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The need to reformat after changing a GPU

J

js01

Joined
Jul 23, 2008
Messages
198 (0.03/day)
Location
Halifax, Nova Scotia
System Specs
System Name My Computer
Processor 19 9900k @4.7ghz
Motherboard Z370 Gaming Plus
Cooling Dark Rock 4
Memory 16GB Corsair Vengeance 3000 mhz DDR4
Video Card(s) 3060 TI FE
Storage 4
Display(s) Samsung 27
Case Rosewill
Audio Device(s) Integrated
Power Supply Coolermaster Masterwatt 650
Software Windows 10
Hi All,

So I just swapped an RX580 4GB for a 1070, in the past this would never cause an issue. But all of my games are giving me errors when trying to start, I'm trying to reinstall most of them like SOTR, and DEUS EX but still the same.

My question is, is it necessary to reformat after changing a GPU, because this is driving me mad.

Thanks,

Also, I only use this rig for gaming, so if I have to reload all my games through Steam I'm fine with that.
 
If by reformat you mean a Windows resintall then no, it is not neccesary.
What is probably happening is a conflict between previous AMD drivers and new Nvidia drivers. What you should do is delete the current Nvidia driver (and the old AMD one if you didn't already) and use a program called DDU (Display driver uninstaller). Doing this will remove any residual files from drivers that might cause issues.
After you do that install the latest Nvidia driver and see if the issue still persists.
 
I used DDU before putting this one in.
 
What sort of errors are you getting when starting? I mean sure, a Windows reinstall would most likely solve the issue but it should not be necessary after swapping cards.
Are you 100% positive the 1070 is working as it should, it could also be a faulty card.
 
Too many, I'm just going to reformat. I was running these games no less then 2 weeks ago, seems mostly related to Physx but I have reinstalled that.
 
It's not required to reformat when you change your gpu.

When I've had to swap GPUs between brands (amd/nvidia), I uninstall the drivers then turn off the computer to install the new gpu. Others might use apps like DDU to completely remove the old drivers.
 
It would be better to understand where the issue is coming from but I understand your point.
 
I know it's not required, but I'm in a pickle. I have never had to do it either, but I'm at my wits end. Gears 5 won't even install, I uninstalled it because the high res textures wouldn't install.

I'm reinstalling Crysis 3 through Origin. If that still gives me the same error, then I will start fresh.
 
js01 said:
Too many, I'm just going to reformat. I was running these games no less then 2 weeks ago, seems mostly related to Physx but I have reinstalled that.
Click to expand...
Deus Ex doesn't use PhysX.

DDU is usually adequate to change graphics cards. I'd say odds are looking pretty good there is something wrong with your new card.

Steam has nothing to do with the graphics card/driver. If you're getting errors trying to install stuff, then it's something else entirely (e.g. not enough space).
 
Well I'm just getting ready to reformat (this is the last option) . So I will update, I work in IT so I did try everything
 
js01 said:
Well I'm just getting ready to reformat (this is the last option) . So I will update, I work in IT so I did try everything
Click to expand...

Afterburner or other 3rd party utilities are present on your system?
 
just do an over the top install of W10, will fix the issues and wont delete anything

you probably broke something using DDU, in all honesty programs like that are useless these days
 
Mussels said:
just do an over the top install of W10, will fix the issues and wont delete anything

you probably broke something using DDU, in all honesty programs like that are useless these days
Click to expand...
Useless in what way? I must admit that I've had the odd lock up with DDU, but I wouldn't call it useless.
AMD even recommended that I use it.
 
useless as in you have equal odds as causing problems, instead of fixing them.
Dont use it unless you actually HAVE a problem, as a last resort before formatting.

Win10 is pretty damn resilient, my OS on my second PC has changed from intel to AMD a bunch of times and had over 15 GPU's installed in it for stress testing 2nd hand parts - and i've never needed a driver sweeper, cleaner, or any other tool like that. They're good to have in the toolkit, but using it tends to just break shit when its not needed - use the official uninstaller and you'll be fine.
 
Mussels said:
just do an over the top install of W10, will fix the issues and wont delete anything

you probably broke something using DDU, in all honesty programs like that are useless these days
Click to expand...
T

Most likely I think that's what did it

And I tried an over the top but the installer kept crashing
 
DDU did actually make windows 10 unbootable for me once out of dozens of uses. Installing over the top (as in, installing to the same drive as it currently is installed) worked for me to fix it. It moved everything to C:\Windows.old. If you're drive doesn't have room for current Windows install + 30 GB, then this isn't an option because there's not enough space to backup/install.
 
So stupid me wiped the wrong partition. So I'm waiting on my brother's computer to get the iso on a disk.

I had an 8gb stick, it got near the end but it didn't have enough space.
 
What about shaders? I know Nvidia and Steam downloads shaders for games. Last time I used AMD, there was also an option for shader in the drivers too. Though I don't think it would cause the problem you're facing.

For example I went from i5 2400 + RX 470 to i5 2400 + GTX 560 Ti when the 470 died to current R5 3600 + RTX 2060 all on the same Windows 10 install.
 
Guy's I made another thread, can you please tell me what I'm doing wrong. I'm trying to install windows from USB, I transferred the ISO to the disk. But it won't boot

It's the first time I've tried to install this way, what am I doing wrong. Thanks in advance
 
Never ever used it.
Splinterdog said:
Useless in what way? I must admit that I've had the odd lock up with DDU, but I wouldn't call it useless.
AMD even recommended that I use it.
Click to expand...

Never ever used it. Delete drivers, remove the device in windows and replace the card. Done.
 
Khonjel said:
What about shaders? I know Nvidia and Steam downloads shaders for games. Last time I used AMD, there was also an option for shader in the drivers too. Though I don't think it would cause the problem you're facing.

For example I went from i5 2400 + RX 470 to i5 2400 + GTX 560 Ti when the 470 died to current R5 3600 + RTX 2060 all on the same Windows 10 install.
Click to expand...
Games compile shaders on first run. DDU clears the shader cache.
 
2 passes of ddu in windows and 1 pass in safe mode helps, ensure to install fresh chipset drivers, we need system specs too
 
eidairaman1 said:
2 passes of ddu in windows and 1 pass in safe mode helps, ensure to install fresh chipset drivers, we need system specs too
Click to expand...
I can't even boot to an OS anymore. My specs below:

Z370 gaming plus
EVGA Bronze 500w
EVGA super locked GTX 1070 - Caused all my problems)
8gb of DDR 4 Ram

Any help would be appreciated
 
Can you fully verify that the 1070 is working correctly?
 
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