Diagnosing Black Screen Problem

[arbitrary]

I booted my computer up the other morning and start running a game and some music. After a short time the computer stutters and shuts down. I go into safe mode and start running a virus scan, when the screen goes blank. I then go to format the computer and reinstall the OS, and the screen goes blank. I eventually come to the conclusion its a hardware issue, I think it's the graphics card since everything seems to run fine until a short while after boot the screen just blacks out. I could be overlooking something or completely off base so I wanted someone's opinion before I go out an buy a new card.

 

[laviniuc]

do you have an onboard gpu that you can use?

 

[arbitrary]

oh nice idea! Ill check it out give me a few minutes.

 

[arbitrary]

totally did the trick. Doing a reinstallation and no black outs. Ya, pretty much confirms I need a new card. Thx for the awesome idea!

 

[laviniuc]

it can still be the psu. the onboard graphics doesnt need that much power. another pc to test the suspected card in would be great...

 

[arbitrary]

That's a scary thought, makes more sense though... my graphics card is definitely my most power hungry device... I don't have another pc aside from my laptop, any other ideas how I might be able to test this?

 

[arbitrary]

I guess in comparing cost ill be lucky if its the power supply, my gtx 580 was pretty expensive compared to the power supply. The thought of rewiring everything in the case is not a nice thought though. When I turn on the computer with my graphics card it lasts for 2-3 mins before the screen blacks out. If the graphics card was really the faulty piece would it even work at all?