Does the entire system fail when the monitors enter sleep mode?
Does the entire system fail when the monitors enter sleep mode?
Hi everyone. I’ve managed to solve most PC problems over the years, but this one is really puzzling.
My girlfriend’s computer began acting up after years of stable performance. The issue starts when I leave the machine; it idles for about ten minutes, then the system freezes completely. Fans spin at full speed, no input from keyboard or power button, and both screens go dark.
Here are the details of her system:
- Motherboard: MSI Z170X KRAIT GAMING 3X
- Processor: Intel Core i5 - 6600K
- GPU: ASUS ROG 1070 Ti
- RAM: 2x 8GB GEIL DDR4-3000
- SSD: Western Digital BLACK SN770
- HDD: Western Digital RED 1TB
- PSU: Corsair HX620
- Network: TP-Link 802.11n PCI-EX1 Wi-Fi card
- Monitors: 2x 1080p ASUS (one VG247, 60Hz, the other VG248QE, 144Hz)
What I’ve tried so far:
- RAM check passed
- Disabled the Wi-Fi card, no improvement
- Removed and reinserted the graphics card
- Inspected all cables and connections for faults
- Reinstalled Windows, issue persisted
- Ran OCCT and power supply test – around 280W at the wall, stable for about 30 minutes
- Games run smoothly; she plays FFXIV without any lag
Another odd thing: using NVidia Inspector with the Multiple Monitor Power Saver tool, which forces the GPU to idle when two monitors are active (reducing idle power from ~35W to 10-12W). After reinstalling Windows, this same behavior occurred.
From what I observe, the problem appears only when Windows is in safe mode—suggesting a GPU issue. Since I can’t test another card right now, I’m reaching out to see if anyone else has encountered this situation and found a solution.
Thanks in advance.
I proposed this idea, but since the computer can rest properly and the screens stay on until it does (about 30 minutes), my partner has chosen to accept things as they are now. I plan to swap PCs with her soon, then I can perform more thorough troubleshooting – and I agree, definitely try to use the PC without the GPU normally.