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Question

Is my GPU dying?

Mar 7, 2016 1:18AM PST

Recently I've had an issue with my desktop where the screen will turn to some random color (sometimes a random combo of colors), and be stuck there, and basically I'm forced to hard restart to get out of it. This happens during basic tasks such as web browsing, startup, and idling on desktop, so I don't think it's an issue of hardware overheating.

I've tried replacing the HDMI cable, no luck. I've tried updating all my drivers, and uninstalling and reinstalling display drivers, no luck. I was able to go several days recently without issue, and thought I was in the clear, then it happened again, it's very random. Also one of the times it did this I was in the middle of watching a YouTube video, and not only did the screen go some random color, but the audio spazzed out and made a bunch of extremely loud machine type noises through the headphones for about 20 seconds then stopped.

Right as I login to windows (windows 10) the screen flashes a lime green for a split second, then loads the desktop, and it didn't use to do this before. What's strange is that I noticed the green flash on login even when I boot my desktop with the monitor connected to the motherboard and not the GPU.

Is my GPU toast or is it some other hardware issue?

Extra note - The screen spasms happened once during editing in BIOS too, so I'm pretty positive that it's hardware not driver related

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
All signs of a failing graphics card.
Mar 7, 2016 9:30AM PST

The BIOS spasms are a clincher to me.

But that does not rule it solidly as the GPU. I've seen GPUs glitch due to power and motherboard issues. That's why I check the PSU to see if it's in the ballpark (50% spare amperes, not just Watts) and then look for our old issue "BAD CAPS" on all boards.

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Checking other parts?
Mar 7, 2016 10:37AM PST

What are good methods you recommend to check the motherboard and power supply to see if they are functioning properly? I would hate to purchase a new GPU and end up discovering that the problem was with the motherboard or the PSU.

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The good methods cost.
Mar 7, 2016 10:56AM PST

For the motherboard the CHEAP check is the BAD CAPS (see google for pictures, story and more) then we have to see if others noted GPU issues with that model.

As to the PSU, I have to get the specs on the PSU, the Amperes from the system and GPU then do the math to see if anything was too close. For me, too close is say 20 Amperes from a 28 Ampere rail. I want to see 50% spare Amperes or Watts per rail. If the PSU is old (2 years is old) then I may want to move to the 100% spare rating.

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Answer
Video problems
Mar 7, 2016 9:53AM PST

If your having video problems with both the igp and the gpu I would look elsewhere.

Start by taking the side panel off and giving the innards a good cleaning.
Leave the side panel off and test.

If the machine is more than a few years old consider replacing the thermal paste.