How to test a PCI-E cable?

[Retro_]

Hi, So recentley my graphics card fried... I left for a bit and when I came back my computer wouldnt boot up. The not booting problem is now fixed because I figured out that I had to remove the PCI-E cable from my graphics card and it would boot up again. But now Im starting to blue screen constantly and my computer will slow down over time before doing so. My solution?

Getting a new graphics card (1080) and a new hard drive to hopefully fix my blue screening. But since im spending 600 dollars on a graphics card I want to know how to test my PCI-E cable so I can be safe and know that as soon as I plug my PCI-E cable into the graphics card it wont die on me and RIP $600.

Everything else seems to be working fine im using my onboard graphics card Intel HD 4600 but in general is there a safe way to make sure my PCI-E isnt over volting anything.

 

[DSzymborski]

It's most likely the PSU itself, not the cable - the cable can't deliver anything the PSU's not sending. What is your PSU?

 

[terry4536]

You can use a multi-meter to test the continuity of the cable. You can also measure the DC voltage.

Otherwise you can test it on another system.

 

[terry4536]

If it is a questionable power supply, I would replace it at the same time as the new graphics card. It is relatively cheap insurance that the other components are not damages with a power supply failure.

 

[terry4536]

Further, it is difficult to measure the output watts (at home). This is because it requires the power supply to be under load at he same time the watts are measured. The power supply can be taken to a PC repair shop and have them test it. But you may as well put that expense towards a new one.

 

[Retro_]

It's most likely the PSU itself, not the cable - the cable can't deliver anything the PSU's not sending. What is your PSU?

DSzymborski , my power supply is an EVGA SuperNova 750W B1 80+

 

[terry4536]

That is a good quality power supply. How old is it?

 

[Retro_]

That is a good quality power supply. How old is it?

I've had it for around 1 1/2 - 2 years now

 

[Retro_]

That is a good quality power supply. How old is it?

Ikr, I did my research before buying my power supply and it seemed good so I got it. At the moment im just weary on doing anything because my graphics card stopped working and had this burnt smell out of nowhere and now even though I am not using a graphics card my PC randomly slows down and then blue screens. Which is why im getting a new HDD as well.

 

[terry4536]

That is a good quality power supply. How old is it?

I've had it for around 1 1/2 - 2 years now

I would say that it is probably still in good shape. I wouldn't be to concerned about the power supply unless you have some power related problems.

 

[Retro_]

That is a good quality power supply. How old is it?

I've had it for around 1 1/2 - 2 years now

I would say that it is probably still in good shape. I wouldn't be to concerned about the power supply unless you have some power related problems.

Yea true, But im still confused on how my graphics card can just randomly fry when I left my house for the day, I mean my computer is on carpet so that could be something and after all this my computer just randomly slows down like 30 minutes after bootup and then bluescreens.

 

[terry4536]

If you have the money, I would replace it. Then I would have it repaired under warranty. The you can use it as a backup power supply.

 

[terry4536]

If you have it on the floor , put something under it to raise it up off the carpet. This reduces the dust and significantly increases the PSU cooling if it is mounted on the bottom of the case.