graphics card - Computer shut down while playing a game

08
2014-07
  • user658091

    Fourth edit:

    I removed my graphic card. I installed Intel HD Graphics 4000 driver and then I did a test (graphics test). There is a similar sound like the one of my graphic card: http://www.mediafire.com/download/7dd83632kcmil17/new_sound.wma

    This time I can only hear it from the speakers. I double checked the voltage regulators and 2 of them they seem a little different (like a gradient black. It's hard to describe).

    The load bump from the speakers when I turn on my computer is still there.

    I'm going to call where I bought these parts, but I don't know if it's the PSU or the motherboard. If anyone has some insight, thanks in advance.


    Fifth edit:

    I checked where the 2x12 pin connectors and 4x4 pin connectors are plugged on the motherboard, and I didn't see anything burnt, white as new.

    I checked the 2x12 pin connector of my PSU, and there is a very faint burnt smell. I also checked the PSU and that smell is stronger (inside the PSU).

    It's very hard to see inside without making the warranty void, but I noticed a burnt spot where the power plug is connected. I'm not sure of myself, but that really looks like burnt metal.

    I asked another person if both the 2x12 connector smelled burnt. He said that only the PSU smelled burnt but he also said that PSU normally smell like that when you are using them (I haven't turned my computer in around 15 hours).


    Original post:

    I was worried about some strange noises when I finished building my pc (Buzzing noise coming from inside my computer while playing games).

    I was ignoring the sounds until now.

    I was playing GW2 just fine, until I approached a heavy intense graphics area (like in-game smoke), the computer shut itself down. I heard a loud bump from the speakers. Then it tried to turn itself on but the computer couldn't (like when the electricity goes off/on).

    I tried to turn it on, but no response. At this moment, I thought my PC just completely died. Then I pushed the switch for the PSU (I/O) and unplugged and plugged my computer, and it turned on.

    I don't think it's a heat issue because where I live, it's not so hot (19C ambient temperature when I played and as I'm writing this). I have a HAF 912 case with 3 fans. Hyper evo 212 as cpu fan cooler.

    I have tested my PC with heavy load tests, and they all finished with good results (prime95, burnintest, OCCT (graphic)).

    Also, whenever I turn on my computer there is a loud bump sound from the speakers. And when I turn it on, there is this high pitch sound increasing from the speakers, after awhile it goes away.

    Is it safe to say that my PSU is dying?

    Specs:

    Motherboard Gigabyte Z77-D3H
    Processor: i7 3770 3.4ghz
    Graphic card: XFX HD7850
    PSU: XFX Pro 750w Core edition
    

    DxDiag:

    http://pastebin.com/JvkAB26R
    

    Edit:

    I did a 10 minute benchmark (only graphic card), and there was this really weird sound coming from the Graphic card (it was also coming out from the speakers)): http://www.mediafire.com/download/raa8q0616fcsrad/weird_sound.wma

    The test was going at around 2k frames per second. Then I did another one which was going for 100 frames per second, and the noise was different.

    Apart from the weird noise, there were no problems detected.

    Second edit:

    I searched the motherboard and graphic card for burnt spots. To my surprise there was a burnt chip on my graphic card. Nothing on my motherboard (I thoroughly searched).

    Did my PSU caused it? Was it only my graphic card to blame? What do I do now?

    Third edit:

    I checked the voltage regulators of my motherboard. There were no burnt spots, melted or separated metals from motherboard.

    One of the voltage capacitors, had some white strings (very hard to notice, like dust), I used some compressed air, and now it's clean. Other than this, I didn't find anything unusual.

  • Answers
  • davidgo

    It sounds like a dodgy (stuffed) power supply - both because turning it off, waiting and turning it on fixed it, and because of the noise and that the problem happened during heavy use.

    Probably a blown cap.

  • Diego Hillesheim

    I reviewed your case, I set 4 checks you should do. Try resurfaces them if the problem persists look for who sold you the parts.

    • Make sure your power supply is capable of powering all components of your machine;

    • Make sure your graphics card is getting the correct power;

    • Make sure your power supply is with whips in good condition;

    • Verify that the power outlet where the stabilizer is on has ground wire.

  • user658091

    As davidgo answered, it was the sound of bad capacitors/chips.

    To this day, I wasn't able to pinpoint the problem. I RMA'd the motherboard and PSU. My graphic card was trashed.

    It all started with a weird noise coming from the PSU and a buzzing noise coming from the speakers.

    If something is unusual, don't wait until it's too late.


  • Related Question

    graphics card - Is there any way to shut up my ATI HD 5770?
  • slpsys

    So to preface, I basically built Jeff's machine; I already had some of the components, including (scarily enough) the exact same case1. I've been buying bits and pieces over the past few months, which coincided perfectly with his recent post about three monitors, though not being a gamer outright, I opted for the second-from-the-bottom option. After finally plopping all the pieces lovingly into the case this evening, I turn it on...and it sounds like four professional grade hair-driers. Some quick regression analysis determined that with the video card out, the running machine sounded no louder than our house's vents.

    Basically, my last desktop build included a $45-at-the-time graphics card, and it's been Macbook Pros and workstations since then, so I have zero idea whether I'll just be able to tune the fan speed later on. Will I be able to get this thing to quiet down every time I'm not playing Modern Warfare 2 at maximum framerate, or should I just send this thing back now, and get the quietest card in my pricerange?

    1 One thing of note is that I do not have noise-absorbing foam in the case, as is pictured in the article. I'm only mentioning that because I suspect it could drop the overall output a few decibels, but obviously not that many.


  • Related Answers
  • 8088

    I had the same problem but with an Nvidea PCIe card. You need to plug in the extra power cable from the power source (6-pin) and it will be quieter (less noise).

    (Hope you don't mind. (edited by me, Shiki))

  • ULTRA_POROV

    Try rivatuner. Do you use the stock fan for the card? If you do not rivetuner might not work.

  • CodeByMoonlight

    If I was getting a 4770 card, it would have to be Sapphire's VaporX variant. Reference cards (as yours presumably is if it's a plain ATI model) are usually too noisy for my tastes.

  • Pulse

    I've used aftermarket coolers for the last few ATI cards I've had. They're not difficult to fit but they will void your warranty.

    Here's a good starting place: http://www.silentpcreview.com/forums/viewtopic.php?p=512670&sid=8e26a1f13e1f310c4e5a1d27aa611526