GPU stability Issues ?
GPU stability Issues ?
Recent issues have made my experience quite unstable, especially with 3D games. I've noticed frequent frame drops and crashes when launching any game, particularly during gameplay. I'm seeking suggestions to boost stability and avoid these interruptions. My graphics card is an MSI GTX 1080 Aero OC from 2016. Specific incidents include: Overwatch – smooth boot but freezes after character selection, followed by a system alert saying 'render device lost.' World of Warcraft – noticeable stuttering upon logging in for a short time, sometimes leading to a crash. Satisfactory – freezes and crashes in the main menu or during loading. GTFO – immediate freeze or crash on load. Destiny 2 – crashes appear in the loading screen before character selection. Factorio has been unaffected. Every crash event correlates with an entry from "nviddmkm" in the Event Viewer, with event ID 153. The logs are generally unhelpful.
My observations suggest that most problematic games depend heavily on 3D rendering. While crashes happen often, they usually occur shortly after starting or loading. If a game doesn’t crash right away, I can play for a long time without problems. Occasionally, switching tabs within the game can trigger another stutter (though this seems to happen mainly in WoW).
I’ve tried several fixes so far: upgraded other hardware components like the motherboard and power supply, reinstalled Windows, and updated GPU drivers. I believe the problem lies with the GPU itself. Since symptoms differ across games, I’m compiling performance data for various titles. I’ve experimented adjusting the TdrDelay registry setting, but it seems to only increase crash frequency.
I’m trying to decide whether upgrading is worth it given my current setup. With a functioning CPU (i7-9600k), decent RAM, and a reliable PSU, I’m not convinced an upgrade is necessary. Is there any advice you can share to maximize the remaining lifespan of my GPU?
Welcome to the forums, newcomer! PSU: Corsair SF600
How long has the PSU been used?
Ensuring GPU drivers are current.
Which driver version are you using?
Regarding your GPU, what temperatures are you observing?
If I had to determine the cause of the problem by testing on a stable system, I'd replace the GPU with one that works well and check if the issue remains. If it doesn't, it could be related to your motherboard (BIOS). Speaking of motherboards, which BIOS version are you running?
I thought I had an account here from years back but it seems I don't. It's less than a year old, and I replaced it when I encountered problems.
I'm using the 580.88 driver per the Nvidia software, and Task Manager shows 32.0.15.8088. That doesn't match what I expect.
Recently, I installed it fresh, about a few days ago.
At idle, temperatures are around 45°C, whereas during the crash the temperature reached 71°C.
I'm currently running a BIOS version 1004.
About a year ago, with another motherboard, PSU, and chassis, I faced similar GPU problems plus system instability. After a severe crash—more like a power outage—I suspected issues with my PSU and the riser cables for my GPU.
I returned the PSU and received a new chassis and motherboard; the riser cable needed for my chassis was replaced, and I thought the motherboard might have been damaged.
I can't fix this right now, but it would be wise to do so. In a few weeks before a wedding, I'll be moving my GPU with me. I'll need to ensure he has a good PSU to avoid power problems, though. I think he has a 750W unit, so it shouldn't be too much of an issue.
If power issues were the case, would it make sense for just the GPU to fail? I used to believe that if a system ran out of power, it would crash completely.
Thanks for your quick reply and support!
Consider reducing the GPU power cap in MSI Afterburner.
This could enhance GPU performance consistency.
This seems like a good concept. I think it could work well. Any ideas that help me stay going for a while longer would be great!
Are your graphics cards fans spinning at extremely high speeds and making loud noises? A high fan speed at normal temperatures might signal an overheating problem, especially with an older graphics card. I recommend using GPU-Z with logging turned on in the Sensors section to monitor temperature and fan speed during game crashes or freezes. First, check without altering power limits or underclocking. Then attempt to adjust power limits or underclocking to observe any changes. This will provide useful data about the card's behavior before making adjustments.