XPS 8940, RTX 5060 Ti, Windows, Linux, no boot

Hi

Hope this helps....

The internet reports.........

Issue: The XPS 8940 has known BIOS-related boot issues with newer GPUs, especially after BIOS updates (e.g., versions ≥2.2.0). These updates can cause instability with PCIe slots or GPU recognition.

• Reset BIOS: Clear CMOS by removing the coin-cell battery for 5 minutes or using the BIOS jumper.

• Update BIOS: Use the BIOS Recovery Tool via a USB stick (formatted FAT32, file named BIOS_IMG.rcv). Press/hold Ctrl+Esc during boot to trigger recovery.

• Downgrade BIOS: If recently updated, revert to an older BIOS version (if possible) to resolve GPU compatibility issues.

• #######################

• Upgrade to a 650W–750W PSU (80+ Gold certified) to ensure stable power delivery.

• Verify GPU power connectors are securely attached (8-pin or dual 8-pin for high-end models).

################

Most of the rest of the stuff you already covered.

If in doubt please ask.

I have the RTX 2060 in my 8940, and have NO problems, UNTIL I installed Nvidia Version V572 and higher... although NOT to the level you are having a problem.

The RTX 50 series are having a SIGNIFICANT set of problems with the V572 and later versions of the driver. Nvidia seems INCAPABLE of creating NEW drivers that work for the RTX 40 and 50 series cards.

You MIGHT want to  look at the Nvidia driver forum and specifically this entry, https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/forums/game-ready-drivers/13/563625/rtx-5060-ti-freeze-and-black-screen/ and it seems close to what you are experiencing.

Not much you could do about the driver either, seems only other choice is the 576.02 one, and it might work better, but I'd doubt it.

If you go back in the BIOS, at the Video menu. and in the display setting where you have a choice of 2, if you set that to just the HD750, can you boot? Either by disabling Multi-display or setting the primary display to the Intel HD750?

If you can, it clearly is the Nvidia card AND the driver.

If you used DDU, were you able to boot before installing the latest Nvidia driver? If so, then MS's default driver loaded for the card. However, it would be unable to fully use the card probably. That would be your other choice, use the MS driver. However, be sure to set the BIOS not to allow Capsule Update, otherwise MS Update might force a Nvidia driver down on you.

Also DELETE the NVIDIA App as it too can install an Nvidia driver on you as well.

The RTX 5060 TI really needs a 600w PS so I'm not surprised you have an issue.

As for the nVidia app, it won't update drivers unless you tell it to and would be what I would use for the drivers.

I have heard some issues exist with the latest drivers on 40 and 50 series GPUs but I hope that isn't true when I install my RTX 5070.

We shall see......

@anne_droid​ 
Thanks for all the suggestions.   I kind of think it's the BIOS as well. I was already running the latest version, so I tried downgrading from 2.26 to 2.25 and 2.24, even 2.18 but no joy.  Maybe  I have to wait to try the next version. 

@ispalten​ 
Thanks for all the suggestions!  Yes. everything boots fine using the intel video processor .  It's  the  5060 that won't show anything after the BIOS menus.. no  Windows loading screen or  anything even when just using the MS default drivers (using DDU) and trying to launch in safe mode. 

@Element115s4​ 
Thanks for the suggestion!
The power was a bit of a concern when I was considering the card but I was thinking that the 5060  has  relatively the same power efficiency as  the 2060  that I was running in the same machine.

Unconfirmed estimates from ChatGPT:
Under load: 2060 - 160 watts, 5060 160-170 watts.
Bootup : 2060: 20-30 watts     5060 20-30 watts

Since my issues are on bootup-  I'm thinking it's less likely to be a power supply issue?

@CodeBlue555​ 

@ispalten​ 

Yes. everything boots fine using the intel video processor .  It's  the  5060 that won't show anything after the BIOS menus.. no  Windows loading screen or  anything even when just using the MS default drivers (using DDU) and trying to launch in safe mode. 

Hmm, I suggest going to the Nvidia Forum I referenced and post there? Ask 'IF' it is possible you have a bad card even?

I wonder if the reason it 'works' in the BIOS is because the Intel adapter is being used? BIOS wouldn't have a driver for the card but it knows how to issue commands for the Intel built-in adapter probably.

Oh, the ports on the Nvidia card and the Intel adapter are 'tied' together. If you were able to boot into Windows and Disabled the Nvidia card, and you left the monitor connected to the Nvidia card, your monitor would still work displaying Windows. I found that out when there were lock-ups on the Nvidia card during testing. I had disabled the Nvidia card in BIOS, making the Intel adapter the sole adapter. Rebooted into Windows, and no Lock-ups. So I was going to go back to the Nvidia card and got under the desk to move the video cable and discovered I didn't move it. So they are tied together.

Do you have a bad card is the root question here, and with the problem reports on the Nvidia forum, I'd not think so? One last test I'd suggest, try the OLDEST Nvidia driver, but that might be a waste of time as the as even the MS default drivers do not work?

I am not sure this is a BIOS problem? Especially when it doesn't even use (I think) the Nvidia card to display anything, only thing it does it recognize the card in the Video section. Now if it didn't, then you have a BIOS issue.

Yes.. thanks for the follow-up.

I didn't know about the cards being tied together at BIOS boot.  I am beginning to wonder about the card itself as no one else yet has jumped in saying they had similar issues.  As you suggest, I will check out the Nvidia forum or even RTX support? 

@CodeBlue555​ 

Even 500w is on the low side for the RTX 2060.

Maybe this is not PS related but it would be the first thing on the culprit list for me..

FYI, damage can occur not meeting power req's so it's something I never take chances on.

Besides the overall problems with the XPS 8940, the PCIe v3 also will extract a performance penalty for a 5000 series GPU (Hopefully you went 5060TI 16GB).

Just something to also be aware of.

My 8950 has PCEi v4 but I don't think that will have a real impact.

@Element115s4​ 
Thanks I can see this might not be ideal even if there is a quick fix.  I did get the 16gb  card but I'm now thinking I should just return the card and bite the bullet and upgrade to a new system with the card included.  Because of the power constraints,  I went with the 5060 ti but with  new system, I would have more options.  However, maybe the 5060 ti is the best bang for the buck.

@Element115s4​ 

Well, I have the RTX-2060 6GB sold and included in my XPS8940 by Dell.

I have the SE version with the 500W PSU (Std. 8940 PSU is 360W), and probably the same version as the OP has since 500W is the PSU as well.

Dell's version of the card is made for them by MSI. Visual comparison of the two cards is strikingly different. MSI Retail card has 2 small fans, whereas my 2060 has a single LARGE fan. Other visual differences like fins for cooling appear to be different as well.

The original poster had an RTX-2060 as well, no mention if Retail or Dell Supplied, but I wouldn't think either would pose a problem.

By the way, Dell sold RTX some 30 and 40 series cards for the 8940 as well, and those do require more power as well.

I feel confident that a 500W PSU can handle some versions of those cards, maybe not the true RETAIL versions though.

Have you looked at the Nvidia forum for the complaints on the 40 and 50 series cards?

@CodeBlue555​ 

I am a Dell fan but the 8940 is not a system I would expand much on so I do think a new Dell/AW would be a better way to go.

Most of the 8940's I see with a 30 series card have a 750w PS so I'm not sure if your RTX is Dell or retail.

@ispalten​ 

Yes, as you well know the Dell OEM GPU's are configured usually on the conservative side to not exceed Dell's limits on Chassis, power, etc.

I have seen some complaints with the 5000 series but sometimes I get a chuckle when I see posts like 'nVidia can't sell them' ....lol.

I sure hope the nVidia driver situation isn't as bad as some people say but I have been a bit concerned even if I have not had to deal with anything major with the 3000 series.

That used to be AMD but I have to give AMD some credit lately with both CPU's and GPU's.

That should be rewarded.

nVidia and Intel need to get it together!

@Element115s4​ 

Not that Dell has been conservative, PSU requirements are usually based on MAX. wattage required by cards. No guarantee you'd ever hit it though.

I have had various Nvidia driver problems since V566.36.

My desktop gets severely re-arranged during the switch when it deletes the old Nvidia Driver, and then installs and starts the new driver and switches back. Started with V572. I run at the Resolution 3840 x 2160 x 60 hertz. When it switched to the HD750, it pushed the desktop to the top left one quarter of the screen. Then when the Nvidia driver takes over, it mostly restores the desktop positions, but mangles some and about the bottom 3/4th's of the column on the right can NOT be used to put Icons on it... I need to REBOOT to be able to do that, and use DESKTOPOK to restore my desktop. With V566.36 (and earlier releases) this was not a problem, desktop restored correctly.

I also had with V572 and later versions and releases including Hot Fixes, on boot, as the system was coming up, well into the boot process with the desktop up and some programs auto-starting. a brief black-out of the monitor... never was a real bother, and it never happened during normal usage, but unsettling to say the least.

I've checked the power in Nvidia Overlay, and never got close to the max. amount either as I recalled.