Having a very odd problem

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

Hello everyone, I'm looking for some help on fixing this issue, first of all, I'll post some specs to assist.

MoBo: ASRock Extreme 4 Z77
GPU: EVGA GTX 660
CPU: Intel i7 3770k
PSU: Thermaltake 850W
RAM: 12GB
OS: Windows 7 Home Premium
Monitors: 2 1920 x 1080 HD Monitors with DVI Cables.

Hopefully that's enough information. So here's whats been happening.

Whenever I try and run a game, or run something that is graphics intense, both screens switch to a random color, and my computer freezes.

I ran FurMark for about 10 minutes and nothing out of the ordinary happened, so I assumed it was just a one time thing. I ran Chivalry: Medieval Warfare, and as soon as I got to the main menu, sure enough, both computer monitors switched to a random color, and my computer froze.

What is the next step I should take? Is it a Hardware or Software problem? I haven't had any issues with my rig in months and months.

So, that's about all the information I can think to give you guys. If you need any additional info I'll be monitoring this thread very closely and trying whatever it is you guys ask me to try.

I appreciate it!

UPDATE: The issue has become MUCH WORSE, as now, FurMark won't even start, howver the computer is still powered on, and doesn't reset.

Is this a sign that it is a GPU Hardware failure?

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

first you could try to memtest the memory on stick at the time then try the gpu in another system for the black screen and i would do a test on the hdd with the maker test tool .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

I don't have another computer that could fit my GPU unfortunately.

How should I go about testing the RAM one stick at a time?

Where is the HDD Maker Test tool?

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

for testing memory use memtest the 5.01 usb auto installer here http://www.memtest.org/ for your hdd name and model i link you .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

Hey, I'm really not sure.

But the problem is becoming much worse.

Now, when I even try and run FurMark, it instantly goes double black screen. However, my Computer is still powered on with no reset.

Is this a sure fire sign that the problem is the Video Card?

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

since your cpu have a onboard gpu chipset did you install all the driver from the cd that came with the motherboard ,if yes then stop system remove the gtx and plug monitor to the onboard then test system .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

I might have found another could be issue.

I just ran Prime95 Large FFTs and 4 of my cores are 79 Degrees.

I Overclocked to 4.8GHz, so I'll try and lower it to around 4.3GHz and reduce Volts, see if that fixes it.

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

the other thing did you use the stock cooler on the overclock and put a well know thermal paste between the cpu an cooler that wil help reduce the temp .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

Arctic Silver something was the after market paste

and EVO Cooler Master 212 is the fan

Thanks for trying to help btw, as a massive noob, I appreciate it

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

then recheck it and clean and repaste also make shure cooler is well fix and fan spin you should have lower temp .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

Okay! So, I reduced the OC to

4.2GHz and +1.5Volts

I'm running Large FFTs for a good 15 minutes, and then if everything looks good, I'll run FurMack or a game and see how it runs.

Should I test something else while I'm doing some quick scouting?

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

scout_03 :

I have no thermal paste cleaner, or thermal paste right this moment, and it's too late to go out and pick some up.

So in the mean time, I'm trying to do all the other things that need to be done before tearing open my computer.

Temps are around 57-63 Degrees after about 10 minutes of Large FFT testing

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

you could keep it this way for a few day and see how it goes temp look better ,if your gone get new paste i suggest you try arctic cooling mx-4 and for cleaning use some isopropyl alcool on a q-tips on a coffee filter .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

Thanks man, I appreciate the recomendations!

So, after reducing the OC, and making sure it was stable with Prime95,

FurMark started working again, and all my games are working as well. I know this might just be temporary, but It might have just been my overzealous OC catching up to me (Crosses fingers)

Unrelated, what would you say the max Temp I should reach on a Prime95 Test? and what is a good GPU Temp after a FurMack test?

scout_03 · Jan 4, 2014

to my knowledge the 79 c in near the limit for it they mark it as 3.9 on turbo and you have 4.2 that is very good it you raise the overclock do not raise the voltage pass 1.5 volts ,if the temp sty around 65 c max on full stress that will be nice .

Rishkoi · Jan 4, 2014

It stayed at a chilly 65Degrees on full FFTs for 30minutes, and now my FurMark is almost done, and the GPU never went over 83 Degrees (Isn't that actually not that bad?)

Can you tell me how much of a difference 4.2GHz is compared to 4.8GHz? Will I notice a massive difference?

scout_03 · Jan 5, 2014

i could not tell what you would gain but the higher you overclock the more you could reduce the time of a cpu to work since you put more heat and sometimes they could not handle it for a long period of time .

Rishkoi · Jan 5, 2014

scout_03 :

Okay, im fiarly positive it is a GPU Hardware failure as it started acting up again.

I read that before I rule out it being a software issue, i should uninstall ALL of the drivers for my GPU and install the latest drivers.

Question is, how do I find the drivers to install and where do I go to uninstall the old ones?

scout_03 · Jan 5, 2014

this for the uninstall http://www.nvidia.com/object/IO_13955.html and the latest one 331.82 from here http://www.nvidia.com/page/support.html adding this check the temp of that gpu and see if the fan spin faster when you ask for more load on it .

Having a very odd problem

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