Is this a GPU or PSU problem?

wezegan

Commendable
Aug 13, 2016
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Hello, there are several posts about this but none like my situation.
Days ago, when I turned on my computer, it wont start, not even the BIOS beep and when it booted there were many graphic corruptions, even inside the BIOS there were many artifacts. Removed GPU and it started just fine, I said "My GPU is fried". Then I tried my GPU on a different PC (friend's PC) and it booted normally, it was a relief for me. So I decided to put back my GPU (specs below) and it won't boot. Then I starting removing things, HDDs, fan, removed everything but my GPU and it booted fine, with no artifacts. Then and put everything back and I noticed that my computer only will boot up WITH MY AIR CONDITIONING TURNED ON (insane?). If I turn on my computer with my air conditioning turned on, everything is fine. If I do it with the AC off, graphic corruption, no boot, no beep sometimes. I ran 3DMark, many benchmarks and everything fine with my GPU, my temps with my AC off (I turn it off just to see the temps of everything) are about 35°C-40°C. I CLEANSED MY WHOLE PC (like 0 dust, even PSU filter), applied Thermal grease to my CPU and GPU.
Additional info:

-Tried to load my GPU, used Kombustor and 3DMark for almost 30min. reached temps of 82°C, nothing happened (with AC ON). If I turn my Air conditioning off, white screen/graphic corruption will appear.

-I had a problem with my RAM a month ago, turned on my pc and several beeps starting to play indicating there was a problem with my Memory, just put it out and then back again and problem solved.

-With my AC on I put a towel blocking my PSU fan and boot up with GRAPHICAL CORRUPTION.

-Played BF4 high, for 4 hours, nothing happened.

- Will run a memtest to check the ram.

Specs:
CPU: Intel i5-3450k
Ram: 8gb (generic ram) 1333Mhz.
Motherboard Gigabyte H77. .
GPU: Msi HD 7950 3gb.
PSU: Corsair 750CX Non-modular facing down (tried facing up and WORSE). 3yo.

Temps: http://imgur.com/a/EisMk

EisMk



Is it possible the PSU is overheating and not sending enough power to my GPU?
 
Solution

MceraWV

Honorable
Jan 29, 2016
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A surefire way to determine if the PSU is the issue would be to try your exact system setup with another power supply, preferably one that you know for sure has not had any errors in the past. If the artifacting occurs again, then you can rule out that it isn't your PSU that is the issue.

A friend of mine has an R9 280X that has artifacted and shown the famous grey lines (signs of a dead/dying GPU) numerous times, but continues to boot up and function normally afterwards. It's possible you're experiencing a similar problem with your GPU, but testing your system with another PSU should be your first step.
 

maxalge

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yes, especially on cheap ones like that

they cant handle heat, and will fail to deliver rated wattages



that is why good psu reviews use "hot boxes" to test power supplies
 
Solution

wezegan

Commendable
Aug 13, 2016
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So which PSU do you recommend? Is there any way to test my GPU? I used 3DMark 11. I think it is my PSU. Regarding the first answer, yeah, I will try another PSU but I tried my GPU on another machine (very poor PSU, 500W not certified and the machine was able to boot up properly with no artifact), also, nowadays it is very hot outside where I live 30°C, when I try to turn on my PC without air conditioning, it doesn't even boot, not even beep sound so that's what made me think that it was a Power Failure problem. So, the PSU overheats and doesn't send enough power, is that correct? (at least it is a possibility?), again Which PSU do you suggest for me to buy?, doesn't matter the price. Is there any way to software test my GPU? Thank you very much!!
 

maxalge

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tier 1 or 2 unit from this list, at least 500w or better:

http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/id-2547993/psu-tier-list.html


 

maxalge

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3dmark, valley, heaven benchmarks

they are free as well

you can then compare your scores to similar systems and see if it is performing like it should
 

wezegan

Commendable
Aug 13, 2016
22
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1,540


Again! Thank you!