Question Problem with PC crashing due to GPU

[nickeh1]

Hi,
I’ve had a problem with my pc where it crashes when loading into games with the graphics card R9 390.
When removing the graphics card and playing on on-board graphics from the mobo the pc works fine.
I built the pc myself back in 2014 and haven’t upgraded anything since.
This is the build:
MSI Radeon R9 390 GAMING AMD Graphics Card 8GB
Intel Quad-Core i7-4790K
EVGA Super NOVA 850W PC Power Supply - Gold
Gigabyte Z97X-Gaming 7 Intel LGA1150 Z97 ATX Motherboard (4x DDR3, 6x USB3.0, 6x USB2.0, HDMI, DVI-I, DSUB)
Crucial BX100 250 GB 2.5-Inch SATA III Internal Solid State Drive
WD 1TB 3.5 inch Internal Hard Drive - Caviar Blue
Alpenfhn Matterhorn Pure Edition CPU Cooler 120 mm
NZXT H440 Mid Tower Case with Side Window and 4 Quiet Fans for PC - White/Black
Team Group TLRED316G2400HC11CDC01 - TeamGroup Vulcan RED 16GB (2x8GB) DDR3 PC3-19200C11 2400MHz Dual

It has been kept well ventilated but I did notice it crashing from time to time over the last year.
Only recently it just crashes every time I load a game.

When removing the graphics card I noticed it was very dusty so I gave it a good clean unscrewing all the parts and I also re-pasted the GPU.
Nothing changed. Still crashes every time I load a game.
It’s not only when loading a game… it also crashes when I have multiple apps open.
Everything on windows just freezes all of a sudden then it goes to a black screen and you can’t get it back without turning the pc off by button.

My friend says that this could be something with the PSU and the graphics card but I can’t see that being the issue? I’m not sure, I figure the graphics card is just past its days.
What would you suggest? Bite the buck and get a new graphics card? …

If so, based on my build what graphics card would others suggest?
I’ve been recommended by friends to go nvidia but I don’t mind – just looking for the best card available based on my build.
Please note I don’t really play any high end games that would require the latest graphics.
I play games such as valorant, escape to tarkov, csgo, rocket league but don’t mind slightly upgrading other parts in my pc to allow me to be able to play the latest games – if that’s even possible with my build now it’s getting a bit dated.
Would anyone recommend upgrading the ram (up to 32gb?) or some other parts to get better performance out of the pc?

 

[Johnwmel]

"When removing the graphics card I noticed it was very dusty "
As that was very dusty, the supply will probably be also.

Information about cleaning computer components, including the power supply.

View: https://youtu.be/gcUSl9K2bZs

How To Physically Clean Your Computer [Ultimate 2024 Guide]

Here's a quick and simple guide on how to physically clean your computer and remove all the dirt that prevents your computer from properly cooling down.

www.gamingscan.com

Computer Killers - Pet Hair, Dust and Cigarette Smoke - Technibble

Technicians may occasionally find dusty computers, so dusty that find their way to heatsinks causing the computer to overheat and die.

www.technibble.com

https://www.computerhope.com/cleaning.htm

Cleaning the Interior of your PC

Most people think computers, being electronic devices, don't require any mechanical maintenance, but this is not so. Many computer faults are caused by components overheating due to poor airflow in the case because of a buildup of dirt and dust over time. It's worthwhile cleaning your computer...

www.bleepingcomputer.com

https://www.brighthub.com/computing/hardware/articles/57820.aspx

 

[Johnwmel]

"so I gave it a good clean "
Too late probably, overheated & is damaged.

 

[nickeh1]

Hi all, Thank you for your replies. I'm bumping this post as I have yet to find a solution.

I have tested a new PSU in the PC with the g card that is problematic and it is still the same - so i am now sure the g card is dead.

I would consider a more costly upgrade but i dont see myself using this pc forever.

I would like it to last me a couple/few years and the only games i play are cs, rocket league, valorant, all which do not require a high-end pc.

I figure in a couple of years i will buy a new high end pc but as for now id like to be able to have a working pc that can play the above.

So I have started looking around at second hand graphics cards (exact same model as I had - R9 390).

I am following a few on eBay and just saw one sell just now for £150 (unfortunately i missed bid).

Ideally id like to stay AMD for this build since the monitor is designed for amd with freesync, however would anyone suggest or think I should go for a different graphics card based on my build?

I would also like to note that since i run my own company, i can claim the vat back on a purchase if the purchase is for a new graphics card from a shop - I mention this as it can make a big difference on cost.
However purchasing second hand does not allow me to claim back any vat back of course.

I'd really appreciate some feedback and see what other people think would be the best way to go about this?

 

[nickeh1]

I would also like to add that I would like to be able to play Escape from Tarkov, which as far as I'm aware can be fairly spec intensive for a pc.

Might struggle with the R9 390... A friend suggested this AMD card which got awards for best old card of 2021 - AMD Radeon RX 5500 XT 8GB

Would this be a better option to go for or may there be another card i should consider with this build?

 

[nickeh1]

Further to my previous message, I just googled the product model of my monitor and see it says GSYNC COMPATIBLE.

ASUS MG278Q Gaming Monitor - 27" 2K WQHD (2560 x 1440), 1ms, G-SYNC Compatible, up to 144Hz, FreeSync
https://www.asus.com/uk/Displays-Desktops/Monitors/Gaming/MG278Q/

Based on the rest of my build (listed at the top on the first post in this thread) would you say that it doesn't matter whether I go NVIDIA or AMD?

If so, would you suggest 3060TI as the best purchase based on my build or is it too much compared to the build?

It would also be useful to have a few heads together on this before I make a decision.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated!