Cool GTX
PC boots to Windows & you can log on with the Windows "default" video driver ?
Yes. After fresh install of Win 7 x64 SP1, no Nvidia driver I get login screen, can change from low res (can't remember initial res, maybe 800x600? to 1920 x 1080. Create restore point, set network fixed ip address, install chrome, join Windows homegroup, transfer application installation files from another computer on network, set time, create another restore point.
When you load Nvidia driver WHQL ver 431.60 Re. 2019-07-23 ... black screen happens ?
Yes. Install above mentioned Nvidia driver. Only install the basics, Nvidia Experience and 3D drivers not installed. Re-boot, bootup normal thru Windows splash screen, black screen follows. No further video after that. Reboot a second time, result is same- black screen following Windows splash screen. I had the exact same model video card in another computer, Win 7 x64 SP1, same driver, Z97 mobo, all working fine. Moved to D975 mobo to confirm I didn't have a faulty video card. Same results with this know good card- black screen after Windows splash screen.
After a Forced - Cold reboot - the problem persists ?
After warm and cold reboots problem persists. Reboot to safe mode select screen, select 'Boot to last known good configuration', uninstall Nvidia drivers, reboot, login screen and desktop have video.
Which Nvidia Older drives have you tried ? (not sure offhand when support for your GPU started)
None. What version would you suggest?
web search - How to fix black screen problems on Windows 7 - (there are many results)
one result -
This is a Good guide - however it is for Win 10 ---> not sure if there is information that might be helpful on Win 7
Black screen no more
When your Windows 10 PC displays a black screen, use this guide to troubleshoot and resolve this issue.
Thank you for links, will look at the Windows 7 article. No point in installing Windows 10, as mentioned before, Windows Media Center PlayReady copy protection scheme based on encryption key based on motherboard. Changing to a motherboard of the same model has been reported as working, but change to different model doesn't work. Max memory for this D975 mobo is 8GB (eyes rolling). Worst case I'll have to move the GTX960 back to this mobo (had been moved to an ITX mobo because of it's smaller size and better case fit).
Please advise if any further ideas, would really like to use this card in the D975 mobo for above stated reasons.
Thank you