[SOLVED] Frequent crashing and hard locks with rtx 2080 super

naz6678

Reputable
Jan 9, 2017
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I've recently installed a RTX 2080 Super Msi Gaming Trio X and I've been getting frequent crashes ever since.

Specs: i7 8700k, 32 gb ddr4 3200mhz, msi z370 gaming pro carbon ac motherboard, 750w evga supernova g2 psu. Along with 2 SSDs and 1 HDD

I've previously had a EVGA GTX 1080 acx 3.0 that I've had zero problems with. No crashes or anything. Ever since I've installed this 2080 super, I've been getting frequent black screens and hard lock ups. I've reseated the gpu and made sure all the cables were fully connected. I've made sure to do a clean install of Nvidia drivers. Its never been overclocked. Nothing has worked. Now I've reinstalled my gtx 1080 and the crashes have stopped.

I initially thought it must be the gpu, but I was also wondering if oil leaking from my gtx 1080 into the PCIe slot on my motherboard could have caused issues? I've tried to clean the oil to the best of my ability without destroying something lol. Apparently the oil seems to be harmless according to EVGA. There was a tiny amount still in the PCIe slot that I couldn't get out prior to installing the RTX 2080 super. I was wondering if that could have contributed to the problems? However I've been using my reinstalled gtx 1080 without issue, so I'm not sure. I was also considering if it was the psu, although 750w should be enough power for the rtx 2080 super. Its also the first time I've had to plug in two PCIe cables into a gpu, considering my 1080 only needs one. I'm not sure. I'm wondering if I should just return the card. Any help would be appreciated though lol.
 
Solution
When you say clean install, did you use ddu and completely remove all previous drivers?

Start there. If you still have issues, it is possible you got a bad gpu. You could also try a different pci slot. Though if your old gpu works, that almost rules that out.

Make and model of PSU? Quality over quantity. The wattage does not matter if it's poor quality.
To be sure it's not your system, try the 2080Super in another system (friend's PC perhaps?) If it still crashes, RMA it.
Its a EVGA Supernova 750 G2 80+ Gold. I wish I could try it another system though, can't unfortunately lol.
 
When you say clean install, did you use ddu and completely remove all previous drivers?

Start there. If you still have issues, it is possible you got a bad gpu. You could also try a different pci slot. Though if your old gpu works, that almost rules that out.

 
Solution
When you say clean install, did you use ddu and completely remove all previous drivers?

Start there. If you still have issues, it is possible you got a bad gpu. You could also try a different pci slot. Though if your old gpu works, that almost rules that out.

Yeah, I've used DDU twice. My old gpu has been going good for a day now, so I guess it must be the card. Thanks for the help though! By the way, does anyone know how to efficiently clean oil out of a PCIe slot? lol
 
By the way, does anyone know how to efficiently clean oil out of a PCIe slot? lol
The silicone oil was part of the thermal pad & is harmless to the PCB


  1. Silicone oil is very hard to remove.
  2. You do not have to remove it.
  3. be careful not to touch your eyes on anything if you get it on your hands - wash it off or wear gloves
  4. There are electronic cleaner sprays. Follow - ALL -of the Directions including Safety - if you go that route. Best to take it outside & use Eye protection & gloves.
 
The silicone oil was part of the thermal pad & is harmless to the PCB


  1. Silicone oil is very hard to remove.
  2. You do not have to remove it.
  3. be careful not to touch your eyes on anything if you get it on your hands - wash it off or wear gloves
  4. There are electronic cleaner sprays. Follow - ALL -of the Directions including Safety - if you go that route. Best to take it outside & use Eye protection & gloves.
Ahh I gotcha, well that's good to know. Thank you very much!
 
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