Monitor loses signal during specific games; forced to manually shutdown

[Lord_janas]

While playing specific games, (Witcher 3, Black Desert Online, Try-Mode in Heroes of the Storm) after a short time, my monitor will lose connection. The audio of the game will still be playing and I seemingly still have complete control over the PC (Can Ctrl+Alt+Del and log off). However, the signal never returns and it is not until I force shutdown by holding down the power button that the signal returns. Resetting via the case does not restore the signal.

I have tried:
• Clean installs of the display drivers
• Upgraded the Mobo Chipset and audio drivers
• Dusted the graphics card and made sure it is sitting properly.
• Tested all sticks of RAM
• Monitored GPU temperatures – never exceeds 65 degrees during the game. All fans are working.
• Tested different cables from the GPU to the monitor
• Reinstalled Windows 10

At this point I can only assume it’s some software conflict that occurs during these specific games. It is entirely reproducable in these games given enough time. Outside of these games, the problem NEVER occurs so it cannot be a cable problem and I doubt it’s a driver problem.

As the loss of signal doesn’t actually result in a system crash, no dump file is created to analyze. In addition, Windows Event Viewer does not register any error apart from “System had to be manually restarted.” I am completely lost at the moment and would appreciate any help. I have been scouring the internet this whole week now and have tried almost all the solutions.

Parts:
CPU: Intel - Core i5-4690 3.5GHz Quad-Core Processor
GPU: Gigabyte - GeForce GTX 970 4GB WINDFORCE 3X Video Card
MOBO: Gigabyte - GA-Z97X-SOC ATX LGA1150
PSU: Thermaltake Litepower 750w

Operating System: Windows 10

 

[ffg7]

if you take the videocard out, will those games work on your onboard video?

 

[Lord_janas]

if you take the videocard out, will those games work on your onboard video?

I'm trying this now; will let you know the results.

This afternoon I also flashed my BIOS to the latest version and the game ran smoothly for a few hours although the problem has not gone..

 

[Lord_janas]

So I've tried using the onboard graphics an the problem has not reoccured HOWEVER the computer will randomly crash completely, without any BSOD and restart. This is frustrating as it leaves no error log or Event Viewer entry.

I am currently looking up solutions for this problem. My first thought is CPU overheating, however it's not consistent at all as I was able to play Black Desert Online via the onboard graphics (Lowest settings) for hours. The crash restart seems to occur once I turn the computer on (about 10 minute after start up) then doesn't happen again.

I realise this is now delving into issues beyond just display issues. I was considering getting a SSD and completely reinstalling the operating system.

EDIT: It definitely isn't a CPU overheating issue. I just ran Prime95 for over 3 hours at 100% CPU and there were 0 errors or crashes.

 

[ffg7]

run a scandisk on the hard drive & select scan for bad sectors.

 

[Lord_janas]

Thanks, I've already done that twice but I'll try again. I removed the GPU and have not had the problem at all. When i plug it back in, the crash occurs when playing certain games.

EDIT: Ran scan again and as expected, no errors found.

 

[ffg7]

can you try a different psu even a borrowed one to see if still has an issue? how old is the card as hopefully still under warranty?