU Repair Guide

This repair case focuses on diagnosing and fixing a GIGABYTE GTX 960 OC 4GB graphics card with two primary failure types: VRAM instability and intermittent POST issues.

gpu repiar gtx 960 gtx 970
Inspect
Measure
Power Rails
POST Check
VRAM Test
Repair
This guide walks through a structured process to diagnose GPUs with no display, unstable POST, or VRAM-related issues.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

  • Check for burnt or missing components
  • Inspect MOSFETs and coils
  • Look for corrosion or liquid damage
If any physical damage is found, repair it before moving forward.
Next: If board looks clean, proceed to resistance checks.

Step 2: Resistance Check (Power OFF)

  • 12V → should not be short
  • 3.3V / 5V → moderate resistance
  • VCore → very low (normal)
  • VMEM → low but stable
If resistance is near 0Ω → locate short using IPA or thermal camera.
Next: If rails are normal, power ON and check voltage sequence.

Step 3: Verify Power Rail Sequence

  1. 12V present
  2. 3.3V / 5V appear
  3. Enable signals go HIGH
  4. VMEM comes up
  5. VCore starts switching
If VCore = 0V → check enable signal → then PWM controller.
If VMEM missing → check memory power circuit.
Next: If power rails are unstable, focus on VRM. Otherwise move to POST issue.

Step 4: Diagnose POST Issues

  • Check VRM stability
  • Verify enable signals
  • Observe PWM switching
Intermittent POST → likely MOSFET or solder issue.
Next: If system boots but shows artifacts, go to VRAM testing.

Step 5: VRAM Testing

  • Run MATS / MODs
  • Check memory voltage (~1.35V / 1.5V)
  • Look for artifacts or crashes
Errors in specific memory bank → faulty VRAM chip.
Next: Identify and isolate faulty component.

Step 6: Component Isolation

  • Test MOSFETs and drivers
  • Check PWM controller
  • Confirm faulty memory IC
Use heat/cooling or swap method for confirmation.

Step 7: Repair

  • Replace faulty MOSFET or controller
  • Reball or replace VRAM IC
  • Fix damaged traces

Step 8: Final Validation

  • Test multiple POST cycles
  • Run GPU stress test
  • Perform memory test
Stable rails and no artifacts indicate successful repair.
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