GPU Causing Problems?

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 13:38

Could use some help from you Gents. Been having an issue with inconsistent crashes and sometimes won't even boot properly, the issues range include:

-Drivers not responding messages
-Screen flickering black for a couple of seconds
-Random Restarts
-Quite often won't get past the BIOS startup screen and will just loop restarts without loading the OS

Had the problem initially with a 290 and have swapped it for a 780 and the issues are still the same. Things I have tried to test so far:

-Reloading the Drivers
-Using the lower GPU slot on the motherboard
-Using both HDMI and VGA outputs
-Ran Memtest to check RAM

With the Graphics card removed the PC works absolutely fine, not sure if the PSU could be causing the issue or if it's just bad luck to get two graphics cards with problems, any suggestions would help a bunch

Specs:
GPU - KFA2 GeForce GTX 780 HOF
CPU - i7 4790k
PSU - Superflower Leadex Platinum 1000W
MB - Gigabyte Gaming 7
RAM - Kingston HyperX 16gb

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 13:42

One suggestion is to update the boards BIOS.

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 13:44

Should have mentioned that I tried updating the BIOS and reinstalling the OS, no luck

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 13:54

Try running a single RAM stick for a bit. then swap to the other.

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 13:58

What would be the technical reasoning for the RAM affecting the PC only when a Graphics Card is running in the system? In my head they're relatively independent components

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:02

It helps rule out another component.

A bad stick can cause random crashes/errors.

It could also be the PSU, you take the cards out and that will obviously reduce the load on it and maybe its then finding it easier to operate (but a 1KW is nearly double what you need to run that system)

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:08

I've ended up running the PC for decent amounts of time without a Graphics Card and it's completely stable, had it on for around 20 hours over the weekend (including a few hours gaming on Skyrim low quality) and it's been on for around 6hrs already today without any problems. Does that rule out any problems with the RAM?

Edit: Is there any way to test if the PSU is causing the problems without having spare components around?

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:09

Yes it does.

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:12

Really can't think of what could be the issue other than the GPU, Motherboard slot or PSU. Even then I'm at a loss

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:38

But you've tried two totally different GFX cards.

Can you borrow some more parts from someone to do testing maybe?

XplosiveHamster · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:51

Unfortunately I don't know anyone with a custom PC or spare parts, is there a way to simulate the strain a GPU would place on the PSU without having a card actually in the PC? Or any other ideas what could be the culprit?

stulid · 27 Oct 2014 at 14:59

The GFX card probably uses more than the rest of the system does.

RobCrezz · 27 Oct 2014 at 16:33

As it happens with different graphics cards, it must be either the PSU or the motherboard IMO.

XplosiveHamster · 31 Oct 2014 at 20:27

Quick update on this, the PC has turned off and immediately restarted a couple of times over the last couple of days (without a GPU). The load hasn't been particularly heavy, usually just watching a film or web browsing.

Does this help point the problem to any specific component?