Troubleshooting a Black Screen During Gaming: Is It Your GPU or PSU?

A common issue gamers face is experiencing a black screen during gameplay. This problem can be caused by several factors, primarily issues with your GPU (Graphics Processing Unit) or PSU (Power Supply Unit). In this article, we will guide you through the steps to diagnose and potentially resolve this issue.

Causes and Steps to Diagnose the Problem

Here are some steps to help you identify the cause of the black screen and address it effectively:

Check the GPU

Temperature Monitoring

Ensure your GPU is not overheating. Use software like MSI Afterburner to monitor its temperatures while gaming. High temperatures can cause the GPU to throttle or even shut down, resulting in a black screen.

Driver Issues

Make sure your graphics drivers are up to date. You can download the latest drivers from the AMD website. Outdated drivers can often cause various issues, including black screens.

Reseat the GPU

Turn off your PC and unplug it to reseat the GPU in its PCIe slot. A poor connection can cause the GPU to malfunction, leading to a black screen.

Check for Artifacts

If you see graphical artifacts or glitches before the black screen, your GPU may be failing. Artifacts can be an early sign of a failing component, so it's wise to investigate further.

Check the PSU

Wattage

Ensure your PSU has sufficient wattage to support your RX 480, especially if you have other power-hungry components. The RX 480 typically requires a PSU with at least 500W. A PSU that is too small can lead to voltage drops, resulting in a black screen.

Voltage Stability

If possible, check the voltages being supplied by the PSU using a multimeter or monitoring software. Inconsistent voltages can cause crashes, which may manifest as a black screen. Ensure the power supply is stable and capable of delivering consistent power to your components.

Connections

Make sure all power cables are properly connected to the motherboard and GPU. Loose connections can cause power issues, leading to a black screen.

Additional Troubleshooting

Here are a few more steps to consider:

Test with Another Monitor

Connect your PC to a different monitor to rule out display issues. Sometimes the issue could be with your monitor rather than your GPU or PSU.

Check Cables

Ensure all video cables are functioning and securely connected. A loose or faulty cable can cause a black screen.

Run in Safe Mode

Boot into safe mode to see if the issue persists. If it does not, the problem may be related to drivers or software running in the background.

Event Viewer

Check Windows Event Viewer for any error messages that might indicate the cause of the black screen. These logs can provide valuable insights into system issues.

Conclusion

If the issue persists after these checks, it could be either the GPU or PSU, or even other components like the motherboard or RAM. If possible, test your GPU in another system or try a different PSU to isolate the problem. If you're still unsure, consulting a professional technician may be the best option.