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Black screen crash while under load (HD 7870)

Tags:
  • Power Supplies
  • Graphics Cards
  • Black Screen
  • Crash
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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June 28, 2014 11:02:45 AM

Hello, I'm looking for advice on which component is causing my system to lock up while under load. The screen turns black, "input not supported" flashes on the screen and the fans slow down. Audio also frequently loops. Actual time taken has varied from 5minutes to an hour recently.

This happens while gaming, so far I've had the problem occur in TERA, Watchdogs and Path of Exile..seems to happen in any game I play as long as it stresses the system somewhat.

Setup:

Motherboard: Gigabyte H61-S2PV

CPU: Intel I7 2600 (Non K, non OC.)

GPU: Sapphire HD 7870 2GB (Black screen occurs regardless of clock speed, underclocking it by over 200 Mhz doesn't solve it.)

Power Supply: 750W CiT Black Edition: Specs

SSD: Samsung 840 EVO 250GB (OS)

HDD: WDCEARS 1TB (Storage/Games)

RAM: 2x4GB Patriot DDR3

Cooling: Hypermaster 212 EVO. The computer constantly runs with case open, as the case doesn't fit on anymore due to a stupid space mistake on my part.

Testing I've already undertaken:

1. Underclock GPU. Underclocking both core speed and memory by 200mhz. Doesn't fix it, potentially delays it but it's hard to tell due to somewhat random nature of the crash.

2. Test each RAM stick individually in slot 1, didn't help at all.

3. Test another graphic card (A 5770 - Works fine, however it connects via molex instead of 6pin connectors and draws less power(?) than the 7870..hard to tell if it just doesn't stress the PSU enough. I've OC'd to draw more power, running core at 960mhz and memory at 1250 without any crashes. Tested under 100% load by both AMD's stable clock tool, and running dual boxed TERA clients.)

4. Temperature check. 7870 doesn't go above 80c. CPU runs 50-60c under load. Hard drive and SSD both remain well within normal temperatures as well.

5. Voltages. I don't have a multimeter, so it's purely software. With the 5770 connected under load the PSU displays a 12v voltage of 11.48v via easytune and nonsense idle 8.9v with any other tools. 5v and 3v both retain normal readings within 5%.

I'd like to think I've narrowed the problem down to either a dying PSU or a dying graphic card. It's difficult to tell which though, Educated opinions would be very much appreciated before I replace the wrong component. Both are out of warranty. Both components are 2years 4 months old and the system runs borderline 24/7. I'm aware the PSU is generic crap and was almost convinced it was the problem until the 5770 ran fine, now I'm not so sure.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.The PC is currently running on the 5770 to avoid the problem from escalating any further or potentially losing data with constant forced restarts.





More about : black screen crash load 7870

a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
June 28, 2014 11:06:46 AM

Looks like the PSU might be overloading. Not really by any means a really good PSU, not even 80+ rated. Go for a good XFX one. Also make sure that your system is stable.
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June 29, 2014 4:05:34 PM

Andrew Buck said:
Looks like the PSU might be overloading. Not really by any means a really good PSU, not even 80+ rated. Go for a good XFX one. Also make sure that your system is stable.


Decided to take your suggestion and go with the XFX PRO750W Core Edition. Should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday. Will update on how it goes. I'm aware it's way over the requirements for a single 7870..but I like to future proof and am considering a new motherboard and running a crossfired setup maybe sometime later this year.

If the system still reboots I'll likely bite the bullet and go for a 7950 as replacement (and overclock it as much as possible), buying another 7870 at this point just doesn't seem worth it. Anything higher end is a little out of my price range. When looking for an upgrade to that I intend crossfire 7950s (with a new motherboard) which, should be sufficient for a while.

Thanks alot for your time. :) 
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July 2, 2014 4:43:26 AM

Before spending money do check your voltage rails. In my case the same problem was fixed with adjusting the power cables and refitting.
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Best solution

a b ) Power supply
a b U Graphics card
July 2, 2014 6:09:07 AM

jordanf2209 said:
Andrew Buck said:
Looks like the PSU might be overloading. Not really by any means a really good PSU, not even 80+ rated. Go for a good XFX one. Also make sure that your system is stable.


Decided to take your suggestion and go with the XFX PRO750W Core Edition. Should be arriving Tuesday or Wednesday. Will update on how it goes. I'm aware it's way over the requirements for a single 7870..but I like to future proof and am considering a new motherboard and running a crossfired setup maybe sometime later this year.

If the system still reboots I'll likely bite the bullet and go for a 7950 as replacement (and overclock it as much as possible), buying another 7870 at this point just doesn't seem worth it. Anything higher end is a little out of my price range. When looking for an upgrade to that I intend crossfire 7950s (with a new motherboard) which, should be sufficient for a while.

Thanks alot for your time. :) 


Good idea, the 7870/R9 270x is an awesome card.
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