I've just about had it! I've lost three GPUs in just a couple of months, and they all died while running in the same system. First, I had a GTX 1050 that didn't even use a PCIe power cable—now it's dead. Then came the RX 570, which also ended up dead. Finally, I'm on my RX 580 (thankfully under warranty), but it just started throwing green screens when the drivers load, although it works fine in Safe Mode. The strange part? Each card lasts around two weeks to a month before showing signs of failure.
Here's my setup:
- PSU: SilverStone ST50F-ES230 (500W, budget model)
- Outlet: Using a 3-prong to 2-prong adapter, meaning there's no earth ground (I'm in the Philippines where grounding is pretty much non-existent)
- Cooling: I have decent airflow with multiple case fans, and temperatures seem stable.
I've already tried:
- Reinstalling drivers (using DDU), but it only works temporarily; as soon as I restart, it fails again.
- Keeping temps fine with fans and sometimes running with the side panel off.
- Different PCIe cables/adapters.
Now I'm really starting to think that my PSU or the lack of proper grounding might be the culprit killing these cards. Could it also be something with my motherboard? I really need advice on what I should replace first to stop this cycle of RMA-ing cards.
4 Answers
It sounds like you're on the right track. If grounding is an issue and you're using a budget PSU, that could definitely be causing your GPUs to fail. Getting a good Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS) might help protect your setup from fluctuations and surges in power.
No UPS and that adapter means you're definitely not grounded. Every little surge could fry your GPUs over time. You should invest in a UPS that also provides some grounding protection and consider using surge protector strips too.
Yeah, it definitely sounds like your power supply is the main suspect here. If you don't have a solid grounding system, that’s a big red flag for any powered device. If you can, upgrading to a higher-quality PSU would be a smart move.
Your PSU might be to blame, especially if it’s low quality. And since grounding is an issue, that could further damage the cards. If you can, try getting a better PSU first designed for gaming tasks.
Definitely! A solid PSU is crucial, and it could save you a lot of hassle.
I agree! A good PSU can make all the difference, especially if the old one isn't stable.