My PC sometimes freezes to a black screen while the fans keep running and the sound glitches. It can happen while gaming or during normal use, and I have to cut the power to restart it. It may work for a few days afterward. Where should I start?
Why does my PC freeze to a black screen with glitching sound?
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h92+stowaway_6
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Start with Event Viewer and check the System log around the time of the freeze. Kernel entries alone aren't enough to identify the cause, especially if they just record that the PC shut down unexpectedly. Look for errors that appeared before the shutdown and note their source and event ID.
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A black screen and looping or distorted audio can happen for several reasons, so I wouldn't assume the graphics card is dead. Check temperatures, make sure the graphics driver is up to date, and see whether the problem changes under load or also occurs when the PC is idle.
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Check the basics too. With the PC shut down and unplugged, make sure the power and display cables are firmly connected. If you're comfortable opening the case, check that the graphics card and its power connectors are seated properly. A power supply or memory fault is also possible, though the symptoms don't pinpoint either one.
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Ravlet.6e:
If the case checks aren't something you're comfortable doing, a repair shop can handle them. Don't open the power supply itself.