Graphics Driver stopped responding

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furpile

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Hi

I am currently using a GTX460 in my PC, and a 550W power supply (no name Matrix type). It has been running fine for the last year or two. Last night, after playing Path of Exile for about 10 minutes, I suddenly get a lot of white squares on the screen. It went black and came back, so I switched to Windows and saw the following message:

"Display driver stopped responding and has recovered"
Click to expand...

It also said something about the kernel. So I had a look on Google and people have been reporting it for a few years now and there does not seem to be an easy fix. I tried uninstalling the Windows update mentioned here, but that didn't help. Initially the drivers only stopped working when playing, but after a while as soon as Windows loaded it would start and the computer would freeze.

I think the GPU is on its way out, as it is a performance card (runs hot) and it is probably 3 or 4 years old already. Any other suggestions? Maybe the PSU? But there are no random restarts so far.

If it is the PSU, what would be a good replacement card that does not run as hot? I would like a GTX960, as that runs cooler and uses less power than the AMD cards. Maybe something a bit cheaper? Although I am definitely getting Fallout 4 when it comes out so it must be able to handle that (FHD 30+fps, doesn't have to be any better than that).

I looked at the Tom's Hardware Hierarchy chart, but they only show GTX cards. Is there something below the GTX range that will work and run cooler? Maybe a GT740 or similar? I don't really want to spend R3k+ on a gfx card now, and then probably a PSU as well. I am open to suggestions and any help appreciated.

Thanks
 
furpile said:
Hi

I am currently using a GTX460 in my PC, and a 550W power supply (no name Matrix type). It has been running fine for the last year or two. Last night, after playing Path of Exile for about 10 minutes, I suddenly get a lot of white squares on the screen. It went black and came back, so I switched to Windows and saw the following message:



It also said something about the kernel. So I had a look on Google and people have been reporting it for a few years now and there does not seem to be an easy fix. I tried uninstalling the Windows update mentioned here, but that didn't help. Initially the drivers only stopped working when playing, but after a while as soon as Windows loaded it would start and the computer would freeze.

I think the GPU is on its way out, as it is a performance card (runs hot) and it is probably 3 or 4 years old already. Any other suggestions? Maybe the PSU? But there are no random restarts so far.

If it is the PSU, what would be a good replacement card that does not run as hot? I would like a GTX960, as that runs cooler and uses less power than the AMD cards. Maybe something a bit cheaper? Although I am definitely getting Fallout 4 when it comes out so it must be able to handle that (FHD 30+fps, doesn't have to be any better than that).

I looked at the Tom's Hardware Hierarchy chart, but they only show GTX cards. Is there something below the GTX range that will work and run cooler? Maybe a GT740 or similar? I don't really want to spend R3k+ on a gfx card now, and then probably a PSU as well. I am open to suggestions and any help appreciated.

Thanks
Click to expand...

My GTX670 does the same under Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 although not as bad as you describe. I went back to windows 7 and my gaming box and it's fine now, i used it under ubuntu too and it was also fine.

Try booting your machine with a linux live cd to test.
 
ODTech said:
My GTX670 does the same under Windows 8, 8.1 and 10 although not as bad as you describe. I went back to windows 7 and my gaming box and it's fine now, i used it under ubuntu too and it was also fine.

Try booting your machine with a linux live cd to test.
Click to expand...

Thanks. I'll see if I can get one tonight. After about 30 minutes of struggling it got so bad I couldn't even do anything in Windows. Will try safe mode as well.

My PC is still running Win 7, reinstalled it about 2 months ago and haven't had any problems till now. I know the card runs at about 75 degrees when gaming, so I am worried it is at the end of it's life.
 
change the drivers to a older one
i had the problem with my 970

random crash in games,had some strange color/flickering blocks on my screen,the display laged on random times
even gotten the messaged even when i dont play a game just normal use

i removed the drivers and gotten a older one,then everything worked fine again
:)

getting a new 950/960 will be a great boost for you,runs cooler,use less power and a nice boost in fps but not in your price range,

so i will say look for a 2nd hand one on http://carbonite.co.za/

should be able to get a nice card for 2k

and i wont worry about a psu,the 4xx are very power hungry cards
so anything newer,will be faster and use less power
http://carbonite.co.za/f40/gigabyte-gtx-670-windforce-oc-112021/
1.6k
 
Last edited:
Rickster said:
Why do people skimp on the most important part of a pc?

PS, i have a 460 for sale if you are interested.
Click to expand...

You don't want to buy this, rather upgrade to something newer/more power saving.
(Though I see you already posted on GtxGaming's thread).
 
Yeah, if I have to spend money it will be for something newer. It will have to last the next few years again. I will try installing older drivers as well, just strange that I have been using that driver for probably 2 months now without issue. Only way to be sure for me is to take it to a PC shop so that they can test the components to make sure it is the graphics card or PSU.
 
Have the exact same issue with a GTX 550Ti card - strangely enough that card works without issues in my Step - Sons computer ... , go figure ...
 
I switched to the onboard graphics last night (Intel HD 2000 sucks) and it was on the whole night without problems. Before that the 460 couldn't even manage the dos bootup without serious artifacts. So I am pretty sure the card is fried.

Currently looking at the 4GB Galax 960.
 
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