Blown 5870 or PSU?

[flatire99]

Just built this system on Feb. 17 (specs are below) and I've been having stability issues from the start. Whenever I run something GPU-intensive, be it a game, BOINC running an ATI CAL app, or Furmark, I have problems. When gaming, I will consistently get BSOD within a few minutes to an hour. When running BOINC it seems like it BSODs within 30-40 minutes.

I had my X6 overclocked to 4.1GHz but I don't really think this is the issue. The system is prime95 stable for 24+ hours, and my RAM passes memtest fine.

Just today the problem seems to have gotten worse. Computer had BSOD'd overnight so I logged in before taking a shower. When I got back to the computer, the screen had gone blank and the GPU fan was running at 100%.

I got FurMark running to see if I could reproduce the issue. First time around it ran for about 30 minutes before the screen went blank and the fan cranked up. Had to go to work so I shut down my computer. After I got back tonight I put my CPU back to stock clock and ran FurMark again. Within 30 seconds the computer cut power and shut down. Upon trying to power back on, the lights flicker and fans rev up for a split second and then loses power again.

I tried a few things but I don't really know what this could mean...

I removed the card from mobo but left the power plugs in, and the system will again flicker for a split second and power back down. I put GPU back on motherboard but disconnected the GPU power and started the system. It seems like it boots to Windows, and my Ballistix Tracers flash with activity (not expecting it to start without PCIe power). Removed the card altogether, reset BIOS with jumper to enable the integrated HD4290 and booted Windows, and here we are.

Was about to post this but I decided to try a couple more things. Tested the power plugs w/ a multimeter and the plug farther from the motherboard seems to be shorted out (shows about .25 ohms ). If I try powering on with only the inner plug, it starts up (boots but no video). Trying with only the outer plug fails.

So after this last test I did it seems pretty cut and dry: the 5870 has taken a dump and I should RMA with newegg before my 30 days are up.

However, I'd appreciate any help anyone can give me. What would have caused this? My GPU temps never went above 65 with stock cooling. Could this be an indication of a faulty/underpowered PSU or would that not be the issue here? The SeaSonic x650 gets praised for its efficiency and stability which made me think it was an adequate PS. Is 650 just not enough for my specs?

Guess I'll only be running BOINC on my X6 for a while . Thanks in advance.

System Specs:
OS: Windows 7 Professional 64-bit
MB: Asus M4A89GTD Pro USB3
CPU: AMD Phenom II X6 1100T
CPU Cooling: Corsair H70
RAM: 4x2GB DDR3 1600 Crucial Ballistix Tracer
VGA: XFX HD5870 (non-reference)
PSU: SeaSonic X650
HD: 40GB Intel X25 + 1TB WD Black
Case: Lian-Li (Lancool?) PC-K62

[Conquistador SW]

HI Flatire99, welcome to XS!

That PSU should be more than powerful enough for you system and from your story I think the problem was probably the card.
I would just wait on your new card and see if that solves the problem.

[DexNfX]

I agree with Conquistador SW. If a new card doesn't work then you'll have to look into a better PSU.

[flatire99]

Thanks for the input, and sorry my story was so long.

I'm weirded out that this card died so suddenly. This has been a frustrating build with the problems of this card and the pump on my H70. Needing two RMAs on one build isn't fun.

[RacingTurtle]

No its not fun - but lets hope all your bad luck has been used up!
You're right, that PSU is a very good one, more than enough juice for that build.

[Cookiesowns]

Stuff happens! Since you're still within the newegg RMA period, just RMA it

[flatire99]

Glad to hear someone else say my PSU is plenty powerful. I'm glad this didn't happen after my time was up. I'd still have warranty with XFX but meh, newegg seems easier at the moment. At least this has given me time to play with overclocking some more.

[xaruum]

Your problem sounds similar to the one I just fixed.

I started having the same problems with my XFX 5870 about the same time, I spent about took about 2 weeks to narrow down the problem. I found a youtube video of a guy who found the resolution on another forum. He just went into his user profile application data and deleted the ATI config. I did the same and haven't had any problems since.

I had my card unlocked using the 10.x drivers and then I loaded the newer 11.1 drivers and everything just kept dying. The 11.2 drivers were released right after that and the problem was still there. This was caused by the user profile having bad clock callouts for the new drivers.

Based on what I have been reading there have been a lot of unhappy users the last 3-4 weeks because of the profile issue.

Hopefully this is the only issue you are having.