GTX 780 Games restart and random crashes.

DTLeonard · Jul 31, 2014

Hey, I have a problem with my machine and was wondering if someone could offer some advice.

My specs are:
Asus gtx780
i74770k 3.4ghz
8gb ram
PSU is a ZCOOL AMBIANCE 80+ 700w 4+4

In certain games like witcher 2, rome 2 and Shogun 2 I can run max with smoothe fps but after a random amount of time (can be 30mins or 5mins) my computer will restart. I've heard this is a common problem and could be the infamous 36 hour bug for the gfx card, or it could be a problem with my psu. However I reccently just had a crash while browsing firefox with no games running, my computer froze, had sound stuttering and I had to restart it. I feel in the dark as this could be my PSU, a faulty gtx 780 or even a problem with my processor. I've done to of research to no ends and would really appreciate some quality advice or help to get to the bottom of this.

I'm quite new to solving computer issues so if you have advice some elbaoration/guides would be very much appreciated.

Thanks.

draconis123 · Jul 31, 2014

How are your temps? Both GPU and Cpu. Use HW monitor to track them. That would be the most likely culprit. Only after eliminating that would I suspect the psu.

DTLeonard · Aug 1, 2014

First of all, thank you for the quick reply. And second here is my temps:

CPU and GPU with no games running:

CPU and GPU temps with Witcher 2 running on extreme with ubersampling enabled:

CPU and GPU temps with Shogun 2 (on campaign map where it restarts my computer usually)

draconis123 · Aug 1, 2014

Well your temps seem fine. Are you overclocking your GPU? If not I would look into getting another psu to test out yours. Also, make sure you're using the latest drivers. The 36 hour bug was fixed last year so it shouldn't be an issue.

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

Nothing is overclocked, and ive got latest drivers. I just don't want to waste money on a psu and it not being the problem..

Jay Lavistria · Aug 2, 2014

To crash horribly like that, I think theres a driver corruption.
Reinstall the Nvidia drivers.

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

Iv'e reinistalled drivers clean and properly, the problem still persists.

Jay Lavistria · Aug 2, 2014

Are you using a beta driver?
I remember trying out every beta driver NVidia came up with, ended up breaking most of my games.

Gigi27 · Aug 2, 2014

before checking any driver, change that psu...crap...i would be thrilled if that psu can handle 450-500 ''real'' wattage...nvidia recommended a minimum of 600w psu,and here i speak about good psu...xfx,coolermaster,corsair etc...psu is the heart of a pc...you my end up frying something!got cash for gtx 780 but cannot spend 80-100 euros for a good brand psu!you are asking for trouble dude!

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

I am very confident that it's your PSU. Replace it with something with at least 600W, from a brand like Seasonic, EVGA, or Super Flower. Good luck!

Here is a good reference point for good quality PSUs: http://www.tomshardware.com/answers/id-1804779/power-supply-unit-tier-list.html

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

My current psu is 700 watts mate.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

DTLeonard :

I know, but it's of horrible quality and isn't able to provide steady, clean power for your components, resulting in restarts and crashes. Also, if it fails there is a good chance it will take some of your parts with it.

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

Wounded. Would that even be covered by warrety, now I'm worried about even using my pc. This new rig rinsed me, and what if I spend the p on this new PSU and it isn't the problem..

Thanks, for adivce anyway, I'll take it into consideration.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

DTLeonard :

No, unfortunately it wouldn't be covered by warranty if it killed your expensive parts.

I'm sorry to say, but you have good reason to be scared of using it! You have amazing components and a terrible quality PSU powering them! D:
You really need to replace it. If it doesn't fix the problem, at least you would have a PSU that isn't a ticking time bomb! And we would still diagnose the issue and figure out how you could fix it for free. I do think a new PSU is the solution to your crashes and restarts, though.

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

Yeah, a CTD would suggest issues with software and I'm getting an instant shutdown followed by a restart, which does suggest the PSU as the culprit.

It's done this crash restart thing about 10/15 times, I'm just worried the parts are already damaged, do you reckon they will be alright?

And thanks very much for the replies and help so far mate.

Jay Lavistria · Aug 2, 2014

A simple jolt of electricity won't quite damage anything.
They DO start up for a bit, which indicates that the other components are fine.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

DTLeonard :

That's okay!
And no, your parts are fine as of now.

Get a new PSU as soon as you can, and try to avoid using your PC in the meantime, as much as that sucks.

I recommend the EVGA Supernova G2 750W, or the B2 if the G2 is too expensive for you. They are both excellent quality PSUs and will last you many, many years. The G2 has a 10 year warranty.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

Jay Lavistria :

Yes it can! Bad ripple and voltage control can EASILY damage/kill components!

Jay Lavistria · Aug 2, 2014

The fact that the rest of his components start up normally before the PSU cuts out would indicate that the PSUs not giving enough power.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

Jay Lavistria :

I know this... That's why I'm telling him to replace his PSU.....

DTLeonard · Aug 2, 2014

I hope I'm ok to browse and play non demanding games for the meantime. Thanks by the way for the advice gents.

Alex Kelly · Aug 2, 2014

DTLeonard :

Yes, you should be okay.
Order the PSU ASAP though.

And all good! Happy to help.

GTX 780 Games restart and random crashes.

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Distinguished

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Honorable

Reputable

Honorable

Share this page