Screen goes black when playing games with settings above medium

Turncog

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Aug 21, 2013
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Hi guys,

Hope you can help me out with this: My computer seems to crash when I play games and have the settings anywhere above medium. The screen goes black but the computer still runs. And there's no way for me to get the display working again so i just reset the computer. Normally I'd say that maybe the graphics card just cant handle it but I got a GTX770 a couple of months ago so it really should be able to handle anything I'm throwing at it. I've reinstalled the drivers and reinstalled the games in question. I've monitored the cards temparature at these settings and the max it ever reaches before the crash is around 45 degrees which should be fine, so it's not overheating. My major concern would be that my 620W Antec PSU isn't delivering enough power when the GPU needs it. I want second opinions above this, or if theres a way to test it I'd really appreciate any help because replacing a PSU when I don't need to is not something I want to do.

Btw, there's no dust build up in the GPU either. Thanks guys!
 
Solution


With what? 1 stick?
Remember also, always use the correct pair of slots for dual channel memory or the RAM will run in single channel mode.

clutchc

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Unless the PSU is just defective, that unit should be more than for that card. And Antec makes quality PSUs. However, the card itself could be defective.
Why not eliminate some possibilities before going any further troubleshooting.

1) Update the virus signatures to your Virus program and run a FULL scan.

2) Run Malwarebytes and let it search out any malware that can be causing issues: https://www.malwarebytes.org/

3) Run CCleaner and have it do the Clean and Registry portions both to eliminate any registry errors and other resource-wasting crap that can cause issues: https://www.piriform.com/ccleaner
 

Turncog

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Aug 21, 2013
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Thanks for the reply, I ran scans with MB, CCleaner and AVG. AVG detected a CoinMiner.exe so I have a feeling that was running down my GPU. I've cleaned and corrected loads of errors with CCleaner and Malwarebytes detected some other minor threats. Then I tested using Hitman Absolution at the specs recommended by Geforce Experience. Ran for about ten minutes which is far longer than I've had it run before and then it reached about 63 degrees and crashed. Music still playing, computer still on, but graphics card temp monitor on my keyboard gave random numbers for both the temparature and frequency and percentage used readings.
 

clutchc

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Without expensive test equipment, I can think of no way to test the PSU against stress related failure other than... stressing it. It still could be the card itself. A couple more ideas came to mind...

1) Uninstall the gfx driver again. Run Driver Sweeper from safe mode (F8). This version: http://www.techspot.com/downloads/4266-driver-sweeper.html
Have it remove any remnants of Nvidia AMD, and ATI graphic drivers it finds. Re-boot and install the latest driver for you card and OS: http://www.geforce.com/drivers

2) Run Furmark to test your card, watching the temps as it runs. You can start with the default 1080 benchmark. if all goes well with it, run an extended test watching temps. http://www.ozone3d.net/benchmarks/fur/

3) Check your PSU to be sure the fan is 1) running and 2) not cutting out occasionally.
 

Turncog

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Aug 21, 2013
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Okay, did exactly as you said. The card went for the 15 minute 1920x1080 with 0x MSAA test and performed as it should, max 79 degrees and never went over it which is apparently normal for this card. Monitored the PSU during the entire test and it is not cutting out or stopping at all. Is it possible that it's the CPU/memory?
 

clutchc

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Very possible it could be the memory. The easiest test for that is to run memtest on each individual stick of memory alone in the 1st correct slot for at least 1 full pass. If any errors at all appear during the pass, the memory stick is defective.
http://www.memtest.org/

(download the ISO file and burn it to CD. Boot to the CD and let it run for the full pass. Overnight tests would be the best to heat the system, but most errors will show up in the one full pass)
 

Turncog

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Aug 21, 2013
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Both sticks of memory passed one test each. I'm running an overnight test on the cheaper stick. Should I try anything before I do that? Maybe a test with both of them together?
 

clutchc

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Well, I can't be sure it is the cause of your problem. But mixing RAM on a dual channel system is always a bad idea. Dual channel is dependent upon the 2 sticks matching IDENTICALLY in speed, timings, brand, manufacture date, etc. Anything less may work, but will be subject to problems. That's why dual channel memory is always sold in MATCHING pairs or sets.
 

Turncog

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Aug 21, 2013
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Ran Hitman again with one stick. Completed two levels on ultra settings and monitored the cards temparature and usage. Handles it beautifully, no crashes. Thank you so much for all the help clutch!
 

clutchc

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Great. Don't try to match that lone stick. Save yourself any further misery and buy a pair of matched sticks. Be sure to get the right voltage. Most boards use 1.5V memory. So check yours. If you are unsure, tell me the make/model of your MB. (I can't remember if you already did)