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GPU problem. (short circuit?)

Tags:
  • GPUs
  • Short Circuit
  • Graphics
Last response: in Graphics & Displays
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July 24, 2014 11:15:04 PM

Hey guys, just a problem that came up while installing my GPU.

It started a couple weeks ago. I decided to upgrade my gpu, so I purchased a gigabyte windforce 290.

It worked for the next couple days completely fine (installing drivers, reinstalling windows, playing graphically intensive games (HD mods on witcher etc.)).

And then after a couple days I restarted my pc via start menu and my gpu died (did not work).
note: I previously had restarted it as well as shut down before.

I troubleshooted it (reseat, double checking wires, checking drivers) and could not find anything wrong that I could have fixed.

Then I decided to hand it in to warranty.


REPEAT of problem recently (25/7/14)

I got it back (got a new gpu). As they said they could also not run it on their pcs.

Same thing happened. I installed gpu, reinstalled my OS, playing games on it, then decided to restart for windows update and now it doesn't work. Over a couple days (2 days).

My current guess is that either my mobo or my PSU shortcircuited (?, don't know if that's the right word) my GPU when I restarted.

PSU: Antec 520w link: [http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_i...]
GPU: r9 290 link: [http://www.pccasegear.com/index.php?main_page=product_i...]
MOBO: z68 extreme3 gen3 link: [http://www.asrock.com/mb/Intel/Z68%20Extreme3%20Gen3/]


I am currently using my onboard graphics.

Is it possible that my PSU + MOBO were insufficient and shortcircuited my GPU?
by a bad PCI-E slot?

I suspect that this is a repeat of the above problem. The chances that the manufacture had a flaw which broke down after use of a couple days is very low. So I suspect it is on my end.

I HAVE TRIED:
- Resetting CMOS
- Checking that PCI-E is preferred (north bridge)
- In Device Manager, it no longer detects r9 200 series (driver for 290)

EDIT IMPORTANT: CURRENT SITUATION
I reseated the gpu into another PCI-E Slot as well as changed the PSU pin cables around (i have 2 6 pin and 2 attachable 2 pins so I switched slots with the 6 pin and 2 pins)

New question: Do you think the problem was my PCI-E slot somehow died, or that I was lucky and I should replace my PSU/MOBO? Thanks in advance!

More about : gpu problem short circuit

July 24, 2014 11:31:16 PM

That PSU is well under the recommended 650 watts. The graphics card is going to average close to 20 of your available 40 amps of power when in use, and can peak at closer to 30 amps required under extreme conditions. Do you really think your computer is going to run well on the remaining 15 - 20 amps that your power supply is able to muster on the 12 volt rail?

So, to sound a bit rude, or maybe just short, before we go looking to troubleshoot problems in hardware behavior, we have to start with a properly configured system.
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July 24, 2014 11:31:30 PM

Your psu is most likely too weak:
"AMD R9 290 - On your average system the card requires you to have a 550 Watt power supply unit."

See: http://www.guru3d.com/articles_pages/radeon_r9_290_revi...

I'd upgrade your psu and see if that resolves the issue. Good luck!

And this website recommends 650W: http://www.realhardtechx.com/index_archivos/Page362.htm

Not good. Glad you went to onboard. I strongly urge you to upgrade to a 650W psu or better before trying again and please keep us posted!
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July 24, 2014 11:57:16 PM

Yeh I understand guys. I was thinking about picking up a larger PSU. [will pick one up]

Is it possible for my GPU to 'die' from lack of power? Since I will pick it up later would it be dangerous to use my gpu for the next couple days?

Coolermaster Vanguard S 80+ Gold Semi-Modular 650

Would this be sufficient?

Thanks for the replies.
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July 24, 2014 11:59:01 PM

It can be dangerous for your whole system. Don't do it. I'm not familiar with cm for psu's but the quick read on that model sounds good. I'll update if I have time to say more about your psu of choice.
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July 25, 2014 12:10:08 AM

I have taken out my 290, and packed it back in its box. and probably going to pick up a PSU tomorrow.

And using onboard.

I didn't know that having insufficient 'Watts' would be that detrimental.

Assumed that it would just refuse to turn on.
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July 25, 2014 12:21:05 AM

I think you found a good psu. Take a moment to compare these two:
Your selection:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?gclid=CMupgd...

One to consider with high value pricing:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

For $30 more than your initial selection this is the Gold Standard for reliability at this power level:
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E168...

I am simply more versed with Corsair but by no means is the CM a bad psu from what I have read. Do not let my positive bias towards Corsair sway you away from your selection. I am simply sharing how I arrive at my conclusions based on personal experience; I have no CM experience unfortunately.

Comparing the value corsair to your cm selection:
I tend to focus on the 12V Rail Amperage. Slightly stronger for the Corsair but the Cooler Master you selected is more efficient with it's Gold Rating vs the Bronze on the Corsair.

You should enjoy some great gaming with any choice compared to what you were attempting before. Just thought I'd give you something to compare against while you shop psu's. Best of luck and have fun!

Thanks,

Justin S.
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