Faulty GPU or something else?

[ShaunW500]

Hey!

So today my GPU has died (I think). My setup is:

PSU: Seasonic 850watt gold+
GPU: GTX 670
CPU: intel i5 3570k
Motherboard: Asrock extreme 4 z77
OS: Windows 10 64bit
RAM: 8GB

For the past couple of weeks I have had my screen flashing, it's rare but just flashes really quick once and doesn't do it again for a while. Two weeks ago my screen would have fuzzy lines across the screen, so I tried putting the GPU in the x8 lane, and it worked until today. Not sure what is the problem, I have it connected by DVI, after windows loads up my screen goes black, I cannot do anything. I have tried reinstalling the nvida drivers, fresh install of Windows, safe mode and tried another GPU, both GPUs have the same issue. I still get the same issue.

Some tests I tried today:
I tried connecting to the onboard graphics and that works fine. I booted into safe mode and uninstalled the Nvidia drivers, restarted the pc into normal, when I go and download the drivers and install (I've tried multiple different drivers) it goes to a black screen again and I cannot do anything, only after the drivers get installed. This happens for both GPUs

I also tried both PCi express lane slots again with both GPUs, still the same issue.

Any ideas what it could be?

 

[smashjohn]

Have you checked for heat issues. That's an old card; could just be dust in the heat sink.

 

[ShaunW500]

I understand its a old GPU. My other GPU has the exact same issue, both are cleared of dust etc. GPUs are cool, and the fans run as well, forgot to add that part to the thread.

 

[IcemanIceer]

Also I would check the PSU. If you have a spare or know someone close enough to test the GPU it might be that the PSU is faulty and not providing enough power.

 

[ShaunW500]

Unfortunately I do not have a spare PSU to try. Everything else gets power, even the GPU. Just the issue I described in the thread.

 

[smashjohn]

I understand its a old GPU. My other GPU has the exact same issue, both are cleared of dust etc. GPUs are cool, and the fans run as well, forgot to add that part to the thread.

Same happened to mine and I used it as an excuse to upgrade without much testing. These cards run so hot, I figured it just burned itself out. Now I wonder what would happen if I had repasted the gpu and heat sink. I never checked my temps.

 

[ShaunW500]

I understand its a old GPU. My other GPU has the exact same issue, both are cleared of dust etc. GPUs are cool, and the fans run as well, forgot to add that part to the thread.

Same happened to mine and I used it as an excuse to upgrade without much testing. These cards run so hot, I figured it just burned itself out. Now I wonder what would happen if I had repasted the gpu and heat sink. I never checked my temps.

So getting a new GPU fixed it for you? Or was it something else.

 

[smashjohn]

Oh yeah, new gpu fixed it. If it's like mine was, you'll be having lots of bsod soon.

 

[ShaunW500]

Oh yeah, new gpu fixed it. If it's like mine was, you'll be having lots of bsod soon.

Ow, so you was getting BSOD a lot with your old gpu. I'm assuming you do not get that with your new GPU?

 

[smashjohn]

Yep. First a little artifacting. Then lines and artifacts. then blue screens. The replacement fixed everything.

 

[COLGeek]

MERGED QUESTION
Question from ShaunW500 : "Can a faulty PCI Lane express slot damage a new GPU?"

Hey!

If a PCI Express lane slot is faulty on the motherboard, but lets say you didn't know it was faulty, if you put a new GPU into one, can it damage the GPU?

Technically, yes, especially if the PCIe slot is physically damaged. For example, you could create a short condition and damage the GPU and/or motherboard, permanently.

What problem are you trying to resolve?

Technically, yes, especially if the PCIe slot is physically damaged. For example, you could create a short condition and damage the GPU and/or motherboard, permanently.

What problem are you trying to resolve?

If you check this thread http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/answers/id-3532675/faulty-gpu.html#xtor=EPR-8809 I have that problem. I am returning the GPU to Amazon, they are providing a full refund. I just dont want to buy a new GPU and it breaks because its actually a problem with the PCI lane. Any ideas?

 

[COLGeek]

Threads merged. This is a continuation of the same issue.

Multiple working GPUs having the same problem would make your motherboard the suspect. Carefully inspect the PCIe x16 slot you are installing your GPU into for debris or damage.

 

[ShaunW500]

Thanks for merging and replying.

When I cleaned my pc out and put the the GPU in, a black part did come off, but I have no idea from what. This was around a week ago.

I have to get a new GPU anyway, but I'm worried when I try the new GPU it's going to break it, because in the end it was the motherboard messing it up.

My plan is to buy the GPU first, and test it, but as I said, if it's a motherboard problem I'm worried its going to break the new GPU....

 

[COLGeek]

Do you still have the object? If so, please post a picture of it.

 

[ShaunW500]

I do not no. The shape of it was a like the letter E, but without the middle part.