Used half of a GTX 1060 with 6GB RAM, Mini Zotac case.
Used half of a GTX 1060 with 6GB RAM, Mini Zotac case.
I have a GTX 1060 with 6GB RAM (Zotac Mini). It worked well before something happened. I cleaned it with alcohol and rebuilt it. Everything runs smoothly now—no artifacts. But recently it started blacking out. The computer still functions, and I can hear everything clearly. Caps lock and numlock respond normally. If I disconnect the video card and reconnect it, it comes back briefly (about 10 seconds). After some time off, it restarts again, though it’s inconsistent—sometimes just a minute, other times up to six hours. I’ve replaced the capacitors already. The PC itself is fine. I’ve tested this GPU on three different machines and got the same issue. Are there any unusual video chips you should consider?
Honestly, you did a lot to the card—it’s hard to tell without more details. Just check for any signs of oxidation, especially in dry areas or under layers. If the repaste looks solid, overheating might cause black screens. Also, make sure all thermal pads (for memory and power circuits) are replaced correctly. You’ll need to be thorough here. But I might not know what you mean by a 'funny' video chip. I don’t have any examples, but it could exist too.
Thanks for the update. I added thermal pads on the MOSFETs. No signs of oxidation from PISS or anything else. Swapped caps around the main MOSFETs. As a reminder, the funny video chip message was meant as responsible instructions for outputting video. Some PS4 models have failing HDMI chips that need replacement. It might not be a chip issue but possibly some SMD resistors to test.
It seems there might be some BGA chips on the GPU board causing issues. BGA stands for ball grid arrays, which are chip types soldered directly onto the PCB without pins. This creates a tiny gap where liquid can collect, potentially forming a short if it conducts electricity. Cleaning and re-soldering these components usually needs special tools or careful handling, making it a challenging task. An ultrasonic cleaner might help, though I’m not an expert on that method. Given the age of a GTX 1060, you could likely sell it for parts—perhaps even to someone who wants a modern GPU for a better upgrade. Let me know if you need more advice.
Thanks for the support. I’m considering reballing but it sounds like a hassle. I have an ultrasonic bath, so I’ll test it out by Monday and let you know what happens. Fingers crossed the GPU fits!
As a Zotac mini, you benefit more than with a 4090 FE. When using the ultrasonic bath, clean just the PCB. Take out the cooler, plastic parts, and fans. Good luck!
It's an ultrasonic cleaner tailored for watches and printers. Size isn't specified.