Troubleshooting a GPU Failure: What to Do When Disaster Strikes

Hello, fellow tech enthusiasts!

It’s always a nerve-wracking experience when your beloved gaming rig encounters an unexpected shutdown. This recently happened to my brother while he was enjoying a casual gaming session. Suddenly, his PC crashed and powered off, leaving him puzzled. He attempted to boot the system without the GPU, which surprisingly worked fine. However, upon reinserting the GPU to test it again, things took a turn for the worse—the GPU actually caught fire!

For the past few days, my brother had been grappling with a persistent “nvlddmkm.sys” error, indicative of a Blue Screen of Death (BSOD) every time he attempted to power on his computer. This issue arose shortly after he upgraded his CPU. Despite updating the GPU drivers, the BSOD seemed to escalate in frequency. His current setup features an Intel i7-4790k, a GTX 1050 Ti, and a Corsair CV550W power supply unit.

At this point, we’re left to ponder whether the GPU is indeed the primary culprit or if the PSU could also be contributing to the problem. The situation certainly raises concerns about hardware reliability.

If you’ve experienced similar issues or have any insights, your advice would be greatly appreciated. We’re eager to explore potential next steps to determine the root of the problem and prevent future mishaps. Thank you for taking the time to read about our dilemma! Your expertise could make all the difference.

Happy gaming!