Persistent Monitor Blackouts Under Load: A Troubleshooting Overview
Experiencing intermittent display blackouts can be a frustrating issue for many PC users. In some cases, these blackouts occur randomly or under specific workloads, especially during high-stress tasks such as gaming or intensive creative work. This article explores a particular case involving a modern gaming and content creation setup, analyzing the problem and offering insights into potential causes and solutions.
System Overview
The affected system comprises the following components:
- Graphics Card: ASUS RX 6750 XT with 16GB VRAM
- Memory: 16GB DDR4 RAM operating in dual-channel configuration
- Processor: AMD Ryzen 5 5600X
- Operating System: Windows 11
The user reports experiencing black screens that last approximately 2 to 3 seconds, occurring rarely during general usage but more frequently during demanding tasks such as high-resolution zooming in simulation software like Universe Sandbox or complex edits in Adobe Photoshop. Notably, during certain intensive Photoshop operations, the system has even shut down unexpectedly without any error messages, leading to potential data loss and corruption issues.
Observed Patterns and Behavior
- The blackouts correlate with increased system load—more stress results in more frequent occurrences.
- The problem intensifies during high GPU utilization scenarios, such as gaming or detailed simulations.
- Certain scenarios even cause system shutdowns without warning, indicating potential power or hardware stability issues.
Troubleshooting Efforts Attempted
Several standard troubleshooting steps have already been undertaken:
- Cable Replacement: Tested various video output cables to rule out faulty connections.
- Driver Management: Updated graphics drivers and rolled back to previous versions to identify driver-related conflicts.
- Display and System Settings: Adjusted monitor and graphics settings to optimize performance.
- Power Supply Testing: Evaluated PSU functionality to ensure adequate power delivery.
Despite these efforts, the problem persists, suggesting a deeper underlying issue that may require further investigation.
Potential Causes and Next Steps
Given the symptoms and troubleshooting history, the following factors could be contributing to the intermittent blackouts:
- Graphics Card Instability: Overheating, firmware issues, or manufacturing defects in the RX 6750 XT.
- Power Delivery Problems: Insufficient or unstable power supply, even if initial tests appear positive.
- System Cabling or Connection Issues: Loose connectors or faulty ports.
- Software Conflicts: Driver conflicts, Windows 11 compatibility issues
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