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. Note any recent driver or hardware changes. If Windows cannot start, use the startup guide first.

Work through these checks

0 of 3 complete
01Move GPU to primary PCIe x16 slot

Move GPU to primary PCIe x16 slot.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
02Check BIOS PCIe slot configuration

Check BIOS PCIe slot configuration.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help
03Inspect PCIe slot for bent or damaged contacts

Inspect PCIe slot for bent or damaged contacts.

Use the instructions for your exact device and operating system. Check the manufacturer’s documentation before changing firmware, hardware, or system settings.

I need help

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 any action inside the tool before applying changes.

dxdiag