Asus Srix GTX 970 Driver Installation Problems (and a Headache)

terry4536 · Nov 3, 2014

I have a Asus Strix GTX 970 graphics card (received last week) that I have been trying to install the Graphics Drivers without success. I have tried the Asus installation disc (failed). I have downloaded multiple versions of the possible drivers (Asus 344.05, 344.16 - WHQL, 344.48 - WHQL). I have installed them manually through the Windows 7 Pro Device Manager (Display Adapter) The drivers appear to install. But when the system reboots, it gets to the Windows screen and fails. Then I have to go to safe mode to recover the system. I have had to restore the system to a point prior to the driver installation. The Safe-Mode Startup repair function fails. I have deleted the prior graphics drivers with Windows uninstaller and DDU.

Another aspect is that Windows detects a generic graphics card (without identifying the graphics card) and reports "standard VGA graphics adapter" in the Device Manager. I also tried the Geforce Driver system scanner and it failed. The Asus GPU Tweak software installed with errors (no access to graphics card), so I deleted it. The hardware ID under "standard VGA graphics adapter" properties - details appears to be correct.

PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13C2&SUBSYS_85081043&REV_A1
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13C2&SUBSYS_85081043
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13C2&CC_030000
PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_13C2&CC_0300

I have tried reseating the card. I have moved the card to a different PCI express slots. I have reseated the PCI-E 8 pin power cable (the cards LED turns white indicating good power connection). The card requires 500 Watt power supply. I have a Seasonic Platinum 860 watt power supply installed, so I don't think power is a problem. I have tried the installation with the graphics forced to the PCI express slot and on Auto within the BIOS. I have the latest BIOS version (1903) installed on the motherboard (Asus ROG Maximus V Formula Z77). At this point, the only things I haven't done is clearing the CMOS & reflashing the BIOS and reloading the Windows 7 Pro operating system (I'm not sure that they would help). The system works fine using the integrated graphics other than this problem.

System Spec's
Asus ROG Maximus V Formula Z77 motherboard
Intel I5-3570K CPU
Noctua NH-D14 CPU Cooler
Asus Strix GTX 970 graphics card
2x G.Skiill 8GB DDR3-1866-CL9 RAM
Samaung 830 128 GB SSD
WD Caviar Black 1TB Hard drive
Asus DVD Burner
Seanonic Platinum 860 Watt PSU
Antec P280 Case & Noctua/Scythe Fans
Windows 7 Pro 64-bit OS
Asus VG 248QE & Display port cable
HDTV & HDMI cable

One last point, I read in Legit Reviews that one of the reasons for the Geforce 344.16 - WHQL driver update was an error in Device Manager for Asus (and Asrock) motherboards. They didn't specifically mention my motherboard in the article. Perhaps the bug isn't fixed yet.

http://www.legitreviews.com/nvidia-releases-geforce-344-16-whql-drivers-gtx-980-gtx-970-users_151239

If anyone can help me resolve this problem, I would appreciate the suggestions. I waited over a month to get this graphics card, I would rather not RMA it without at least trying to fix the issue. If I do have to exchange it, are there any suggestions to avoid a new driver conflict. And I can re-flash the system and reload the OS, I just didn't want to go through the trouble with a system that works fine otherwise.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 4, 2014

Hello, the PSU/ MoBo and all other components are more than capable of containing the card. Driver issues are frequent, but here you've tried pretty much everything other than what you said you've left. BIOS reseting and flashing will certaining not help either.

I had to think hard to come up with some more options, but I've a couple of things for you to check out and see if it helps.

-Check if regedit is clean of previous drivers.

-If you can, put a different GPU (not your old one, a new one to this system) in your system, and see if it works fine.

-If possible, install this card on another system, and see if the card works fine.

I know the last two options are not very easy to do. I'd remove any non-basic device connected to system (like secondary drive, DVD drive, extra RAM stick and fans).

The only thing I percieve as fishy was the fact that your OS failed after manually installing drivers. OS reinstall *may* (an absolute may) fix this up, but try it after checking out all the options you and I can think of.

Also, I read the article you linked, and as I'm sure you've tried installing the earliest (not latest) drivers, that should eliminate the potential risk of bad drivers installed, as described there.

Use multiple softwares (in addition to DDU, like Driver Sweeper) to clean any trace of previous GPU's drivers.

terry4536 · Nov 4, 2014

I have now cleaned the system including the registry of every Nvidia file that I can find. I will down load Driver Sweeper, and give it a try as well.

Then I will try the drivers again. If that fails, I will reinstall the OS, and try again.

Thanks.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 4, 2014

I'll hope for the best

shadow32 · Nov 4, 2014

Be sure to uninstall the current driver, then boot into safe mode and run driver sweeper then.
Then when you go to install the new ones, check off *custom installation* and then check *perform clean install*.

terry4536 · Nov 4, 2014

I have used the clean install option on the Geforce downloads. I only used the Express so far. I'm not sure I like the "Experience" either.

Thanks

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

After a new install of Windows 7 Pro 64 bit OS, the Asus Strix GTX970 is still not recognized by the Windows. And it still will not allow the installation of graphics drivers. So after eight days of my best efforts, I obtained the RMA and shipped it back. Since the card is out of stock, I chose to get a refund for the defective graphics card. I wasn't impressed with the Asus customer service.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

I'm sorry to hear that, and the fact that I couldn't help. Now that you've got rid of the card, look ahead to MSI or G1, as recommended by many, and myself as well. I hope they wn't be problematic as this was.

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

I haven't decided which I will try. Gigabyte seemed to have more than their share of problems on the GTX 700 series of cards last year, but they are receiving great review on the G1. I saw a review of the EVGA FTW GTX 970, it is even faster than the G1. It's cooling solution is a little suspect though. It also has an updated GM204-200-A1 GPU core,

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

I'd personally give EVGA a miss for 900 series, yes their ACX 2.0 is much better and not flawed like the 1.0, but I'd rather get a completely uniformly good product

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

Did you see the last line that I added. It has an updated GM204-200-A1 GPU core,

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

Which one would you pick. I guess one bright point is that the are giving a free game now with the GTX 970 "& 980: Far CRY4, Assassins Creed Unity. or The Crew.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

I missed that. Yes it does have luring specs, the core speed is great too. Many have bought it, and have not encountered any issues. I'd still give it a miss, but that's just me. A couple months of non-problematic days for FTW shall win my trust.

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

I looked at some other reviews. The GM204-200-A1 GPU core is the same one as in the others.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

Lol, I'm quite excited about the upcoming GM206 with the much-rumoured 'Titan X' and '980 Ti', but that isn't the topic here. FTW is a good card in terms of performance, but I've certainly lost interest in EVGA for 900 series. G1 continues to be my top choice.

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

Are you going to get a GTX 970 too? Where are you from by the way? 'Just curious. I have had conversations with people from all over.

I'm excited as well to see well they will perform, then of course I 'll have to have some more games.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

Neh, I *hastily* bought a R9 290 in August. And I regret my decision now, nevermind, spent heartily on a 1kW G2 so will definately CFX in future. I'm from India

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

I'm from the US. It's strange how this forum is world wide, but it is. One minute I am having a conversation with someone in Eastern Europe and the next I talking to someone in Australia or South Africa. I'm something of a night owl.

Which R9-290 did you get? I considered that or a GTX 780 last spring/summer, but I decided to wait to see what the "800" series was like before making up my mind.

The EVGA G2's are supposed to be pretty good power supplies. I have the Seasonic Platinum 860 Watt. I really like it. It is absolutely dead silent.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 8, 2014

Actually, that's with every active member around here, I've buddies from Aus/ USA/ Europe/ Africa here, and we get along very well. I kind of found a place to get around with like minded folks here, which's quite rare here.

I got the Tri X, pretty decent, cool and quiet, that's how I like it. I should've waited for 970, they're going for $50-100 less than 290s right now here, if we go by simple conversion. I could've got two of them by cutting on PSU and some other components. Nevermind.

I kind of wanted a Platinum efficiency supply and even put my eye on P2, but they were a pretty penny (like $100 higher), I have a nice and big thread here of my choices when I selected my components some months ago, and a couple generous members helped me tons. I have no regrets with my G2 though, gives me everything I ask for and more

terry4536 · Nov 8, 2014

I lucked out on the power supply purchase. I had already done research on the components. I wanted a high performing but quiet system. So, I was looking at the Gold or Platinum power supplies. The week that I was buying all of the major components for my ROG system, the Seasonic Platinum power supplies went on sale at Amazon.com. I don't remember the exact prices, but it was around $70 off of the price at Newegg.com.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 9, 2014

You got a great deal there, price here are way high, my system costs me close to $3k in direct conversion terms, and you can get a better setup in USA for this price, but it's still good for the price and concerning the fact that I'm not a hardcore gamer, and mine isn't a gaming rig (nor is it for mining).

terry4536 · Nov 9, 2014

I have heard that the prices are sky high there for computer components. I've answered more than a few component recommendations for that area. They have all remarked at the sparse availability and high prices for components.

I have thought for some time that there is probably a market for import-exporting components to areas like India and Brazil. I remember one post about a guy from Brazil. He was wanting advice on buying components while he was here in the US and taking them back with him to Brazil. Apparently the components are expensive there as well as highly taxed.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 9, 2014

I've recommended parts to a guy from Brazil in exactly same situation, he was to come to USA with some buddies and take the components while going back. Imagine that 4690k is cheaper than 4570/4690 here. Same with i7-K version. Z97-A is $200 by simple conversion.

I by no means condemn living here and everything is available indeed, but prices are way too high. Newegg has just put its foot in india but not physically, the components are still shipped from USA and shipping and custom fees make it more or less the market price. I hope they shift here soon, with some production from major brands as well (core brands like Intel, GPU makers, not OEMs like HP, Lenovo, Dell, etc). OEM is particularly cheap here, but not great for gamers or dedicated users.

terry4536 · Nov 9, 2014

With India being geographically closer to major electronics production sites, one would think that prices should be lower there instead of the other way around. Perhaps Newegg.com (India) will eventually remedy some of that problem. For example, Western Digital hard drives manufactured in Thailand should be cheaper in the Southeast Asian market local than in a foreign market (USA). But it seems to be the other way around in reality.

MeteorsRaining · Nov 9, 2014

It indeed is the other way round. Not a single component could I find here to be even matching US prices. Can't do much about it, though.

Asus Srix GTX 970 Driver Installation Problems (and a Headache)

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