Could a One-Time GPU Driver Crash and Video Artifacting Mean My Graphics Card Is Failing?
Asked by
MellowPine47
Monster Hunter Wilds crashed with a "Fatal error, device disconnected (the GPU)" message, and afterward I noticed visual artifacts while watching YouTube videos. I have been using an RTX 3060 Ti for about a year with games like Wilds, Helldivers 2, Elden Ring, and Street Fighter 6. It usually runs around 78–80°C, and I lower the settings if it reaches 80°C.
Wilds has crashed before and has occasionally blamed the GPU, but this was the first time I noticed artifacting outside the game. I reinstalled the graphics driver and restarted the computer, after which my games and browser videos appeared normal again. I was able to play Helldivers 2 and complete several more hunts in Wilds without issues.
Does this sound like a failing graphics card, a driver problem, or another stability issue with the PC version of Wilds?
Answers
Before assuming the card is dying, shut the PC down completely, unplug it, and hold the power button for a few seconds to discharge it. Then open the case, disconnect the GPU power cable, remove the graphics card, and reseat it firmly before reconnecting everything. A poor connection can cause a temporary device-disconnected error.
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MellowPine47: That sounds straightforward, so I’ll try it. I was able to play for several hours afterward without any more artifacts, and the issue seemed limited to the browser, but I’ll reseat the card as a precaution.