Graphics · medium

How to fixGPU-PCIE-BANDWIDTH-ERROR

PCIe GPU bandwidth degradation

What this error means

GPU-PCIE-BANDWIDTH-ERROR is a medium-severity graphics card (GPU) problem. The GPU is operating in a degraded PCIe bandwidth state (e.g., PCIe x4 instead of x16, or Gen 3 instead of Gen 4). This can reduce GPU performance by 10-30% in bandwidth-limited scenarios. Detected in GPU monitoring tools as 'PCIe x4 @ Gen3' when the card requires x16 @ Gen4 for full performance. The steps below are ordered to resolve this efficiently.

Before you begin

Save open work and back up important files. Use instructions for your exact device and software version. If Windows cannot start, see the startup guide.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Move GPU to primary PCIe x16 slot
  1. Move GPU to primary PCIe x16 slot
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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02Check BIOS PCIe slot configuration
  1. Check BIOS PCIe slot configuration
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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03Inspect PCIe slot for bent or damaged contacts
  1. Inspect PCIe slot for bent or damaged contacts
What to expect

Check whether the original symptom still occurs.

If it does not help

Continue only if this check applies to your device. Consult its manufacturer if you are unsure.

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Possible causes

  • GPU seated in wrong PCIe slot (x4 slot)
  • Damaged PCIe slot or lanes
  • BIOS PCIe bandwidth settings

Useful Windows tools

These commands open Windows tools. Review changes before applying them.

dxdiag