D6 Error Z790-E WiFi

[Z9Ryan]

I previously posted about a D6 Q-Code I was getting on my motherboard. Since posting, I have still had issues but was able to rectify by reseating and restarting several times. I am now stuck with D6 and no way of getting around the issue. Below are my specs:

Motherboard: Z790-E WiFi

CPU: i9-13900k 

RAM: Corsair Vengeance DDR5 x2 16GB 5600MHz

GPU: TUF RTX 4080

PSU: Corsair RM1000e

SSD: Crucial T700 1TB 11,700 MB/s

OS: Windows 11 Pro

The response I previously had was to disable a few BIOS settings, mainly focused around the CPU. With all the changes I’ve had no luck. So far I have done the following:

Reseated the GPU

Updated BIOS

Changed CPU Ratios

Adjusted Intel Settings

Updated Drivers

Installed New PSU

Installed New PCIE (non dove-tailed) Cables

Tested RAM

Reseated RAM

Deconstructed/Rebuilt PC

Tested Different PCIE Slot

Updated All Possible Components

Reinstalled OS

Changed DP & HDMI Cables

Changed Monitors

This list is not complete either. Other than the Case and Fans, this PC has brand new components. The integrated graphics work and I can boot into the BIOS. This is now all I can achieve.

I desperately need help.

[Z9Ryan]

Additionally, I did a BIOS update last night and the D6 error didn’t show. Booting this morning shows the D6 code again. What is it that could be happening between a BIOS update, shutting down the PC and then rebooting to cause this?

[Jiaszzz_ROG]

Hello @Z9Ryan ,

Thank you for reaching out to us again.
According to the [Motherboard] Common Q-CODE (Error CODE) and Troubleshooting guide, the Q-CODE "D6" that appears during startup indicates that the Intel motherboard has detected an issue with the graphics card.

Based on your current context and previous thread, it seems that you suspect a connection with the GPU issue, as the issue does not occur when using iGPU.
Could you please confirm if the current scenario involves being unable to boot with a Q-Code "D6" error, and that you can only restart successfully after several forced shutdowns? 
Have you tried cross-testing with another GPU?

Thank you.

[Z9Ryan]

Thank you for responding.

During the PC boot, the D6 error appears. I must then hard power off my PC. In the past, I may have had to restart once sometimes twice. Other times this may have needed 20 shutdowns or more to use the PC. Following my previous reply, the latest BIOS update appears to have significantly improved the likelihood of my PC booting on first try. Out of appoximately 8/9 PC starts, only twice have I had to restart.

When encountering this issue previously, I had reverted back to my old RTX 3080. However this was not reliable. The reasoning for my upgrade was because of technical issues I was encountering with graphics, crashes and lag in gaming following my motherboard upgrade, hence the purchase of a new RTX 4080. I don't believe the GPU that worked tremendously well for many years suddenly broke following the install of a new motherboard. The RTX 3080 doesn't give D6 errors but again did have many performance/technical issues when used in conjunction with the new motherboard. I should also note that the RTX 3080 often times failed to complete GPU benchmarking test and would crash/freeze. At the time I believed the GPU to be the cause but now believe it HAS to be a motherboard issue. None if these issues occurred prior to installation of the motherboard.

[inge70]

Your old 3080 had a 12-pin power connector.
The new 4080, on the other hand, has a 16-pin (12+4, including 4 sense pins).
Even though both power connectors are called 12VHPWR, they are different.

Please check that the power connector is correctly seated on the GPU AND the power supply.

The new revision (I believe since this 16-pin connector) has seen a change in the position of the individual pins of the connector to ensure safe use.

In other words, the 4 SensPins have moved a little further into the plug/socket to ensure that the plug is fully inserted until the retaining lug audibly clicks into place, because the previous version of these power connectors caused power-hungry GPUs to burn.

If you are using the power adapter included with the GPU, check that it is correctly seated.

In addition, the power cable on the GPU should not be bent too much. A minimum bending radius of around 3cm is assumed, but not less.

If you are using a 90-degree adapter, remove it and check by connecting the power cable directly.