GPUs are excellent to use for high-quality display. However, an increasing number of applications and games can take advantage of GPUs to improve performance significantly. There are some GPUs with built-in sound chipsets to provide you with quality audio.
In some cases, after installing the GPU, some issues like no sound or distorted audio can occur. In this article, we’ll take a look at why it happens and how to get your audio working again after installing a new graphics card.
Why Audio Not Working After Installing Graphics Card/GPU
There could be several reasons, like outdated or faulty drivers, hardware issues, misconfigured BIOS settings, using two GPUs, and GPU audio conflicts. All these reasons could also cause other fatal errors in your system. Here are why these issues cause the problem in the first place.
Outdated driver: An outdated driver is one of the most common reasons for audio issues after installing a new graphics card. Drivers allow your computer to communicate with your hardware, and they need to be kept up-to-date to ensure that everything is running smoothly.
If you’re using an older driver, it’s possible that it’s not compatible with your new card, which can lead to audio problems.
Two sound cards running into conflicts: Another possibility is that you have two sound cards installed in your computer, and they’re both trying to use the same resources. It can cause conflicts and lead to audio problems. In this case, you’ll need to go into your BIOS and disable one of the sound cards.
Misconfigured BIOS settings: If your BIOS is not configured properly, it can cause all sorts of problems, including audio issues. Ensure that you check your BIOS settings and everything is configured correctly.
Hardware issue: In some rare cases, the problem may be with the hardware itself. If you’ve tried all of the above-mentioned solutions and nothing has worked, it’s possible that there’s a problem with your sound card, speakers, or GPU itself. In this case, you’ll need to replace the hardware.
Update The Audio Driver
As we mentioned before, one of the most common reasons for audio problems after installing a new graphics card is an outdated driver. Drivers are constantly being updated to keep up with the latest hardware, so it’s important that you make sure you’re using the most recent version.
There are two methods to update the audio driver one is automatic, where your system will do all the work the other is manual.
Automatically Update the Driver
In this method, Microsoft’s automated tools will scan your system and try to update the drivers automatically. It is the easiest method, but it doesn’t always work.
- Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager” from the menu that appears.
- Locate the “Audio inputs and outputs” section and expand it.
- Right-click on your audio device and select “Update Driver.”
- Select “Search automatically for updated driver software.” Windows will then search for and install any updated drivers that are available.
- Restart your Pc and ensure that the problem has been resolved or not.
Update The Driver Manually – Via the Manufacturer’s Website
If the above method doesn’t work, you can try updating the driver manually. To do this, you’ll need to go to your sound card or motherboard manufacturer’s website and download the latest driver.
- Go to your sound card or motherboard manufacturer’s website.
- Find the section for drivers and downloads.
- Download the latest driver for your sound card or motherboard.
- Install the driver and restart your computer.
Roll Back the Driver
If you’ve recently updated your driver or Windows and you’re now having audio problems, it’s possible that the new driver is causing the issue. In this case, you can try rolling back the driver to the previous version.
- To open Device Manager, Right-click on the Start button and select “Device Manager.”
- Scroll down and expand the “Audio inputs and outputs” list.
- Right-click on your audio device and select “Properties.”
- Select the “Drivers” tab and click on “Roll Back Driver.”
- Windows will then roll back the driver to the previous version.
- After the rollback, restart your computer and ensure the problem no longer exists.
Check The Audio Device.
You should first check to see if the audio problem is with your speakers or headphones. Unplug them from your computer and plug them into another device, such as a phone or MP3 player. If they work fine on another device, then the issue is most likely with your computer.
If they don’t work on another device, the problem is with the speakers or headphones themselves, and you’ll need to replace them.
Configured the BIOS settings
One of the potential causes of audio problems after installing a new graphics card is misconfigured BIOS settings. So, you should first go into your BIOS and check that everything is configured correctly. To enter your BIOS, you’ll need to restart your computer and press a certain key as it’s booting up.
This key is usually F2 and F12. You can also search on google, which is the BIOS key for your motherboard. Once you’re in the BIOS, navigate to the audio settings and ensure everything is configured correctly. If there is no audio device visible, make sure to select any device from the list that you want.
Check The Connections
If you’re sure that the drivers and BIOS are configured properly but you’re still having audio problems, the next step is to check the connections. Ensure that all the cables are plugged in correctly and that there’s nothing loose. Also, ensure that the audio cable attached to GPU is not damaged.
In some cases, you may need to replace the cables. If you’re using an HDMI cable, try a different one. Try plugging speakers into a different port or device if you’re using speakers. It will ensure their working.
Two sound card conflicts
If you have two sound cards installed on your computer, they may conflict with each other. Some computers already have a built-in sound card, and an additional card can cause the issue. Check by disabling one of the sound cards. And check if the audio is working fine.
- Go to the sound settings. Right-click on the sound icon on the taskbar and then click on “Sound” from the list.
- Go to the “Devices” tab and right-click on the sound card you want to disable. Select “Disable” from the list.
GPU Crossfire Conflict
GPU crossfire is a technique many gamers use to enhance the overall GPU performance. In this technique, two GPUs are first connected to each other and then to the computer system. Sometimes both GPUs have third own audio chipsets and can send audio signals via HDMI or an external audio jack.
These GPUs may conflict while sending audio signals, and as a result, no audio signal is received from the system. If you are using a GPU crossfire, check which GPU is currently working or which device is selected for output. Here’s how to check,
- Open sound settings by right-clicking on the speaker icon in the lower right corner of your desktop.
- Now select “Sound” from the list.
- Once in the new windows, go to the “Playback tab.”
- You have to disable two devices if there are three audio output devices, one default system audio, and two GPUs.
- If you want audio from the GPU, disable the other GPU and the default device.
- To disable the device, right-click on that device and select “Disable” from the list.
Run the audio troubleshooter
Audio troubleshooting resolves 90% of audio errors. Audio troubleshooting is Windows’ built-in program. It will help you identify and fix any issues that may be causing the audio problems automatically.
- Press the “Windows + I” keys on your keyboard to open the Settings app.
- Click on “Update & Security.”
- Click on the “Troubleshoot” tab.
- Here select the “Additional Troubleshooter” option.
- Another window will pop up; find the “Playing Audio” and click “Run Troubleshooter.”
Tips To Avoid This Issue In The Future
If you are using or trying to use two GPUs or if your GPU is often making issues, then you have to be careful about that. Here are some tips that you can use to avoid this issue in the future:
Use the latest drivers: Always ensure you use the latest drivers for your graphics card and sound card. It will help to ensure compatibility and avoid any potential conflicts.
Check for BIOS updates: Occasionally, a BIOS update may solve audio issues. Be sure to check for any BIOS updates available for your motherboard.
Use one sound card: As mentioned above, using two sound cards can lead to conflicts. If possible, stick to using one sound card to avoid any issues.
Avoid installing multiple GPUs: If you’re not using an SLI or Crossfire setup, it’s best to avoid installing more than one GPU in your system. It can lead to all kinds of problems, including audio issues.
Check for hardware compatibility: When buying a new graphics card, make sure it’s compatible with your motherboard and other hardware. It will help to avoid any potential conflicts.
Conclusion
These are a few different solutions that you can try if the audio is not working after installing the graphics card/GPU. Following the mentioned tips can also stop these issues from occurring again. We hope that one of these solutions was able to fix the issue for you. If not, you may need to replace your sound card or speakers. Thanks for reading!
Readings that you may like:
DAW Related:
Best DAWs For Musicians Available (With FREE DAWs)
What’s The Most CPU Efficient DAW? – 5 DAWs Compared
How To Make Music Without Using A DAW?
Pro Tools Guide: How To Use AutoTune & Pitch Correction?
Ableton Review: Is It Worth The Money? (Cons & Pros)
Logic Pro X Review: Is It Worth It? (Cons & Pros)
How To Use Auto-tune & Pitch Correction In Cubase?
How To Fix Ableton Crackling, Crashing & Freezing? Step By Step
Plugin Related:
What Are Audio Plugins? Different Types of Plugins Explained
What Are The Best Tools To Develop VST Plugins & How Are They Made?
Cost of Developing Audio VST Plugin: Several Factors (With Table)
VST, VST, AU and AAX – What’s The Difference? Plugin Formats Explained
Complete Guide To Noise Gate – What It Is, What It Does & How To Use It?
How To Clip My Drums? Here Is How & Audio Teasers (Before/After)
Complete Guide To Limiter: How To Use It (+ Best Plugins & Analog Limiters)
Mixing With Reverb: How To Add Life To Your Mixes
Linear Phase vs Minimum Phase EQ – Full Guide
Difference Between LUFS, RMS & True Peak Loudness Meters
How And When To Use Algorithmic And Convolution Reverb In Your Mix?
Difference Between Active EQ, Passive EQ and Dynamic EQ
Headphones & Studio Monitors:
Do headphones get worse with age?
Monitors vs Studio Headphones For Mixing & Mastering
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Are Noise-Canceling Headphones Good For Music Production?
Can Headphones Break in Cold Weather?
Why do headphones & cables get sticky?
Can Wearing Headphones Cause Hair Loss?
How Do I know If My Studio Monitor Is Blown?
Side Effects Of Sleeping With Your Headphones On
Do You Need Music Amplifier For Studio Monitors or Studio Headphones?
Do Headphones or Earphones Damage Your Brain?
Can Headphones or Earphones cause Deafness or Toothache?
FarField, MidField & NearField Monitors – Their Uses, Pros & Cons
MIDI & Synths:
Should I Buy A MIDI Keyboard Or Synth? (Are Synths Worth It Anymore?)
Why Is Audio Gear So Expensive? (Especially Synths)
Top 12 Synth Brands – Analog, Digital & Modular Synth Manufacturers
11 Tips How To Choose MIDI Keyboard
Should I Buy MIDI Controller Or Keyboard? Cons, Pros & Tips
Guitar/Amp Focused:
Can I Put Nylon Strings on a Steel-string Guitar?
Do Electric Guitars Sound Good Unplugged?
Buying Your First Guitar: 2 Things To Know
Are Tube Amps Worth It? (Tube vs Solid-State Amps)
How Often Does A Guitar Need a Setup?
Can I Play Classical Guitar On A Steel-String Guitar?
How often guitar necks need reset?
Can You Play Two Guitars Through One Amp?
Can a 6 String Bass Be Tuned Like A Guitar?
Can I leave My Guitar Tuned Down a Step? Yes, But Is It Safe?
Should I Learn 4, 5 Or 6 String Bass Guitar & Why?
How To Know If your Guitar Amp Is Broken?
How To Fix Distorted Bass Guitar Sound?
Do Fender Guitars Appreciate In Value?
Should You Put Stickers On A Bass Guitar?
How Acoustic And Electric Guitars Are Made?
Is Electric Guitar Too Loud for an Apartment?
Does a Preamp Improve Sound Quality?
If I Learn Acoustic Guitar Can I Play Electric Guitar?
How Many Hours A Day Should You Practice Bass Guitar?
Do I need an AMP/DAC To Run Bookshelf Speakers?
How to Record Electric Guitar Into Logic Pro X?
Do headphones get worse with age?
Recommended Gear:
Top 12 NearField Studio Monitors On Any Budget
Top 10 Midfield Studio Monitors For Home Recording
Best Biggest Studio Monitors (FarField Monitors)
Top 10 Guitar Pickups for Low Tunings
Top 10 Analog Compressors For Mixing & Mastering (On Any Budget)
Top 12 USB Audio Interfaces Under 150$, 200$, 300$ 400$ (Any Budget)
Top 12 Hardware Equalizers (Analog EQs For Mixing & Mastering)
Top 6 Analog Hardware Limiters
Top 6 Solid State Bass Amps (On Any Budget)
Top 6 Ribbon Mics On Any Budget (For Vocals, Drums & Guitars)
Top 6 Cheap Dynamic Mics For Vocals Under 50$, 100$, 200$ & 300$
Top 6 Chorus Guitar Pedals (On Any Budget)
6 Best 61-Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
9 Best 49-Key MIDI Keyboards Under 100$ & 200$
Top 5 Best 25 Key MIDI Keyboards (On Any Budget)
Top 12 Acoustic Drums (Best Kits/Sets On Any Budget)
Plugin Roundups:
Genre Focused:
Top 10 EDM Plugins (And 10 Best FREE Plugins For EDM)
Top 10 Plugins For TRAP Beats (And 5 Best FREE Trap Plugins)
20 Best Plugins For Rock Musicians (+ 6 FREE Plugins)
Top 14 Trance Plugins (Uplifting, Tech, Progressive, Vocal, Dream, Hard)
Top 10 GOA & PsyTrance Plugins (Best Psychedelic Trance Tools)
Top 7 Plugins For Dubstep (With 10 Best FREE Effects & Synths)
Top 20 Synthwave Plugins (+ 11 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 15 Plugins For Techno, House, Electro, Tech House, UK Garage
Top 6 Plugins For Latin Music (And 4 FREE Tools)
Top 12 Plugins For Hip-Hop (+ Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 7 Plugins For Game & Film Scoring (+ 6 Best Kontakt Libraries)
Top 10 R&B And Pop Music Plugins & KONTAKT Libraries
30 Best Free Plugins For DnB, EDM, IDM & Experimental Music
EQ Plugins
Top 12 Free EQ Plugins For Precise Mixing & Mastering
Top 9 Mid/Side EQ Plugins For Mixing & Mastering (+ 2 Free Tools)
Top 7 Graphic EQ Plugins (With 3 Best Free EQs)
Top 7 EQ Plugins For Mastering In | And Best FREE Mastering EQs
Top 6 Passive EQ Plugins (Klevgrand, SPL, UAD, Waves, IK Multimedia)
Top 11 Plugins For Making Metal (Best Guitars, Drums & Effects)
Metering:
Top 5 Audio Metering Plugins (LUFS, RMS, LRA, True Peak)
Top 6 Spectrum Analyzer Plugins – Spectral Analysis Tools
Top 6 Oscilloscope Plugins To See The Waveforms
Top 5 Key Detection Plugins & Software (+ Best FREE App)
Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Kontakt Libraries For All Categories (Synths, Drums, Vocals)
Top 7 Drum Libraries For KONTAKT (And 4 Freebies)
Top 7 Trap Music Kontakt Libraries (And Best Lo-Fi Kontakt Library)
Top 7 Metal & Rock Kontakt Libraries (Best Guitars & Drums)
Top 10 Guitar Libraries For Kontakt (Acoustic, Electric, Bass & Freebies)
Top 7 Trailer Scoring Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
20 Best Free KONTAKT Libraries For Various Instruments
Top 9 Piano Kontakt Sample Libraries (And 5 Best Free Pianos)
Top 10 Percussion KONTAKT Libraries (And 3 Freebies)
Top 7 Kontakt Libraries For Horror & Thriller Scoring (No VSTs)
Audio Restoration, Calibration & Utility:
Top 6 Noise Reduction Plugins (And 3 Best Free Tools)
6 Best Audio Restoration Plugins & Software
Top 7 Phase Alignment Plugins To Fix Your Bass & Drums
Top 10 Room Calibration & Headphones/Speakers Correction Plugins
Instrument Plugins:
Top 6 Vocoder Plugins (Effects & Synths + FREE Vocoder)
11 Best Rhodes VST Plugins (AND 5 Free Rhodes Plugins)
Top 12 Randomizer Plugins Including FREE Plugins
Top 6 Kick Drum Plugins (Best Kick Designer Tools)
Top 12 Woodwind Plugins (And KONTAKT Libraries)
Top 10 Double Bass Plugins (Best Upright Basses)
Top 5 Strings VST Plugins (AND 4 Best Free Instruments)
Top 6 Sampler Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Classical Guitar Plugins & Kontakt Libraries (And FREE Guitars)
Top 12 Sub Plugins (Best 808 & Bass Tools For Massive Low End)
Top 10 Plugins On PluginBoutique (And 7 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Plugins On Plugin Alliance
Top 7 Acoustic Guitar Plugins (And 4 Best Kontakt Libraries)
9 Best Bass Guitar Plugins (And 2 Best Freebies)
Top 6 Electric Guitar Plugins (Best PAID & FREE Picks)
Top 10 Arpeggiator VST Plugins (Best Synths, MIDI Effects & Tools)
Top 10 Modular Synth Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Choir Plugins & Sample Libraries (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
11 Best Percussion & Drum VST Plugins (And FREE Plugins)
Top 8 Piano Plugins (Best Sounding Pianos & 5 FREE Piano Plugins)
Top 6 Organ Plugins Ever Made (And 3 Best Free Organs)
Top 14 VST Plugins For Beginners (And 9 FREE Plugins)
Top 9 Drum Machine Plugins (And Groovebox Plugins)
4 Best Banjo Plugins (Best Banjo Instruments)
The 5 Best Ukulele Plugins & Kontakt Libraries
Top 13 Synth Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Synths Plugins)
Top 13 Sequencer Plugins (Synth, MIDI & Step Sequencers)
The 10 Best Multi-Effect Plugins (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 12 Plugin Bundles For Musicians (Synths, Mixing & Mastering)
Processing & Sound Design:
8 Best Lo-Fi Plugins (PAID & FREE)
Top 11 Plugins For Mixing Vocals (For Home Studio)
Top 12 Saturation Plugins (Best Mixing & Mastering Tools)
Top 6 Pitch Shifter Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Pitch Shifters)
Top 6 Chorus VST Plugins For Musicians (And 3 FREE Plugins)
Top 6 Limiter Plugins For Precise Mastering & Mixing
The 8 Best Filter Plugins For Precise Cuts & Boosts (+ 5 Free Filters)
6 Best Autotune Plugins To Improve & Enhance Your Vocals
Top 10 Transient Shaper Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 7 Enhancer Plugins (For Bass, Drums, Vocals & Harmonics)
Top 6 Flanger Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Flanger Emulators)
Top 7 Phaser Plugins (And 3 Best FREE Phasers)
Top 10 Plugins For Mixing Drums (And 3 Best Free Plugins)
Top 7 Bitcrusher Plugins (And 4 Best FREE Bitcrushers + 3 Bonuses)
Top 6 Plugins For Voice-Over & Dialogue Cleaning (Post Production)
Top 10 Stereo Imaging Plugins (Best Old & Modern Picks)
Top 5 Multiband Limiter Plugins
Top 7 De-Esser Plugins For Better Vocals (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 7 Clipper Plugins (Best Limiter Alternatives)
Top 6 Chord Generator Plugins That Inspire Melodies (+ FREE Tools)
7 Best Exciter Plugins For Mixing & Mastering
Top 7 Channel Strip Plugins (And 2 Best Free Plugins)
Top 11 Distortion Plugins (And 4 Top Free Plugins)
Top 5 Comb Filter & Resonator Plugins | Melda, Kilohearts, Tritik
The 7 Best Vibrato VST Plugins | Audec, Audiority, Melda
The 7 Best Tremolo Plugins | Eventide, Melda, SoundToys, Kuassa…
The 7 Best Harmonizer Plugins | Eventide, Melda, Aegean Music
7 Best Sidechain Plugins (VST, AU, AAX) | Xfer, Cableguys..
Top 10 Noise Gate Plugins (And 6 FREE Free Gate Tools)
The 6 Best Ring Modulator VST Plugins | KiloHearts, Melda
7 Best Autopan VST Plugins | CableGuys, Melda, Waves, Soundtoys
The 6 Best Frequency Shifter VST Plugins
Top 11 Granulizer Plugins For Future Sound Design
29 Best Sound Design VST Plugins
Compressor Plugins
Top 11 Free Compressor Plugins (VCA, Vari-Mu, FET, Digital)
Top 7 Multiband Compressor Plugins (And 4 FREE Plugins)
Top 5 Diode-Bridge Compressor Plugins
Top 6 Mastering Chain Plugins: Complete VST Solutions
The 7 Best VCA Compressor Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 11 Mastering Compressor Plugins (And 2 FREE Plugins)
Top 10 Opto Compressor Plugins For Transparent Sound
The 7 Best Vari-Mu Compressor Plugins (And 2 Best FREE Tools)
Reverb & Delay Plugins:
Top 12 Reverb Plugins (And 5 FREE Reverb Plugins)
The 6 Best Spring Reverb VST Plugins | AudioThing, GSi, u-he, Eventide
Top 12 Delay Plugins For Music Production In (VST, AU, AAX)
Top 10 FREE Delay Plugins (VST, AU, AAX)
The 10 Best Convolution Reverb Plugins
Amps & Preamps:
Top 10 Guitar Amp Plugins (And 5 Best FREE Simulators)
Top 10 Bass Amp Plugins (And 5 Best Free Simulators)
Top 9 Preamp Plugins (For Vocals, Guitars & More!) + Free Preamps
Hey, I’m Hammad. I have been writing for several years now and have amassed a wealth of experience within my field. My focus is on technology and gaming, two areas that I am highly knowledgeable about.