nataku said:
Need tech support GAF! Skyrim playtime this weekend is in jeopardy.
I'm getting glitches in games since last night. Missing models/walls, polygons in big garbled messes. DCUniverse Online locked my PC up so bad I had to flip the power switch... the power button and reset switch weren't working. I assumed it was my GPU when I first saw the gliches, but having my PC lock up like that isn't something I've had happen before with GPUs that are dying. I've tried clean installing new drivers and that didn't do anything.
This only happens in games. Everything is fine in Windows, other than my GPU temp being reported as 48C idle. The GPU is a msi GTX 460. I've only got a few hours to order what I need on Amazon before I'm unable to play Skyrim this weekend.
I'm not a diagnostic expert since most of my builds over the last 10 years have worked flawlessly until I didn't need them, but I recently troubleshooted my new nightmare build from hell for a plethora problems, and the quickest way to narrow it down was to switch out as many parts with replacement parts one-by-one to see what's cocking up. Do this first since switching out parts and replacing them with others can be done quickly if you have them to hand.
If you replace a part and the problem goes away, there's your faulty device. In my case, switching out the GPU solved the most recent problem, but I also had to run tests since I was shipped a box of broken bits, unfortunately. Also, once you've found the faulty component you'll want to run an appropriate test just to be 100% sure, especially if your component is still under warranty and you want to return it.
If you can't replace parts immediately, you'll need to run lengthy tests, unfortunately. In that case, do so in this order:
Graphics - I'm going to say that your errors are probably down to this, since it's happening under load. Best to check GPU first, just to rule it out. Switch it with another one, or even run integrated graphics from your motherboard if you have it. Yeah, your games will look like ass, but I was surprised that Sonic Generations and DXHR ran on my Intel Integrated Graphics, and it helped me identify my GPU as the cause since the games ceased to crash.
Program: OCCT: go to the GPU test, and be sure to tick the box that makes the program check for errors. Let it run for several hours, but honestly, mine picked up errors with the card about as fast as it took for games to crash, so about 25 minutes. Also try Furmark.
Memory - If it's not your GPU, then I'd say it's probably memory-related. If you have more than one stick, take all but one out and see if the problem persists. Whether the problem is still there or not, switch it with your other stick(s) to see what happens. By process of elimination, you'll be able to know if it's bad RAM or not fairly quickly. Also try different slots, just in case it's your motherboard. If it does go away with this test, then you know you have either a faulty memory stick or a faulty motherboard (depending on what solved the problem).
Program: Memtest86 or Memtest86+ (I don't know what the difference is, to be honest): you'll need to run it with each of your sticks for about 7 passes. Whilst not comprehensive, if it gets through 7 passes without any reported errors, chances are your RAM is okay.
CPU/motherboard - If it's not GPU or RAM, the motherboard or CPU could be the cause. Again, if you can, try the CPU on a new motherboard. I know this isn't practical, but it's quicker than running a test if you can.
Program: Prime95: run the torture tests. If it fails any of those, then it's either the CPU, the motherboard, or both.
HDD - Diagnosing HDD problems is a pain no matter how you do it. If you switch it with another HDD, you're going to have to reinstall Windows, blah blah blah, and if you move your HDD to a new PC, it's going to be just as problematic, what with your Windows install, drivers and whatnot.
Program: CHKDSK: This one takes time, but you'd probably have other symptoms if it was your HDD, so do this one as a last resort. Many HDD manufacturers also release their own diagnostic tools for their models of HDD, but I have no idea how good they are.
If it's not any of those, then I'd hazard a guess that it's your PSU, in which case you'll have to get it properly tested by someone with the right tools, or switch it out with one you know is working (a friend's?) and see if the problems persist.
I hope you solve your computer's problems in time for Skyrim, but unless you have other parts to hand, it looks like you'll be spending your weekend running diagnostics, rather than playing.
EasyTGT said:
So I'm today I'm going to upgrade my GTX260 to a 560 for Skyrim. I'm a little nervous because last time I tried to upgrade my GPU by myself (4 years ago or so) I ended up shorting out the motherboard some how....
So I should still just go ahead and do this myself right? I know it's not that hard, but anything I should know or be reminded of before I go through with this?
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Ground yourself so you're not charged up with static.
- Once you're grounded and free of static, unplug the computer. Everything. Anything that can carry a charge should be unplugged, including USB, monitor cables, and obviously the power cable.
- Some motherboards have lights on them, and can stay on even when the power cord is unplugged for a few seconds. Be sure to not touch anything until all the lights on the motherboard, GPUs and whatever are off.
- Don't touch any connectors on your components. Any grease or fluff or whatever could affect the operation of the device.
Besides that, changing a GPU is as simple as changing a light bulb. Good luck!
