GPU shuts down immediately upon Windows startup
GPU shuts down immediately upon Windows startup
I've experienced this strange problem for several years. My system runs a 290x display with four monitors connected. After launching the desktop, seconds later the screens display artifacts—lines or repeating patterns—that briefly appear before everything freezes and goes black. Eventually, the background processes stop, and I have to perform a hard reset. This cycle repeats roughly three to five times before the PC becomes stable again. When it's running, everything works perfectly. It seems like a GPU issue, but it doesn't occur in the BIOS, Linux, or during Windows installation. Driver problems aren’t the cause. Did you try DDU and reinstalling the driver, or did you reinstall Windows from a new drive without any drivers?
The GPU driver installs and the GPU can now perform at its full potential. If it still doesn't work, consider these options: a deep clean and repaste, a BIOS update, or a reflow process.
What operating system version are you using? Have you added any applications, connected new devices, or replaced parts recently? Unless this happens on Linux, I’d assume hardware isn’t the issue but possibly a driver problem. Windows currently uses updated drivers as well as standard ones. On Linux, especially with AMD, community-supported drivers are common. If you install an official driver, it might resolve the problem—though it could reappear if those drivers are unavailable. Try using DDU on Windows and then install an older driver from years ago. Most drivers for Windows 7 and 8 should function in Windows 10. You should disconnect your network while using DDU, then reconnect so Windows can download a new driver package. Ideally, the previous version’s package should already be downloaded before DDU starts. I’ve encountered something similar on the HD6850—it was a helper utility that loaded at startup and caused Windows to crash, but no lasting effects.
It seems the GPU might be experiencing a hardware problem. For instance, it isn’t receiving power properly at startup. Try using a different PSU to check if the issue continues.
It's highly probable your GPU isn't functioning properly. It's disappointing to see a card fail, but it happens sometimes. Consider purchasing a used model before searching for a replacement. Similar performance cards are available at fair prices in used condition. When buying from a private seller, inquire if they can provide a short video showing the card running Furmark.
My computer needs an upgrade too—it's a 290x with an FX8320, which is nearly ten years old. Modern hardware would lower my energy costs, and I won’t spend much since I’m planning a new system soon. I’m wondering what options exist because everything seems to point to a hardware problem, but only with Windows. It’s been this way for at least three years, and it still works fine when I boot up. Maybe I’ll keep the 290x as a Linux machine instead.
Regrettably, you'll have to part with the complimentary space heater during the upgrade.