Installing new hardware and having it simply not show up is one of the more common build frustrations, and it's almost always a seating, connection, or settings issue rather than a defective part.
Reseat the component
Power off, unplug the PC, and remove and reinstall the part, making sure it's fully seated and any clips or latches are locked in place. This alone resolves a large share of detection issues.
Check for required power connections
Graphics cards and some drives need a separate power cable from the power supply in addition to being seated in their slot. A missing power connection means the part won't be detected at all.
Confirm it's compatible
Double-check that the part is actually compatible with your motherboard — RAM speed and type, drive interface, and card slot type all matter.
Check your BIOS/UEFI settings
Some motherboards need a specific setting enabled to detect certain drive types, or may need a BIOS update to support newer hardware. Check your motherboard manufacturer's support page for your model.
Test the part in a different slot or system
If possible, try the new component in a different slot, or in another PC entirely, to determine whether the part itself or the original slot is the problem.
If a component still isn't detected after reseating it, checking connections, and confirming compatibility, it's worth having it tested — either the part is defective or there's a deeper compatibility issue worth diagnosing before you build around it.
Still having trouble?
Call now or send us a message and describe what's going on — we'll help you figure out next steps.