First self-built desktop, crashes to black screen because of stress?

[Benevalent]

Anyone who's willing to help I appreciate your patience because this is also my first post at toms or anywhere and I hope you'll be able to tell me how to get the reports/info your gonna need and all that jazz.

Case: Thermaltake V3 Black edition (one stock fan)
CPU: AMD FX-6300 (Stock cooler)
MOBO: ASUS M5A97 R2.0
GPU: HIS HD7950 IceQ 3GB
RAM: 2x 4GB Ballistix sport
PSU: EVGA 500W Bronze

So the situation is, first build and of course freaked out when it crashed when semi-idled, mild browsing nothing more. And then it did again, but the third while launching Mass effect 3. Each time a fan, (Not sure which) spools up and then the screen goes black, crash. My first fear was short circuit for the case only came with 3 brass standoffs and I only kept the one that came pre-installed because the other mounting points for the MOBO are raised metal triangular seating of the same paint and material as the case that are the same height as the single pre-installed standoffs and figured the single might be sufficient grounding on first install. After the crashes I gave the raised seatings a small layer of electrical tape just in case and nothing's changed.

After some googling most suggestions are buying programs and other spending. But considering my clues, my current theory is my PSU isn't strong enough to handle the proper peaks of my GPU's consumption. I used Pcpartpicker.com and it has a handy item that shows the total wattage of the items selected for the build and it seemed to say 500W would be enough, but perhaps it doesn't take into consideration the spikes and peak load.

Thanks so much in advance, I hope I won't be too frustrating to help and get you the info you need.

 

[jerrie86]

For a system using a single AMD reference design Radeon HD 7950 graphics card AMD specifies a minimum of a 500 Watt or greater system power supply.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

It is vital that mounting pillars or bumps are in the correct locations
No more no less
And each location needs a mounting screw

(For good earthing and this affects stability)

If mountings are in the wrong place the motherboard could be destroyed

To ensure this is done correctly
I usually stand the motherboard on a sheet of paper, draw round the edges
Then mark the mounting holes position on the paper

Then you can check the mounting pillars and bumps are in the correct places in the case
Add or remove mounting pillars as necessary
If bumps or pillars are in wrong location get a better case
And look carefully for damage to motherboard

You need to remove the motherboard to do this
Take correct anti static precautions and disconnect mains power

While it is out you can check memory is fully home in the slots

If intel cpu i would check the 4 push pins have gone through the correct holes and locked

Even with amd cpu Double check the amd heatsink is locked down correctly

Evga usually make good psu so if new should be ok

Max power is only needed when playing games stressing graphics card

If problems continue look at toms faq

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems

Regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Benevalent]

Hi

It is vital that mounting pillars or bumps are in the correct locations
No more no less
And each location needs a mounting screw

(For good earthing and this affects stability)

If mountings are in the wrong place the motherboard could be destroyed

To ensure this is done correctly
I usually stand the motherboard on a sheet of paper, draw round the edges
Then mark the mounting holes position on the paper

Then you can check the mounting pillars and bumps are in the correct places in the case
Add or remove mounting pillars as necessary
If bumps or pillars are in wrong location get a better case
And look carefully for damage to motherboard

You need to remove the motherboard to do this
Take correct anti static precautions and disconnect mains power

While it is out you can check memory is fully home in the slots

If intel cpu i would check the 4 push pins have gone through the correct holes and locked

Even with amd cpu Double check the amd heatsink is locked down correctly

Evga usually make good psu so if new should be ok

Max power is only needed when playing games stressing graphics card

If problems continue look at toms faq

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/forum/261145-31-perform-steps-posting-post-boot-video-problems

Regards
Mike Barnes

Would you suggest flattening the raised mounting points in the case and installing brass screws instead? Flattening would mean bending the metal back to flush with the case. I am certain the mounting points are lined up correctly.

 

[mbarnes86]

Hi

It wont be easy to replace mounting bumps with pillars .
(no point if in the correct locations)

If you say the mounting bumps & pillars match all the mounting holes in the motherboard but no bumps or pillars touch anyware else that is OK
each mounting hole in the motherboard needs a matching screw

For a power supply point of view
Are both the 24 pin and 4 or 8 pin atx/eps connectors fully home

sometimes using only a 4pin atx 12V plug when a 8pin eps 12V plug is needed can cause instability

Does the graphics card have its pci-e cable correctly inserted.

regards
Mike Barnes

 

[Benevalent]

Hi

It wont be easy to replace mounting bumps with pillars .
(no point if in the correct locations)

If you say the mounting bumps & pillars match all the mounting holes in the motherboard but no bumps or pillars touch anyware else that is OK
each mounting hole in the motherboard needs a matching screw

For a power supply point of view
Are both the 24 pin and 4 or 8 pin atx/eps connectors fully home

sometimes using only a 4pin atx 12V plug when a 8pin eps 12V plug is needed can cause instability

Does the graphics card have its pci-e cable correctly inserted.

regards
Mike Barnes

all of the above seem to be true.
So one brass screw and 5 mounting bumps is ok? And no other bumps touching of course.

 

[Benevalent]

I switched my Graphics card to the secondary PCIe and it seems to be functioning fine, having stress tested it, but gamed a small amount, heroes of the storm on extreme settings, functioning normally so far. The stress test will show though i suppose. Thanks guys.