New GFX for older build

[cpokey26]

My 5 year old build started locking up lastweekend, and seems to be when trying to run gaming gfx, I can sit and work internet and office for quite a while, but trying to play Paladins or Skyrim only runs about 5 min. Then everything locks and have to power boot. I've run updates, scanned for virus/malware, etc.

Anyway, assuming I can actually verify it down to the gfx card, what would the community recommend as a replacement for the HD7770?

---GIGABYTE GA-990FXA-UD3
---AMD FX-4170 Zambezi Quad-Core 4.2GHz
---G.SKILL Ripjaws X Series 8GB (2 x 4GB) 240-Pin DDR3 SDRAM DDR3 1600 (PC3 12800) [plus 2 x 4GB more]
---MSI Radeon HD 7770 DirectX 11 R7770-2PMD1GD5/OC 1GB
---C: SSD
---E: WD Black 500GB Performance Desktop Hard Disk Drive
---SeaSonic X Series X650 Gold (SS-650KM Active PFC F3) 650W ATX12V
---Antec Three Hundred Two Black Steel ATX Mid Tower Computer Case
---Win 7 Ultimate 64

Thanks,

 

[boosted1g]

Quite possible your issue is your weak CPU and not your GPU. You should have low FPS but not actually locking up if it was GPU issue.

 

[cpokey26]

It could POSSIBLY be any of the components...or just Windows. Troubleshooting is not my strong suit. 🙁

It has locked up when not gaming also

 

[boosted1g]

Ok, anything is possible (like GPU sending bad data to mothebaord) but we are not getting into the 1-2% criteria yet. The GPU simply being pegged at 100% does not cause the system to lock up (like mouse wont move and have to hard restart).
Your CPU being maxed at 100% will certianly do that and yoru CPU is the low end model, and the Zambezi architecture was bad as well.

You also just stated that it locks up when not gaming, also tremendiously more likely it is GPU

 

[cpokey26]

Ok, anything is possible (like GPU sending bad data to mothebaord) but we are not getting into the 1-2% criteria yet. The GPU simply being pegged at 100% does not cause the system to lock up (like mouse wont move and have to hard restart).
Your CPU being maxed at 100% will certianly do that and yoru CPU is the low end model, and the Zambezi architecture was bad as well.

You also just stated that it locks up when not gaming, also tremendiously more likely it is GPU

Short of replacing a CPU (which I don't have) to test, what sort of stress test could narrow this down.

I realize we're treading outside the Graphics forum topic now...

 

[boosted1g]

Prime95 or other benchmark tools can test each individually.

You can also always just put task manager window up and see if CPU is pegged at 100% when locks up

 

[boosted1g]

Are you using the stock junk cooler or an aftermarket one?
The stock ones flow very little air, yet sound like a plane is trying to take off inside your case.

 

[cpokey26]

Are you using the stock junk cooler or an aftermarket one?
The stock ones flow very little air, yet sound like a plane is trying to take off inside your case.

Stock cooler. 2 case fans.