I'm new to PC gaming and using Windows 11. When I play FC with high graphics settings and the render scale at 100%, my monitor's image occasionally disappears and turns black for about 20–40 seconds before returning. This makes it difficult to work or play. Could high GPU usage be causing it, and what can I do to reduce or fix the problem? I'm currently connecting the PC to the monitor with an HDMI-to-VGA adapter.
3 Answers
High GPU usage by itself normally shouldn’t make the monitor lose its picture. Since the entire display signal is cutting out, the HDMI-to-VGA adapter, cable, or an incompatible resolution/refresh-rate setting is more likely. Try a different, preferably active HDMI-to-VGA adapter and cable, and make sure Windows is using a supported resolution and refresh rate.
You can lower the game’s graphics settings, frame rate limit, resolution, or render scale to reduce GPU load, but that may not solve this particular symptom. If the issue only happens in exclusive fullscreen, try borderless fullscreen as well. Also check that the graphics driver is up to date and monitor the GPU temperature, but start with the adapter and signal connection.
First figure out whether the screenshot files are black or whether the physical monitor actually goes black. If the monitor loses its image, this is a signal problem rather than a screenshot problem. Test the PC with another monitor or TV, and if possible use a direct HDMI, DisplayPort, or DVI connection instead of converting HDMI to VGA.
The physical display is going black, not just the saved screenshots. It happens every few minutes while I’m playing, so I’ll test another cable or display connection.