Random Black Screens

KaktusJaque · 06 Jul 2020

Hello, I am getting random black screens after logon. PC can go for over 3 hours fine, then a black screen. Another time it goes to a black screen right after a log on. It is random when it happens. The only way out of it is to do a reset.
I wanted to ask if anyone has experienced this before, and what to do to solve this issue.

PC components purchased last July 2019
MoBo-MSI MPG Z390 Game Pro Carbon
CPU-i7-9700 Coffee Lake w/Noctula NH-L9i- 92mm CPU fan
PSU-EVGA Supernova 850 G2 220-850 Gold 80
Mem-Corsair Dominator Platinum 288 pin DDR4 3333 (2x8GB)

Windows 10 Pro 64bit-OEM

Ghot · 06 Jul 2020

Assuming your temps are OK, I would suspect the RAM. Try turning off the comp, removing the RAM sticks, cleaning the dust from the RAM slots, and re-inserting the RAM.

Otherwise... I would double check the RAM settings in the BIOS, and probably run memtest if the problem still exists.

/e I've had loose RAM sticks cause black screens for me in the past. Just walking by the comp was enough to jiggle the RAM stick(s) enough to cause black screens.

The Pool Man · 06 Jul 2020

Ghot said:

I've had loose RAM sticks cause black screens for me in the past. Just walking by the comp was enough to jiggle the RAM stick(s) enough to cause black screens.

Well. That gives me an idea. The user should boot up the computer, confirm there's no black screen, and then give the unit a shake? If a laptop a nice shake. If a desktop kinda jump up and down nearby.

?

It sounds kinda silly but if nothing happened it would rule out a loose RAM or display connection or really loose anything. That would leave overheating and software issues.

Ghot · 06 Jul 2020

The Pool Man said:

Well. That gives me an idea. The user should boot up the computer, confirm there's no black screen, and then give the unit a shake? If a laptop a nice shake. If a desktop kinda jump up and down nearby.

?

It sounds kinda silly but if nothing happened it would rule out a loose RAM or display connection or really loose anything. That would leave overheating and software issues.

The house I live in was built in 1908. The floors... bounce a bit.
Aside from that, back in my overclocking days, I would sometimes get a black screen as well, from RAM errors.

In the comp before this one I also ran Corsair Dominator Platinum sticks. After a time I became convinced that one or both of the sticks were a teeny bit too thin. It didn't take much to cause a temporary break in connection. It was random too. Only difference I see is that OP's build is an Intel build, whereas mine was an AMD build.

Ofc, it could also be just a stability issue. Hence, the reason I suggested checking the BIOS settings and Memtest if all else failed.

Personally, I always like to check the easiest/fastest things first.

The Pool Man · 06 Jul 2020

Ghot said:

Personally, I always like to check the easiest/fastest things first.

I'm a RULE-IT-OUT guy myself.

Ghot · 06 Jul 2020

The Pool Man said:

I'm a RULE-IT-OUT guy myself.

Same. I just start at the easy end of the list.

The Pool Man · 06 Jul 2020

Ghot said:

Same. I just start at the easy end of the list.

Cheers!

joeandmarg0 · 06 Jul 2020

Check Reliability History for entries at the problem events.If there are any,then"view tech details" should give you information,lines 1 and 2, to use for searching.
Also look through ---dxdiag---which you open by typing it in the search box.Note the complete driver details on the Display page and use it to download the same or later driver if available only from the maker's site.
If you can,use Display Driver Uninstaller,[DDU],in Safe Mode only, to completely uninstall the Display Adapter,then install the new one.
It might be advisable to run---sfc /scannow--- and ---dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth---just to check for any file corruption.