The screen becomes blank and the clock stops unexpectedly.
The screen becomes blank and the clock stops unexpectedly.
I’m not very familiar with technology, but you’ve shared some technical details with me. Based on what you described, it sounds like the screen issue might be connected to the GPU problem you experienced earlier. The fact that the computer sometimes loses power or shows inconsistent behavior could point to a broader hardware concern, possibly involving the motherboard. It’s possible both issues are related and indicate that your system is under stress. You may want to have a technician check both the GPU and the motherboard to rule out any underlying problems.
Consider getting a replacement battery first, then attempt to swap out the motherboard. For a refurbished board, "like new" options are preferable; buying from eBay can work if you're careful about authenticity. Finding a motherboard today can be challenging.
I’d test the battery first—they’re affordable, usually around 5 dollars at Walmart. For the motherboard, it’s up to you; just pick something that fits your RAM (DDR3 or DDR4), CPU socket type/generation, and case size. You don’t need to match the exact model you own. There’s no certainty the board is the issue without more testing. Do you still have the old GPU, and can it work? If not, consider replacing it. If the black screen persists, it likely points to a faulty motherboard.
Also note: what type of PSU do you have? It might be unusual, but power supply issues can cause these problems. Also, before swapping boards, try using DDU to install new GPU drivers and boot Windows in Safe Mode. A fresh installation could help. Assuming you haven’t done that yet, check if the GPU fits in the second PCI slot on your board. Overall, it’s still a free way to explore.
The old GPU is in quite poor condition. One fan is detached from it, while the other is unstable. I purchased that GPU used, so I thought upgrading to a new one would be worthwhile. My PSU is a Seasonic M12II-750 Bronze ATX 750W Modular Power Supply. I’m considering using the battery. If the motherboard is the problem, should I look into a used or refurbished board? I tried DDU and Windows Safe Mode; they said the slot I had the GPU in was the "better" one. Would heat be a concern? I notice the issue tends to appear during gaming, but my temperature checks show it’s usually between 60-80 degrees, not close to 100.
Using PCI slot 1 is preferable, though testing the second slot helps confirm if the problem lies only with slot 1. Heat might be a factor; damage in the right area could lead to disconnection due to expansion. For a used or refurbished board, I wouldn't recommend it for a brand new setup, but it seems fine here as a replacement, provided it comes from a trustworthy source.
I just swapped the CMOS battery and moved the GPU slot to the second position. I faced some problems getting it back in place, especially since one side of the PCIe was in the slot while the other wasn’t. I thought I applied less force this time, but the issue kept happening. Now I’m torn—should I try a new motherboard or go for a replacement? Should I reach out to PowerColor to check if the GPU is faulty and get a replacement, or should I consider buying a new one on eBay for 150 USD?