I've been experiencing frequent crashes on my computer while playing games. Often, the screen goes black, losing video and forcing a hard reboot. This issue started about four months ago, and I'm currently using an RTX 4070. I've tried various methods to fix this, including completely removing and reinstalling my video drivers, using both the latest and older versions. I've also cleaned out my PC and monitored temperatures, which never exceed 70°C, so I don't think it's a thermal issue. My suspicion is that the power supply unit (PSU) might be inadequate; it runs at 50W below the recommended wattage for the RTX 4070. It's also only rated 80+ bronze and has been in use for over two years. I analyzed the latest minidump file using WinDbg and noted a "VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (116)" error and a message about being unable to load the nvlddmkm.sys file due to a Win32 error. I'm planning to replace the PSU soon, but I'm wondering if there's anything else in the minidump that could help pinpoint the issue. I've linked the minidump for reference.
2 Answers
It sounds like you're on the right track! The "VIDEO_TDR_FAILURE (116)" usually points to issues with the GPU or the drivers. Have you tried running DDU in Safe Mode to completely wipe the drivers before reinstalling? It might help ensure there aren’t any remnants of old drivers causing the problem. If that doesn’t work, it might indeed be time to consider a new PSU. Also, don’t forget to check the power connectors to the GPU. Sometimes, a loose connection can cause crashes too.
Try checking your vBIOS switch if your graphics card has one. Sometimes issues like this can stem from using an unstable vBIOS setting. If you can, see if switching it resolves the crashes. Also, updating the BIOS may help fix compatibility issues too!
That's a good point! I've heard of others resolving similar issues just by updating the BIOS and clearing out any potential conflicts. Might be worth the try!