Hey everyone, I really need some help. My NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 keeps shutting off every time I try to launch a game. The weird part is that my computer keeps running; I can still hear the game audio just fine, but there's no image on the screen. Everything goes back to normal after I restart the PC.
This problem first popped up about 9 months ago, and then I managed to "fix" it by unplugging and reconnecting all the internal cables. After that, everything was great, and I could play without any issues. Now, I'm facing the same problem again across different games, even lighter ones like Life is Feudal, as well as heavier ones like Anno 117 and No Man's Sky.
Here's my setup:
- Motherboard: ASUS ROG CROSSHAIR VII HERO (Wi-Fi), Socket AM4, ATX, AMD X470
- GPU: NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Founders Edition
- Power Supply: Thermaltake Smart RGB 700W ATX
- RAM: Corsair Vengeance LPX 32 GB (4x8 GB) DDR4 3000 MHz
- Monitor: MSI Optix MAG281URF 4K IPS Gaming Monitor
I've updated the GPU drivers and the BIOS, so could my power supply be the culprit? Thanks!
2 Answers
Definitely look into getting a better PSU, like an RM750x, which should provide more reliable power for your GPU. Also, check the 8-pin power cable going into your GPU; make sure it's securely connected and not damaged. I had a similar issue with a burnt plug before.
Your GPU is known to have high power spikes, and a 700W power supply might not be enough for an RTX 3080. I’d really recommend upgrading to at least a 750W high-end PSU, or better yet, shoot for 1000W for safety.
Totally agree! The PSU is crucial when handling power spikes. A good 1000W unit can help ensure stable performance.

Good advice! I found out that using a cable extension can sometimes cause issues, so it's smart to replace that too.