The monitors shut down unexpectedly while the PC and keyboard stay lit and the fans increase their speed.
The monitors shut down unexpectedly while the PC and keyboard stay lit and the fans increase their speed.
Hi, some more info about my problem:
- What I mentioned in the title would happen while gaming, watching videos, listening to music, browsing the internet, and even sometimes when my PC is idle and it's just on my desktop
- In the event that I'm playing a game or in a call and this happens, my monitors would both go black but I could still hear all audio for a few seconds before that cuts off too
- I'm left with hard restarting my PC each time this occurs, and I have to leave my PC off for some time before turning it back on to avoid a black screen on startup
My PC is kind of old, as I built it in 2017, so maybe this is just its age showing. Here are my PC's current specs:
CPU: AMD Ryzen 7 1700
Mobo: MSI B350 Tomahawk
RAM: G.Skill Flare X 16GB
GPU: GTX 1060 6GB
PSU: Corsair RM850x (was EVGA 650 BQ before upgrade)
Running Windows 10
The problem started in February this year and I've been trying to troubleshoot this with help from a friend since then. Initially we thought it was power related, so I replaced my old PSU (the EVGA one) with my current one (the Corsair one). That seemed to do the trick for a few days until the problem started again. I tried updating drivers, resetting my CMOS battery, cleaning the dust out of my PC, and none of that seemed to fix my issue. I did some more googling and thought my problem might be stemming from an overheating GPU. I tried using MSI Afterburner to monitor temps and adjust my GPU fan speeds, but after I experienced my problem yet again while my card was at 38 C I'm not too convinced it's an overheating issue. Tomorrow I'm planning on reapplying thermal paste to my CPU and GPU to see if that does anything, but to be honest I'm not really sure if it will help.
Hopefully this made sense and any help is greatly appreciated.
Thank you!
If the PSU and GPU are out of commission, the focus shifts to RAM, Motherboard, and CPU. You’ll likely need to check each one individually. The CPU tends to be more stable, so you can save it for later. At this point, the Motherboard is probably the main suspect, but further testing is still necessary. Since the Motherboard has limited testing capabilities, the best approach is to return it or use a replacement.
Thank you for the update. Since you lack the original packaging and warranty details, and without a replacement, here’s how you can check your RAM and CPU functionality. Look for reliable tools such as memory diagnostic software or CPU testers to verify performance. These options will help ensure everything is working correctly.
For the RAM you have options like the Windows Mmemory Test or Passmark... How to Test RAM: Ensuring Your Memory Isn't Causing PC Issues If you're dealing with persistent BSODs, it's wise to verify your RAM's condition. When it comes to the CPU, consider using Prime95 or IBT... Top 18 Computer Stress Test Software For CPU, RAM and GPU (2025 LIST) A review and comparison of the best computer stress test tools for CPU, RAM and GPU, including a variety of PC, CPU, RAM and GPU stress test software. www.softwaretestinghelp.com It's strongly advised to inspect the board before testing the CPU. You can visit a repair shop and have them perform the check for you.
Thanks for the links. I managed to acquire a replacement motherboard, but the problem continues. I also ran a Windows Memory Diagnostic and it found no issues. Recently, I noticed the PC still works despite the black screens, and audio remained active after shutdowns. I lowered the GPU's power limit, but that didn’t resolve it either. It seems like a GPU-related issue might be the cause. I’m feeling uncertain.
It might be feasible. Consider a complete reinstall of Windows, test with the simplest utilities for a short period without adding many new components, and observe if the problem persists. You may also try using this software...
Resplendence Software - WhoCrashed, automatic crash dump analyzer
WhoCrashed, automatic crash dump analyzer for Windows
www.resplendence.com