Random Black Screen for about a second

[GDW1982]

Hi all,

 

I just recently bought a barebundle kit from Novatech, with graphics card (Gigabyte GT430 1gb) and just this last couple of days, randomly, the screen just goes black for about a second.. The monitors power light doesn't go out. Then it just comes back with "D-Sub" in the top right and then carries on as normal.

 

Everything I believe is up to date. I know for a fact my graphics card drivers are.

 

It running at 1280x1024 on my 17" LCD monitor, which is what the graphics card recommended.

 

Any idea what is going on?

 

Read somewhere that it does this when the monitor is on its way out. But I had no issues with it on my old computer, only since this new one and after Googling, although no answer (or at least that I can find) other people have the same issue.

 

I checked the voltage for my RAM (which I found could be a problem) and it's running at 1.50v which I believe is normal.

[KenB]

Hi,

 

D-Sub ( D-Subminiture ) could refer to the VGA connection / lead.

You could have a poor connection.

 

Try moving the lead gently to see if you get the same effect.

 

Make sure there are no bent or broken pins in the VGA connection at the computer end.

[GDW1982]

Hmm, both ends seem to be pretty secure. Gave them a gentle wiggle and the screen remained on.

 

Took the PC end of the cable off and the Pins look fine.

[KenB]

It does sound like a connection problem.

 

Switch off at the wall - leave the plug in the socket.

Take the Video Card out.

Clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and replace.

 

Try it now.

 

Do you get the same problem with a different monitor?

Borrow one to try ?

[GDW1982]

It does sound like a connection problem.

 

Switch off at the wall - leave the plug in the socket.

Take the Video Card out.

Clean the contacts with a pencil eraser and replace.

 

Try it now.

 

Do you get the same problem with a different monitor?

Borrow one to try ?

 

Not to doubt your expertise, but would a machine that is not even a week old yet, have dirty contacts? I will give it a go though just to see.

 

Unfortunately, I don't have or no anyone who has a monitor I can borrow. The only thing close to a monitor is my 32 HD TV, which I could connect to the PC via HDMI Cable, but that wouldn't really solve the issue if it's the VGA connection.

[GDW1982]

Well I have unplugged the Graphics Card and reseated it. Haven't noticed any blackouts as yet. My 17" LCD Monitor accepts both DVI and VGA (D-Sub) connections, as does my Graphics Card with the added HDMI. Would getting a DVI Cable be a good step forward?

[KenB]

Would getting a DVI Cable be a good step forward?

VGA is an analogue signal where DVI is digital or analogue ............it supports both.

It is generally considered that a digital signal produces a much sharper picture.

 

The DVI cable should give you a sharper picture - especially if you are using higher resolutions.

On a 17inch monitor you may not see too much of a difference.

[GDW1982]

VGA is an analogue signal where DVI is digital or analogue ............it supports both.

It is generally considered that a digital signal produces a much sharper picture.

 

The DVI cable should give you a sharper picture - especially if you are using higher resolutions.

On a 17inch monitor you may not see too much of a difference.

 

I was wondering whether it might be give me a "securer" connection as it better connector?

[KenB]

For the cost of a cable it is worth a try.

 

If the VGA connection is problematic a DVI cable would solve the problem.