Graphics card turns off, but then back on.

kylepont

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Dec 28, 2013
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I have a very peculiar bug. I've had it since I got this GPU, but never bothered to return it, thinking something else could be at fault (and due to the lack of a spare, two weeks without a computer was not appealing to me).

So I'm playing a game, or editing images on Photoshop or even browsing Windows Explorer, then suddenly the screen goes black. Two seconds later, it comes back on. A little pop-up in the top left corner telling me the details of the input lets me know that the output to the screen actually stopped, momentarily. No progress is lost on the computer, it doesn't turn off, it doesn't stop what it was previously doing, the GPU just stopped doing what it was doing. Sometimes, the output will stop again immediately after it began.

I just want to know how to stop this, it is still in warranty so I can RMA, but I'd prefer a DIY job so that I save money on the delivery back to the company, and so that I don't have two weeks without a functioning computer.

Specs etc:

AMD FX-8320 (not OCed) (Did have a Phenom II X4 B50, but the problem still occured)
Crucial 8GB Ballistix Sport 1333Mhz
Zotac GTX 650Ti 1GB
Gigabyte GA-970A-DS3
Seagate Barracuda 1.5TB HDD
G7 Power Extreme 880W (19A at +12V)

And a Samsung 24" television. Input through HDMI.

When I contacted Zotac, they said that the PSU must give out at least 20A at +12V. Surely this is utter bull, because I know someone with a 680 that doesn't even demand that much.
 
Solution

Jackson413

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Dec 25, 2013
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I had something like this happen once and the fault was in the cable instead of the hardware itself. It took a week before I actually figured that one out.

Check that first. Would be nice if that was the case! ^_^
 

kylepont

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Dec 28, 2013
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Thought I covered all of the obvious bases with my original post... Whoops

Yeah, I've tried every other HDMI cable in the house, the Sky one, the Xbox one, the DVD player one, all of which have don't have a problem on those machines, but they do with this. And I tried this cable with the Xbox. Works fine.

Damn it >.<
 

Jared Jensen

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Dec 7, 2013
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Zotac has a good point, if your PSU is crapping out meaning not delivering enough power or something like that. then that could be the problem. Have you tested your computer with another card to see if it was the card being the problem? It could also mean having a faulty card since it's happened the whole time you've had your GPU. Or as kylepont said. It could just mean one of your connectors are loose or just not functioning correctly. Make sure everything is plugged in and seated properly.
 
Solution

kylepont

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Dec 28, 2013
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Definitely not a problem with connectors. Everything is seated firmly, and the problem still occurs in the PCIe x4 slot. To be honest, the only other PSU I have is an awful 450W one that came bundled with a £24 case (sufficient when I first got the computer, before I started upgrading stuff). And when I had a GT610 before (poor people have to start somewhere!) there was no real problems with that PCI slot. In fact, that card was probably performing better than this is...

EDIT: Looked at the nvidia brochure and you were right... The PSU isn't up to the job. The shop lied to me. I'm definitely getting an exchange for that. Looks like the problem is solved (seemingly) Thank you.



Did that, everything is compatible.
 
EDIT: Looked at the nvidia brochure and you were right... The PSU isn't up to the job. The shop lied to me. I'm definitely getting an exchange for that. Looks like the problem is solved (seemingly) Thank you.

you got to watch them slicksters like at best buy some of the things i hear them tell people is sad and they eat it up hope ypou get it solved and back to the game
 

kylepont

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Dec 28, 2013
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Problem is that this is Maplin (UK electronics store) and this is the top rated store, all electricians and mechanics and tradesmen use this store to get their goods, so it seems pecuilar that they would lie like that to be honest