Display dies

[martynmoore]

I have a video editing PC with GTX 470 graphics card.

About once a week, without warning, the screen goes black. I get the small alert bottom right saying "DVI" first, then "no signal".

I've checked the connections but nothing restores the video signal other than a force restart, which W7 complains about and I hate doing.

The HDMI socket from the card goes to a projector that has never gone blank, but is rarely turned on. The monitor (Prolite E2710HDS) is connected to one of the DVI ports and is regarded by the PC as monitor 2. It lists it as a projector but this is actually the wrong way round. I don't know how to change the way the PC lists the projector and monitor, but didn't think it mattered.

I have Display Switch constantly set to "Duplicate".

[pengipete]

Next time it goes blank, switch the projector on - it's possible the that PC is working but only outputing to what it regards as the primary screen. Alternatively, swap those leads around so that monitor is connected to the port where the projector is currently connected.

If that doesn't help, try connecting only the monitor and see if that helps. You could also download the drivers for your Prolite from - http://www.iiyama.com/gb_en/products...s-1/#downloads - that may sort out the mis-identification.

[vanthus]

Could be faulty DVI lead.

[martynmoore]

Thanks guys. The computer definitely stays on and responds to the keyboard when the screen is blank. I'll try turning on the projector next time.

I've got the drivers and will see if they make a difference. I would like the machine to see the devices the right way round. Is it OK to have the displays permanently set to 'duplicate'? Or should I always select the device I'm actually using?

Vanthus, I've tried wigglinging the lead but can't recreate the fault. There are two DVI outputs on the graphics card, so will try the other connection. A restart restores the display without touching the lead but it could be one of those mysterious erratic lead faults. Will definitely try another cable. Thanks.

[martynmoore]

It happened again this morning, so frequency could be increasing. I have Display Switch set to 'Duplicate' permanently, so hoped to see something when I turned on the projector. Nothing.

Projector is connected via HDMI lead, monitor uses DVI connector. I've tried the monitor in both DVI sockets. Today's monitor failure happened when it was in the 'other' socket. Have also installed drivers for the monitor as pengipete suggested.

I was browsing the web when the screen went black. Message in bottom right says 'no signal'. So I switched on the projector and that also told me 'no signal'.

So something happens that cuts the video signal from the GTX 470 video card to the HDMI and both DVI outputs. Faulty graphics card?

Signal is restored to all outputs after a restart.

[MickyG]

Have you checked that the graphics card is seated properly?

Does the computer continue to run (I know you can't see anything, but is the hard drive and fans still operating correctly?)

G

[martynmoore]

Hi Micky

Yes, the computer is still running. All lights and fans are normal. Drobo lights are normal. Is there a key sequence that will do a normal shutdown in W7 for when the monitor's blank?

Not checked the graphics card seating. I've tried to put off cracking open the case but looking at the FAQs this shouldn't affect my warranty. Will check that now.

Thanks.

[martynmoore]

Ah, Win + Right + Enter to shutdown or Win + Right + Right + Up + Enter to restart. At least that will stop the machine complaining when I have to reboot.

Need to go out now, so will check the seating of the card and see what happens when I come back to work tomorrow. Thanks.

[martynmoore]

You know what? That card didn't feel right. It was held in place by two plastic spring clips which did allow a little bit of movement. Not enough to affect the connection to the slot, perhaps, but more than I'd have expected.

I've reseated the card and heard the tab click into place to secure one end of the slot. I found a little bag of fasteners in my Welcome pack box and secured the card fixing plate with a small screw, similar to the one holding the Firewire card. I popped the clips back in place and the card now feels solid.

Remains to be seen whether or not that's fixed the dying display problem...

Hey, it's pretty cool inside that box, isn't it? Must get on with work, though. I like this tinkering and fettling too much.

[MickyG]

Well I hope you get it sorted, if it hasn't helped post again and I'm sure somebody else can suggest something to change/do

G