Question Problem with my GTX 1080 Ti - - - or is it something else ?

Miki248

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I have this serious issue with my PC.
Sometimes the PC crashes at the very beginning when MSI loading screen appears. And sometimes it randomly crashes after some time while casually using the computer such as browsing the web, playing games etc. In the second case usually numerous pixels appear on the screen, it freezes and crashes.

I think that the issue is the Display adapter or graphic card itself, because when I go to the Device Manager and choose Display adapters there is an exclamation mark on my NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti, and when I choose properties on it, there is a message saying "Device status: Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43). Recently, I can't even play games and also there is no sound output anymore.

I tried everything I could think of. The voltage or PSU has no issues, it has more than enough capacity. Even windows clean reinstall didn't help.

I did the clean uninstall of drivers with DDU in safe mode with no Internet connection and did a clean install of latest nvidia drivers. After I did this it worked, the sound was back and the graphic card was recognized. However, as soon as I tried to test it with Heaven Benchmark it worked only for about 30 seconds, afterwards pc went frozen, changed to black screen, and restarted Windows. Afterwards, same issue: no sound, gpu is not recognized and can't even start the heaven benchmark test.

Here are my PC specs:
- Processor AMD Ryzen 7 3700X 8-Core Processor GHz
- 16 GB RAM
- Windows 11 Pro 64-bit OS
- ACPI x64-based PC
- MSI MS-7B78
- NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1080 Ti

Is the problem with the graphic card only or something else? Should I just buy a new graphic card and be able to solve the problem?

Thank you.
 
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Aeacus

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The voltage or PSU has no issues, it has more than enough capacity.
PSU make and model (or part number) is? Also, how old the PSU is, and was the PSU bought new or used/refurbished?

However, as soon as I tried to test it with Heaven Benchmark it worked only for about 30 seconds, afterwards pc went frozen, changed to black screen, and restarted Windows.
Symptom of dying GPU.

Now, GPU could die on it's own, or is caused by PSU. Without knowing which PSU you have + it's age, i can't tell if you should look toward new PSU too or not. So, answer the 1st two questions i asked.
 

Miki248

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PSU make and model (or part number) is? Also, how old the PSU is, and was the PSU bought new or used/refurbished?


Symptom of dying GPU.

Now, GPU could die on it's own, or is caused by PSU. Without knowing which PSU you have + it's age, i can't tell if you should look toward new PSU too or not. So, answer the 1st two questions i asked.

Thank you for the reply.
The PSU model is FSP RAIDER II 750W Silver ++. I bought this configuration as used two years ago, so I'm not exactly sure how old is it...
 
At the very, very least have you checked the card for dust and or time to re paste.

Easy way to check is hold a flashlight up to the fan on the card than look in the card from the back of the machine where you plug in the HDMI/ Display port cords.

You have to look into the card like you looking down a gun scope to see properly.

If you can see the light clearly down the heatsink than card is at least cooling properly. If you see all dark it's clogged.

I will let Aeacus guild you about the power supply.
 
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Miki248

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At the very, very least have you checked the card for dust and or time to re paste.

Easy way to check is hold a flashlight up to the fan on the card than look in the card from the back of the machine where you plug in the HDMI/ Display port cords.

You have to look into the card like you looking down a gun scope to see properly.

If you can see the light clearly down the heatsink than card is at least cooling properly. If you see all dark it's clogged.

I will let Aeacus guild you about the power supply.

Thank you for the comment.
I'm a total noob for this and the only maintenance I've ever done so far is opening the case and using an air duster 1-2 times a year. Could you please tell me more details of where exactly should I take a look? I'll take a screenshot and send it soon.
 
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Miki248

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At the very, very least have you checked the card for dust and or time to re paste.

Easy way to check is hold a flashlight up to the fan on the card than look in the card from the back of the machine where you plug in the HDMI/ Display port cords.

You have to look into the card like you looking down a gun scope to see properly.

If you can see the light clearly down the heatsink than card is at least cooling properly. If you see all dark it's clogged.

I will let Aeacus guild you about the power supply.

Here are the screenshots.

https://ibb.co/NNcWcgk
 
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Aeacus

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The PSU model is FSP RAIDER II 750W Silver ++. I bought this configuration as used two years ago, so I'm not exactly sure how old is it...
FSP Raider II 750W was released back in 2016 and it has high ripple issues. Also, it wasn't good PSU back then, more like mediocre/low quality unit.

Given that your PSU isn't good one to begin with and you bought it used, which is even worse idea, it is very likely that your used FSP unit killed your fancy GTX 1080 Ti.

Since you're running R7 3700X which doesn't have iGPU in it, you need 2nd, dedicated GPU, to validate GPU issue. And new PSU is a must as well.

Good PSUs to go for, are: Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
Or if you want the latest ATX 3.0/3.1 PSU, then list is here: https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-atxv3-pcie5-ready-psus-picks-hardware-busters/

(My 3x PCs are also powered by Seasonic. I have 2x PRIME TX-650 units and one Focus PX-550 unit. Full specs with pics in my sig.)

Now, without knowing which GPU you end up going, to replace your GTX 1080 Ti, PSU wattage also depends on it.
If RTX 4090, then minimum 1.2kW unit, while 1.6kW is better suited.
If RTX 4080/Super, then minimum 1kW unit.
RTX 4070 Ti and Ti Super do fine with 750W unit.
RTX 4060, 4060 Ti, 4070 and 4070 Super do fine with 650W unit.

With PSUs, having more wattage capacity doesn't hurt. Issue is if you have too less wattage capacity.
 
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Miki248

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FSP Raider II 750W was released back in 2016 and it has high ripple issues. Also, it wasn't good PSU back then, more like mediocre/low quality unit.

Given that your PSU isn't good one to begin with and you bought it used, which is even worse idea, it is very likely that your used FSP unit killed your fancy GTX 1080 Ti.

Since you're running R7 3700X which doesn't have iGPU in it, you need 2nd, dedicated GPU, to validate GPU issue. And new PSU is a must as well.

Good PSUs to go for, are: Seasonic Focus/Vertex/PRIME, Corsair RMx/RMi/HXi/AXi, Super Flower Leadex Gold/Platinum/Titanium.
Or if you want the latest ATX 3.0/3.1 PSU, then list is here: https://hwbusters.com/best_picks/best-atxv3-pcie5-ready-psus-picks-hardware-busters/

(My 3x PCs are also powered by Seasonic. I have 2x PRIME TX-650 units and one Focus PX-550 unit. Full specs with pics in my sig.)

Now, without knowing which GPU you end up going, to replace your GTX 1080 Ti, PSU wattage also depends on it.
If RTX 4090, then minimum 1.2kW unit, while 1.6kW is better suited.
If RTX 4080/Super, then minimum 1kW unit.
RTX 4070 Ti and Ti Super do fine with 750W unit.
RTX 4060, 4060 Ti, 4070 and 4070 Super do fine with 650W unit.

With PSUs, having more wattage capacity doesn't hurt. Issue is if you have too less wattage capacity.

Thank you for the information and tips.
I kinda feel devastated that I would have to buy new PSU as well if you really think it's a must.
As for the GPU, my budget would be MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC Gaming Graphics Card.
As for the PSU, I could probably afford 70-80 dollars max, so I'm not sure what should I buy for that amount...
 

Miki248

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When I tried turning on my PC now, it can't even go past the BIOS loading screen anymore, just stops there frozen... I really hope that it's just the PSU and GPU issue, I can't afford more than that...
 

Aeacus

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As for the GPU, my budget would be MSI GeForce RTX 3060 VENTUS 2X 12G OC Gaming Graphics Card.
As for the PSU, I could probably afford 70-80 dollars max, so I'm not sure what should I buy for that amount...
RTX 3060, with transient power spikes (2-3 times TDP), would require 650W unit.

Luckily for you, Corsair RMx 750W is currently on sale on the Egg, at 80 bucks,
link: https://www.newegg.com/corsair-rmx-...50-w-80-plus-gold-certified/p/N82E16817139271

Good quality PSU, 10 years warranty, fully-modular, 80+ Gold efficiency.

When I tried turning on my PC now, it can't even go past the BIOS loading screen anymore, just stops there frozen... I really hope that it's just the PSU and GPU issue, I can't afford more than that...
At this point, you can consider everything that was connected to that FSP unit - dead.

This is the price of cheaping out on PSU. Since when PSU acts up, it has the magical ability to fry everything it is connected to. Aka your whole PC. And the lower the PSU build quality is - the higher the chance that PSU takes other components with it.

Since PSU powers everything, it is the most important component inside the PC.

Hence why NEVER cheap out on PSU!
Also, never buy used PSU either! Because you have 0 idea what kind of abuse the PSU has seen and if it even outputs voltages within spec.
Sadly for you, you did both wrong. Cheap and used PSU.

MoBo is usually 1st to go when PSU acts up. GPU is followed closely by. RAM and CPU are more durable but not invulnerable either.

At this point, don't power the PC on until you've replaced the PSU. Once you have proper PSU powering the build, then look if GPU acts up again or not (could be the high ripple issue that makes GPU unstable). But if no dice, new GPU is needed. But current symptoms also showcase CPU, MoBo or RAM issue. Could be that all three are toast as well.
 
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Miki248

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RTX 3060, with transient power spikes (2-3 times TDP), would require 650W unit.

Luckily for you, Corsair RMx 750W is currently on sale on the Egg, at 80 bucks,
link: https://www.newegg.com/corsair-rmx-...50-w-80-plus-gold-certified/p/N82E16817139271

Good quality PSU, 10 years warranty, fully-modular, 80+ Gold efficiency.


At this point, you can consider everything that was connected to that FSP unit - dead.

This is the price of cheaping out on PSU. Since when PSU acts up, it has the magical ability to fry everything it is connected to. Aka your whole PC. And the lower the PSU build quality is - the higher the chance that PSU takes other components with it.

Since PSU powers everything, it is the most important component inside the PC.

Hence why NEVER cheap out on PSU!
Also, never buy used PSU either! Because you have 0 idea what kind of abuse the PSU has seen and if it even outputs voltages within spec.
Sadly for you, you did both wrong. Cheap and used PSU.

MoBo is usually 1st to go when PSU acts up. GPU is followed closely by. RAM and CPU are more durable but not invulnerable either.

At this point, don't power the PC on until you've replaced the PSU. Once you have proper PSU powering the build, then look if GPU acts up again or not (could be the high ripple issue that makes GPU unstable). But if no dice, new GPU is needed. But current symptoms also showcase CPU, MoBo or RAM issue. Could be that all three are toast as well.

Thank you for your time and dedication regarding my issue, I really appreciate it.
This is really a tough situation then...
Unfortunately, my location is not supported for that store and I cannot find that PSU model here. Here is what I found for similar price here:

- SUPER FLOWER LEADEX SE PLATINUM 1000W
- Super Flower LEADEX III GOLD ARGB 850W
- SUPERFLOWER LEADEXⅢ GOLD 850W
- Thermaltake RGB 850W Platinum

They're about 20-30 dollars more expensive though. Which one of these should be the best? If none, any other suggestions?
 

Aeacus

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Which one of these should be the best?
All three Super Flower units are good/great quality.

But i'd avoid Thermaltake. Thermaltake does have some good units, but you need to be very specific with the model. E.g the one you listed is one of the few. But overall, when you have Super Flower or Seasonic to choose from, these two are better than Thermaltake.

Also, when it comes to PSUs, better to avoid all and any LEDs or RGB LED fans in them. Since with RGB LED fan, you'd be paying for the RGB, rather than the actual build quality for the PSU. Now, few Thermaltake and Super Flower RGB LED PSUs are good, like the ones you listed.

Reviews;
Leadex SE Platinum: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-sf-1000f14mp/
Leadex III Gold: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-leadex-iii-850-w/
Leadex III Gold ARGB: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-leadex-iii-argb-gold-850-w/
Grand RGB Platinum: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermaltake-toughpower-grand-rgb-850w-platinum-power-supply

Leadex SE Platinum was released back in 2013, with 5 year warranty and it would be difficult to suggest at current date. (Due to the platform being 11 years old now.)
Leadex III Gold was released in 2019 and Leadex III Gold ARGB in 2020. Either of these two would do fine. Both also have 7 years of warranty. Tt Grand RGB has 10 years of warranty and released in 2019 as well.

For comparison, Seasonic Focus (fully-modular) has 10 years of warranty, while Seasonic Vertex and Seasonic PRIME have 12 years of warranty.
 
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Miki248

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All three Super Flower units are good/great quality.

But i'd avoid Thermaltake. Thermaltake does have some good units, but you need to be very specific with the model. E.g the one you listed is one of the few. But overall, when you have Super Flower or Seasonic to choose from, these two are better than Thermaltake.

Also, when it comes to PSUs, better to avoid all and any LEDs or RGB LED fans in them. Since with RGB LED fan, you'd be paying for the RGB, rather than the actual build quality for the PSU. Now, few Thermaltake and Super Flower RGB LED PSUs are good, like the ones you listed.

Reviews;
Leadex SE Platinum: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-sf-1000f14mp/
Leadex III Gold: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-leadex-iii-850-w/
Leadex III Gold ARGB: https://www.techpowerup.com/review/super-flower-leadex-iii-argb-gold-850-w/
Grand RGB Platinum: https://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/thermaltake-toughpower-grand-rgb-850w-platinum-power-supply

Leadex SE Platinum was released back in 2013, with 5 year warranty and it would be difficult to suggest at current date. (Due to the platform being 11 years old now.)
Leadex III Gold was released in 2019 and Leadex III Gold ARGB in 2020. Either of these two would do fine. Both also have 7 years of warranty. Tt Grand RGB has 10 years of warranty and released in 2019 as well.

For comparison, Seasonic Focus (fully-modular) has 10 years of warranty, while Seasonic Vertex and Seasonic PRIME have 12 years of warranty.

Thank you again!
So, the best option would be Super Flower LEADEX III GOLD ARGB 850W? Sorry for all capitals, I copy/pasted the title.
 
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Miki248

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Both, the Leadex III Gold and Leadex III Gold ARGB are equally good.

Ok, I ordered the Leadex III Gold one, should arrive this week.
Should I first try replacing only the UPS unit and check if it is working properly? And if there are still issues then replace the GPU as well?
I'm sorry for asking so much but could uou please tell me where I can find easy to follow and safe tutorial that has all the steps for replacing both the UPS and GPU? I checked on youtube but there are so many different ones that it's hard to determine which way of doing is correct...
 
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you seems to be tried almost everything! you could try different windows (dual windows) it solves alot, when screen goes black, press Windows key + P or Ctrl + Alt + Del to reset the screen's graphics system.
 
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Aeacus

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Should I first try replacing only the UPS unit and check if it is working properly? And if there are still issues then replace the GPU as well?
Yes.

Btw, UPS and PSU are two completely different things.

but could uou please tell me where I can find easy to follow and safe tutorial that has all the steps for replacing both the UPS and GPU?
There really isn't anything difficult to it.

Best source would be holy bible of PCs (aka your MoBo manual).

You can download the English version from here,
link: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X470-GAMING-PRO-CARBON/support#manual

While manual shows assembly steps, doing it vice-versa is disassembly.

GPU (dis)assembly is in manual page 11.
PSU power connector (dis)assembly is page 13.

If you want it in video format, then GPU remove and install is here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZG9SrxNo8


For PSU replacement, this video is decent:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7sJlGrZo4


But if you aren't confident on component replacement, you can also haul your PC and spare parts to PC repair shop and pay them to replace the components for you.
 
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Aeacus

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you seems to be tried almost everything! you could try different windows (dual windows) it solves alot, when screen goes black, press Windows key + P or Ctrl + Alt + Del to reset the screen's graphics system.
Looks like you didn't read what OP wrote. Also, you're giving out wrong troubleshooting steps. :non:

Dual-boot OS has 0 to do with getting the PC to boot (POST). And you conveniently left out all and any steps on how to set up dual-boot OS. How come? :rolleyes:

Win key + P opens Project settings, which is used when one has dual monitor. How this is supposed to help OP? :??:

Ctrl + Alt + Del opens up Task Manager. It DOES NOT reset graphics drivers. :non:

To restart graphics drivers, correct key combination is: Ctrl + Shift + B which does little, if any, to solve OP's issue.

Your advice is so bad, that i seriously question if you've ever seen a PC? :unsure:
 

Miki248

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Yes.

Btw, UPS and PSU are two completely different things.


There really isn't anything difficult to it.

Best source would be holy bible of PCs (aka your MoBo manual).

You can download the English version from here,
link: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X470-GAMING-PRO-CARBON/support#manual

While manual shows assembly steps, doing it vice-versa is disassembly.

GPU (dis)assembly is in manual page 11.
PSU power connector (dis)assembly is page 13.

If you want it in video format, then GPU remove and install is here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZG9SrxNo8


For PSU replacement, this video is decent:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7sJlGrZo4


But if you aren't confident on component replacement, you can also haul your PC and spare parts to PC repair shop and pay them to replace the components for you.

Sorry for the typo and thank you for the links! That SPU video looks nice but made me panic when I saw all those cables lol
As for the GPU one, I'll try to look for the one that has exactly my card model or similar and showing the whole process in real time, this video has been sped up so hard to follow for the noobs like me...
In my area every repair shop/pc store is a scam, just asking someone to replace parts for the pc costs hundreds of dollars, which is ridiculous.
I'll inform you when I get the parts.
 

Miki248

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Yes.

Btw, UPS and PSU are two completely different things.


There really isn't anything difficult to it.

Best source would be holy bible of PCs (aka your MoBo manual).

You can download the English version from here,
link: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X470-GAMING-PRO-CARBON/support#manual

While manual shows assembly steps, doing it vice-versa is disassembly.

GPU (dis)assembly is in manual page 11.
PSU power connector (dis)assembly is page 13.

If you want it in video format, then GPU remove and install is here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZG9SrxNo8


For PSU replacement, this video is decent:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7sJlGrZo4


But if you aren't confident on component replacement, you can also haul your PC and spare parts to PC repair shop and pay them to replace the components for you.

Fortunately I found the original user guide of the motherboard.

- Installing a Graphics Card and Connecting the Power Connectors are on pages 8 and 10 in my book, I hope that these two are the correct ones that I need.
 

Miki248

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Yes.

Btw, UPS and PSU are two completely different things.


There really isn't anything difficult to it.

Best source would be holy bible of PCs (aka your MoBo manual).

You can download the English version from here,
link: https://www.msi.com/Motherboard/X470-GAMING-PRO-CARBON/support#manual

While manual shows assembly steps, doing it vice-versa is disassembly.

GPU (dis)assembly is in manual page 11.
PSU power connector (dis)assembly is page 13.

If you want it in video format, then GPU remove and install is here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y2ZG9SrxNo8


For PSU replacement, this video is decent:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zF7sJlGrZo4


But if you aren't confident on component replacement, you can also haul your PC and spare parts to PC repair shop and pay them to replace the components for you.

Sorry for being so stubborn, I wanted to confirm few more things.

- As I want to replace only the PSU first in order to confirm if the GPU is faulty or not, regardless of that do I have to remove all the cables/connectors connected to the motherboard or just the PSU ones?

- Do I have to do something on my computer before/after replacement? Motherboard bios reinstall, graphics card drivers removal and update, hardware settings via Windows, etc.?

- How to avoid static electricity? For how many hours should I keep the power off and cables removed before I actually start touching anything?

This is all I could remember for now, unless there are more necessary steps.
 

Aeacus

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As for the GPU one, I'll try to look for the one that has exactly my card model or similar and showing the whole process in real time, this video has been sped up so hard to follow for the noobs like me...
You do realize that in Youtube, you can slow down the video playback, under Settings within the player?
1x speed, 0.75x speed, 0.5x speed, 0.25x speed. And same values can be selected to speed the video up.
Not to mention pausing the video and seeking back and forth. Youtube isn't a TV where you can't pause, speed up/down things and seek. :)

I hope that these two are the correct ones that I need
You don't need to look up the exact video as your GPU is, since these steps are universal.

- As I want to replace only the PSU first in order to confirm if the GPU is faulty or not, regardless of that do I have to remove all the cables/connectors connected to the motherboard or just the PSU ones?
All power cables that connect to MoBo, GPU and SATA drives (if you have latter), must go.

You CAN NOT reuse PSU power cables! Since pinout on the PSU side is different between different PSUs and you'll fry PSU or whole PC, if you're lazy and doesn't bother to replace power cables.
Only use those power cables that come with the PSU.
Besides the different pinout on PSU side, some PSUs have in-cable capacitors, to lower the ripple, which are needed for PC's normal operation.

Do I have to do something on my computer before/after replacement? Motherboard bios reinstall, graphics card drivers removal and update, hardware settings via Windows, etc.?
If you just replace the PSU, then no.

How to avoid static electricity?
1. Don't stand on carpet when switching PSU.
2. Even better, don't wear socks either.
3. Wearing synthetic material clothes can cause static buildup. So, if able, wear natural fabric clothes (e.g cotton).
4. To ground yourself, touch metal water pipe or central heating system metal pipes/radiators. I ground myself every 15mis or so, when working with my PCs. Just touching once is enough to ground yourself. Or when you have 2nd desktop PC in your home, touching it's metal case (given the power cord is connected to mains) would suffice as well.

For how many hours should I keep the power off and cables removed before I actually start touching anything?
Once you've grounded yourself - instantly.

There's no point to wait until capacitors on MoBo or in PSU completely drain. Since in PSUs, capacitors will hold lethal charge even years after last power-on. But since you won't be poking your fingers inside the PSU, there's no need to wait for that.
 
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You do realize that in Youtube, you can slow down the video playback, under Settings within the player?
1x speed, 0.75x speed, 0.5x speed, 0.25x speed. And same values can be selected to speed the video up.
Not to mention pausing the video and seeking back and forth. Youtube isn't a TV where you can't pause, speed up/down things and seek. :)


You don't need to look up the exact video as your GPU is, since these steps are universal.


All power cables that connect to MoBo, GPU and SATA drives (if you have latter), must go.

You CAN NOT reuse PSU power cables! Since pinout on the PSU side is different between different PSUs and you'll fry PSU or whole PC, if you're lazy and doesn't bother to replace power cables.
Only use those power cables that come with the PSU.
Besides the different pinout on PSU side, some PSUs have in-cable capacitors, to lower the ripple, which are needed for PC's normal operation.


If you just replace the PSU, then no.


1. Don't stand on carpet when switching PSU.
2. Even better, don't wear socks either.
3. Wearing synthetic material clothes can cause static buildup. So, if able, wear natural fabric clothes (e.g cotton).
4. To ground yourself, touch metal water pipe or central heating system metal pipes/radiators. I ground myself every 15mis or so, when working with my PCs. Just touching once is enough to ground yourself. Or when you have 2nd desktop PC in your home, touching it's metal case (given the power cord is connected to mains) would suffice as well.


Once you've grounded yourself - instantly.

There's no point to wait until capacitors on MoBo or in PSU completely drain. Since in PSUs, capacitors will hold lethal charge even years after last power-on. But since you won't be poking your fingers inside the PSU, there's no need to wait for that.

Thank you.
So regardless if I'm only changing PSU or not all the cables that are connected with PSU, MoBo and GPU should go out before starting the replacement and replace all the cables that came with the new PSU and GPU, correct?
Do I have to remove cables from the PSU first and then the GPU? And, when I put in new components I should connect GPU cables first and PSU last?

Regarding the static electricity I found this video where the guy is saying just to touch the PSU metal part (I presume it's the back of PSU, hard to see where due to his recording angle). Is this safe enough?

View: https://youtu.be/akbuQeIlv9g?si=5PbBl_DGqedg_xYU
 

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So regardless if I'm only changing PSU or not all the cables that are connected with PSU, MoBo and GPU should go out before starting the replacement and replace all the cables that came with the new PSU and GPU, correct?
Yes.

Do I have to remove cables from the PSU first and then the GPU? And, when I put in new components I should connect GPU cables first and PSU last?
It doesn't matter in which order you unplug and replug the cables.

But for me, i've found it easier to connect all required cables to the PSU 1st and then route each and every one to the proper place where they need to go.

Regarding the static electricity I found this video where the guy is saying just to touch the PSU metal part (I presume it's the back of PSU, hard to see where due to his recording angle). Is this safe enough?
It ONLY works when PSU is plugged to the mains. But since one of your tasks is replacing PSU, where you have to remove the main power cable between PSU and wall outlet, you can't ground yourself by just touching any metal part of the PSU (or PC case in that matter), since there is no ground connection.

All one needs to know about ESD and PCs + plethora of info about ESD, is all seen/heard here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m54ifTCgtN4


I suggest you watch it. Steve has made very informative video about ESD.
 
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Miki248

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Aug 24, 2023
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Yes.


It doesn't matter in which order you unplug and replug the cables.

But for me, i've found it easier to connect all required cables to the PSU 1st and then route each and every one to the proper place where they need to go.


It ONLY works when PSU is plugged to the mains. But since one of your tasks is replacing PSU, where you have to remove the main power cable between PSU and wall outlet, you can't ground yourself by just touching any metal part of the PSU (or PC case in that matter), since there is no ground connection.

All one needs to know about ESD and PCs + plethora of info about ESD, is all seen/heard here:

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m54ifTCgtN4


I suggest you watch it. Steve has made very informative video about ESD.

I'm sorry, this is just too much complicated for me...
Can I just buy something like this and not having to worry about anything else except standing on the carpet?

https://www.amazon.co.jp/ECO-FUSED-...prefix=anti+static+wrist+strap,aps,215&sr=8-5