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Question

Monitor keeps losing signal.. Whyy?!?!

Apr 5, 2017 9:19PM PDT

Just did a fresh windows upgrade from 7 to 10 a few days ago and the number of times the monitor has lost signal is...well lets just say its gotten to the point where I'm starting to lose some sleep..

Odd thing I've noticed is how it will stay on as long as I'm typing or moving the mouse... I know what some of you are thinking...but yes I have checked my power options in the control panel. II've also tried using a different monitor and cable and unplugging everything but the monitor, keyboard and mouse to make sure its not any of my peripherals.

I highly doubt its my gpu driver...if anyone has any advice or a solution I'd be eternally grateful to you.

Windows 10 64bit
8GB RAM
Processor is Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700 2.66 GHz
(kentsfield Socket 775 LGA)
Monitor is DELL P4317Q
GPU: Two GTX 960's

Discussion is locked

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Clarification Request
This looks to be a Frankenstein computer.
Apr 8, 2017 11:37AM PDT

I see a lot of dated gear and maybe a jury rigged PSU to power the GPUs.

To figure this one out I'd have to use a known good machine as a host to the parts. That is, this host would be on par or better to the C2Q and a proper PSU (not low amperage rails) and then move over the cards and such for test runs.

The age of the base machine plus the Frankenstein build does not help here.

I have had clients get upset over old iron like this. They just want it fixed, not replaced. Most understand that but there is only so much you can do for these rigs once you go past the expected life spans. A few don't and you wait for reality to kick in.

Post was last edited on April 8, 2017 11:40 AM PDT

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PICS
Apr 9, 2017 11:51AM PDT



few pics...haven't had time recently to mess with the pc but Ill be trying a different keyboard and mouse, doing the speecy report and something else that's not coming to mind atm.

Thanks for all the help guys.

Post was last edited on April 9, 2017 12:43 PM PDT

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Just a tip.
Apr 9, 2017 5:03PM PDT

To show these in the forum, try the image insert but change the http to https. Works with imgur. Photobucket has me dismissing popups. Very annoying.

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Answer
That's a dated PC.
Apr 6, 2017 9:04AM PDT

If this hit our shop it would get a complete teardown to clean, look for BAD CAPS and replace all heat sink compounds (anything with a heat sink, not just CPU and GPU.)

After that the PSU would be assessed for size, load and RAILS. Today we only install PSUs with 100% spare capacity and single rails.

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Old pc?
Apr 6, 2017 11:43AM PDT

I agree the motherboard may not be up to par but I have taken very good care of my pc and found out if you google "monitor loses signal" some if not most having this issue have new builds... and some are running windows 7.

Something I will be adding to my first post is that right after the monitor loses signal all sound goes out as well like the pc goes into hibernation while it's on. Strange thing I noticed yesterday after I connected a second psu to power the two graphics cards to rule out the possibility that the two Gpus weren't getting enough juice with windows 10 is instead of the monitor losing signal the computer would freez and the monitor would stay on.... Idk but something makes me think it could be my ssd, could it be possible?

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Possible.
Apr 6, 2017 11:55AM PDT

But I worry here about the juice comment. If anything I've found W10 to solve old gear issues rather than a juice issue.

-> I did look at the PSU rating and unless it's over 4 years old I would not suspect it. PSUs lose capacity with age. Which is why we measure the power draw and double that as a minimum.

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Ordering New SSD
Apr 6, 2017 1:12PM PDT

My gut tells me the ssd is the culprit but I could be wrong, I'll be ordering one today either way. Any recommendations for a gaming ssd?

This is the SSD I bought and have been using since last year. From the research I did last year its supposed to be one of the top on the list for gaming.

https://www.amazon.com/PNY-CS1311-480GB-Internal-Solid/dp/B019H3B6SU/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1491507641&sr=8-2&keywords=PNY+ssd

Also wanted to add... I've been using a Dell 1k power supply in my system since I took out the one it originally came with so I've only been using it for at least 2.5 years and has never given me any problems.

As for the juice comment I made.... Throughout those two years I was using the same second psu I mentioned above for at least over a year without any hiccups to give the cards more juice. as a dedicated psu for the gpu's since I use to have GTX 295's.

(the second psu is coolermaster silent pro Gold 1200 watt. I know.. talk about overkill right hahah) bought it around a time when I was planning on doing a new pc build.

If the issue doesn't go away after I order and install windows on the new ssd in the next few days....there is a very good chance you will see a new post to get recommendations for parts for a new Rig. Grin

I've sort of been hoping for this pc to last till I see what nVidia releases after the 1080 and for the price drops on other parts so I hope I can find a solution so I can wait it out a little longer.

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Good to read.
Apr 6, 2017 1:26PM PDT

That much power usually has no issues even if it's a dual rail. Quad rails are not considered in the office here.

I still worry about the base machine age. And haven't read if the deep clean and heatink compounds have been changed. Not all chips have temp readings so we do them all.

-> In parting run a CHKDSK /F on all drives. It's been a new thing this year as it has cleared up some never did find a reason it did that mystery failures.

As to the SSD, Toms has a SSD list at http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/best-ssds,3891-2.html

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Thank you for reminding me!
Apr 6, 2017 3:24PM PDT

Not sure what you mean by deep clean... I'll have to change the thermal paste tho and keep you updated.

The CHKDSK is something I was going to do before I place the order for a new ssd.

As for what ssd to order....im considering going with https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01LWQ9LYV/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Not sure if I should get the square protection plan when ordering parts from amazon...does seems like a good idea but not a wise one judging from what I've read in past reviews.

should I?

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PS. Always like it when a product
Apr 6, 2017 1:27PM PDT
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CHKDSK
Apr 6, 2017 3:38PM PDT

I ran the chkdsk using "administrator command prompt" and by right clicking the HD and going to "Tools" in properties and both found no problems with the hard drive.

Now for the thermal paste...

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CHKDSK /F ????
Apr 6, 2017 3:41PM PDT

Just checking.

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BTW. If will fix problems and report
Apr 6, 2017 3:48PM PDT

No problems. Typical Microsoft.

Post was last edited on April 6, 2017 3:48 PM PDT

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Hit enter on accident oops
Apr 6, 2017 4:13PM PDT

So my w10 is on C: and yes they both said "no problems"

Not very familiar how to read the event viewer. Can you tell me what to do or look for perhaps?

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It said "no problems"????
Apr 6, 2017 3:45PM PDT

Did you check the report in Event Viewer area?

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Answer
Lost signal
Apr 6, 2017 3:34PM PDT

Did this happen also when you where running W7?

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Ummm
Apr 6, 2017 3:52PM PDT

tbh I think it did happen a couple times but not every time I turned on the pc like now after I installed W10.

I didn't really think much of it at the time cause I was thinking it was probably a driver issue...and since I was debating on weather to upgrade to W10 I chose not to mess with it and just install W10.

I don't like the little voice in my head right now...Perhaps I should go back to W7......

I want to tell it to ShhhhhhhhhhFuppppp :/

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Restore
Apr 6, 2017 4:01PM PDT

Restore your backup of w7 and test.

It either does the same thing or it does not.

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I formated the drive lol
Apr 6, 2017 4:16PM PDT

which is why I said to ShhhTFUP Silly

Just when I was starting to like W10 ....I think ill try the thermal paste first. Cry

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Speccy
Apr 6, 2017 4:29PM PDT
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Make and model
Apr 8, 2017 10:48AM PDT

Dell
N1000P-00

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Psu
Apr 8, 2017 11:08AM PDT

That's a quad rail unit.
I would not use that on a gaming rig, too easy to overload a rail.

What happened to the speccy report?

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1000 Watts. Sounds impressive but
Apr 8, 2017 11:14AM PDT

I see only 18A per rail so while the total Watts looks impressive, there's a high probability it's this sounds impressive but is not PSU.

https://www.techpowerup.com/gpudb/2637/geforce-gtx-960 pegs the TDP at 120W and there's a chance this PSU can get overtaxed on a rail.

It's only 18A or 216 Watts and that rail could be tapped for more than the GPU services.

Too bad it's this PSU. Would have been better at less rails and higher ratings.

Post was last edited on April 8, 2017 11:15 AM PDT

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Yup
Apr 8, 2017 11:39AM PDT

If you want to use one of those units it would be best to see what devices are connected to each rail and then start adding up power draw on a per rail basis.

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Actually it's a little more work.
Apr 8, 2017 11:46AM PDT

I have to get out the DC Current Loop Meter and the only acceptable number is 50% of rated load. Over that and we are not going to warrant the repair.

Some clients balk at the 50% number but it's what is needed to avoid returns.

Darn shame it sounds like an impressive 1000W PSU but is not.

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Yup
Apr 8, 2017 4:17PM PDT

It's too much work to figure out how to connect a multi rail psu with low amps on each rail.

That's where a single rail wins, then the major concern is total.

Loop meter......has anyone mentioned to you that your spoiled?

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Hmmm
Apr 8, 2017 11:22AM PDT

I didn't have that psu when I had the 295 cards which is why I started using the second psu as a dedicated psu for the cards. As far as I know the gtx 960 don't have two chips like the 295's. and don't have the same power consumption.

I will have to do the report later today.

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Answer
All this and I'm going to have to nod to the motherboard
Apr 6, 2017 4:24PM PDT

Or parts as old as that.

Why? Well, the GPUs do tap power from the motherboard even if they have direct connections to the PSU and you have the killer PSU. The age of the board/chips are not giving me confidence here.