KB 933073 - Using dmesg and Kernel Module Checks to Troubleshoot NVIDIA GPU Issues

KB 933073 - Using dmesg and Kernel Module Checks to Troubleshoot NVIDIA GPU Issues

 Overview

This article outlines how to use dmesg logs and kernel module commands to diagnose issues where the operating system fails to detect NVIDIA GPUs—even though they appear in the system's BMC (Baseboard Management Controller).
When to Use This
You may need this guide if:
  • nvidia-smi reports: NVRM: No NVIDIA GPU found

  • GPUs are visible in BMC or IPMI but not in the OS

  • You're seeing driver or hardware initialization errors during boot

Step 1: Check Kernel Ring Buffer (dmesg) for Errors

The dmesg command shows messages from the kernel that are helpful for low-level diagnostics.
  1. sudo dmesg | grep -iE "nvidia|gpu|pci|acpi|firmware" | grep -iE "fail|error|not found|disable"
What to Look For:
  • module verification failed — Indicates Secure Boot is blocking the NVIDIA kernel module.

  • No NVIDIA GPU found — The NVIDIA driver was loaded but no GPUs were detected on the PCI bus.

  • firmware: failed to load — A required firmware blob was missing.

  • ACPI: device not enabled — BIOS/UEFI settings may have disabled PCIe devices.

Step 2: Check if the NVIDIA Kernel Module is Loaded

Linux uses kernel modules (drivers) to interface with hardware like NVIDIA GPUs.

  1. lsmod | grep nvidia

If you get output like:

  1. nvidia_uvm           860160  0
  2. nvidia_drm            57344  2
  3. nvidia_modeset       1114112  4 nvidia_drm
nvidia              
  4. nvidia              23474176  260 nvidia_uvm,nvidia_modeset

→ The driver is loaded and likely functioning.

If there is no output:

The module didn’t load. Check dmesg again or try loading it manually:

  1. sudo modprobe nvidia

Step 3: Check for Secure Boot Blocking the Driver

Secure Boot can prevent unsigned kernel modules like NVIDIA’s from loading.
  1. mokutil --sb

  • SecureBoot enabled → You'll see SecureBoot enabled

  • Disable it from the BIOS or sign the NVIDIA module with MOK (Machine Owner Key).

Step 4: Check PCI Bus for NVIDIA Devices

This helps confirm whether the GPU is physically present and detected at the PCIe level.
  1. lspci | grep -i nvidia

If no output appears, the GPU is not even seen by the PCIe bus. Potential causes:

  • Hardware issue

  • GPU seated improperly

  • PCIe slot/bifurcation misconfigured in BIOS

  • Faulty riser or cable

Check if nvidia kernel module is available:
  1. modinfo nvidia

If modinfo says "module not found", the driver installation might be corrupted or incomplete.

    • Recent Articles

    • Download Log from ASUSTOR NAS

      How to download Log from NAS Purpose: This article will helps support team to guide customer to download Log to share the evidence for component failure. Problem: Customer reports for Storage device not detected. Storage failure. / Storage not ...

    • TeamGroup Memory Warranty & RMA Process

      Purpose To provide a clear and simple process for handling Team Group Memory warranty and RMA claims. Warranty Verification Product model and serial number. Purchase invoice or proof of purchase. Warranty eligibility. Product condition and any signs ...

    • Common Reasons for RMA Rejection

      Purpose This article outlines the most common reasons why RMA requests are rejected. Understanding these reasons helps Technical Support teams reduce claim delays and improve first-time approval rates. Physical Damage RMA requests are rejected when ...

    • KB-630208 | How to use Find and Locate to search for files in Linux

      Purpose To provide Linux administrators and Field Engineers with guidance on using the find and locate utilities to efficiently search for files and directories within a Linux filesystem based on criteria such as name, type, size, timestamps, ...

    • KB-630164 | How to use rsync to Synchronize Files

      Purpose To provide a clear and practical procedure for using the rsync utility to synchronize files and directories between local systems and remote hosts, including push and pull operations, while preserving file attributes and optimizing data ...

    • Popular Articles

    • CP Plus Camera and NVR Configuration

      NVR Configuration The CP Plus Pro Series of NVRs have been meticulously designed for providing you with upgraded performance and higher recording quality in your IP video surveillance solution. The robust processor that has been inculcated in this ...

    • KB 775235 - Kerberos Authentication – Overview

      What is Kerberos? Kerberos is a secure authentication method used in our Active Directory (AD) environment (mbuzztech.com). It allows users to: Access multiple systems without re-entering passwords (Single Sign-On – SSO) Log in once Where We Use It ...

    • KB 935001 - AMD Ryzen AM4 Motherboard CPU Compatibility

      For the AM4 Platform, AMD has been very generous when it comes to motherboard compatibility. A CPU launched in 2022, like the Ryzen 7 5800X3D, will work with an almost 6-year-old motherboard, like the ASRock X370 Pro, which was launched in early ...

    • KB 532001 - Ubuntu Server 22.04 Installation Hangs on ASUS WRX80e-SAGE Series

      During the installation of Ubuntu Server 22.04 on ASUS WRX80E-SAGE series motherboards, the installation process hangs during the boot phase. The issue is associated with USB disk recognition errors, particularly with devices managed by the XHCI ...

    • KB 686001 - ASUS Server Stress Testing Guide for INTEL and AMD Platforms

      Creating a Bootable USB with Asus Test Tool Step 1: Download Required Files Download Asus Linux Image: Save the Linux image file provided by Asus. Download Memtest Tool: Open a browser, search for "Memtest," and download the free version from the ...