PC black display under heavy use - RTX 3060Ti Ventus 2X OC
PC black display under heavy use - RTX 3060Ti Ventus 2X OC
Hi,
I’m sharing this thread as a final step before purchasing new parts.
Recently, I encountered a problem where my computer would freeze completely when the GPU was under heavy load. For instance, during gameplay with Clair Obscur or GOWR at medium to high settings, both monitors would lose signal and shut down, yet the audio continued through my headphones. The only solution was to restart the PC while holding the power button.
Up until now, this black screen issue appears only during high-load games and has also occurred in the Heaven benchmark. It was the first time it happened in Heaven.
Interesting is that sometimes the problem disappears for a week before reappearing randomly.
During high-load conditions, temperatures are as follows:
- CPU stays below 50–60°C.
- GPU core reaches 80–90°C, with a hotspot up to 100–107°C.
These readings were consistent before I added new pads and paste. Changing them didn’t significantly affect things.
I think the airflow in my PC is adequate, with two large intake fans and one exhaust fan.
A few points worth noting:
- I suspect a VRAM issue, though I’m not very familiar with that.
- MemTestCL revealed many errors in the "Random blocks" section.
- In HWINFO, error counters under PCI Express show 10 errors, sometimes rising to 20 or more.
- Occasionally, after a black screen, the PC fails to boot. Reseating RAM or using fewer RAM sticks usually resolves it. Possibly related to faulty RAM—MemTest appears normal afterward.
- My specs:
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3060Ti Ventus 2x OC
- CPU: Intel i5-10400F
- Motherboard: ASUS PRIME B460-PLUS
- OS: W11 Home 64-bit
- RAM: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4x4GB DDR4
- Power Supply: Older Chieftec unit, 750W
I’ve taken several actions:
- Performed a full Windows reinstall.
- Reinstalled the latest graphics drivers using DDU (updates were already installed).
- Swapped cables on both monitors and tested different GPU ports (HDMI and DP).
- Replaced thermal paste and pads on the GPU, applied new CPU paste.
- Restored default BIOS settings, updated chipset to the latest version.
- Used Afterburner to adjust voltage, added aggressive fan curves, and overclocked via OC scanner (it reported "unstable").
- Switched PSU and connected a different power supply.
- Reseated the GPU, tried another PCIe slot, verified all internal connections.
- Reset CMOS and tested with a different power outlet.
I’m still trying to figure out what’s causing this, but I’m open to suggestions and any advice.
Thanks in advance for your help.
MOBO: ASUS PRIME B460-PLUS BIOS information needed
RAM specifications: Crucial Ballistix Sport 4x4GB DDR4
Do you have a link to the RAM kit?
Power supply: Older Chieftec model, 750W capacity
This could be the cause of your problem. Chieftec is the manufacturer, and 750W is the claimed power output. What is your PSU model? How recent is the system?
The power supply is essential for stability. If it fails, your whole setup might fail, forcing a complete replacement. Please choose a robust PSU with 750W capacity for your system.
What is the make and model of your CPU cooler and case?
Hey
BIOS:
Bios version 1801, 2024 update. I believe there isn't a newer one?
RAM: I found this from the web. I can't post a link here, so here's a pic.
https://imgur.com/a/vwhViSB
That's not the kit, but I have 4 of these.
PSU: I had a older model with 700W before, also a chieftec.
Just to test, if the PSU is the culprit, I switched it with a friends chieftec 750W that worked fine in his pc.
No solution. I don't know the exact model. But they are both ca. 6 years old.
I don't want to believe that they are both cooked
😀
CPU Cooler: Cooler Master Hyper 212 EVO.
Case: Bitfenix ENSO.
Go here;
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet...pZ...=931697732
From the 45 PSU's listed, 20 fall into category E or F. Those should not be included in your system if you own any of them.
Regarding your situation:
ENSO
Overview How to connect RGB/ARGB
Specs Reviews
I think the PSU fits into the E category. That's why I'm thinking about a replacement.
Regarding the case, I haven't experienced any airflow issues before. There is air coming in from the front.
I'll check with others, perhaps I can try a different PSU first.
Is there another possible cause for the problem?