Did Anything Else Get Fried, Except The Exhaust Fan?

Recently I posted about an external HDD that flipped the bird a while ago.
Last night, while gaming, my rig developed serious issues: Overheating.

I was gaming with a friend of mine (Sniper Elite 4, not too demanding you'd think for this rig - as it has been running it for as long as I have it without flaw), when I smelled something. Smelled like a wood heater, so thought one of the neighbours decided to fire up to be warm (it's winter after all over here) and didn't think anything of it.
After a while, oh sh** - screen started flickering. Told my friend I'd better get the hell out of the game and figure out what was going on. Barely made it to shut down the game, when the video signal was lost. Had to force shutdown the pc with the front button.. Not my favourite option, but if you can't do anything else it'll have to do.
After powering off, and switching off the power completely, I opened the case and started the sniff-n-touch routine. Case was warm (40C), PSU was cooler (sits at the bottom of this build), GPU fairly HOT >.< Decided to let it cool overnight, and inspect thoroughly in the morning.
Cleaned the machine insides, cleaned fans, checked fans.. Nice and clean again, all moving (or so it had appeared).. everything appeared to be working. Couldn't figure out why it would start acting as a frying pan >.< Powered on, let it start, all seemed fine. Until I looked over my screen, and noticed the exhaust fan had ceased working. That explained a lot.. heat couldn't go anywhere while gaming, so of course something will give out.. My luck, per usual *shrug*

Anyway, I replaced the fan, thought the issue was solved. Partly it is, the rig is now cooler and cools faster, but the flickering has remained. I have ran several stress tests on the GPU - results varied widely.. Some came out shining even when reaching 80C, others started flickering when cooling down to about 55 - 60C.

What I also noticed, is that the pc has become louder: More hum audible, and rattling of sorts (aside of the odd sound of the budgies in the background). Some sound is to be expected, and I don't care much about it - the level is low enough to easily 'not hear', especially with a head set.

I added a link to a recording I made of one of those stress tests (not the best quality, filmed with mobile in one hand, mouse in the other to cancel test in case of need). The audio is the video is barely existing.. my apologies. If wanted, I can get a better recording of it (if it may help?)

Build details:
https://i.imgur.com/5zW8mK3.png


So, the million euro question is: Did I fry more than just the exhaust fan?

Thank you, in advance guys

 

What do you mean you looked at your "screen" and noticed the fan not working?

Your sound recording is not helpful because we don't have a reference to compare it too. Plus, we have no clue what your mic gain or speaker volume are set too.

I did see the flickers.

You need to try a different monitor on your machine and see if the flickers remain, or go away. If still there, then the problem is in your computer - perhaps card or maybe power supply (the next thing to swap out for a test).

If no spare monitor, most TVs support computer input.

As for the rattle and hums, that could be fan bearings, or drive motor bearings. You can use the center tube of a paper towel roll as a stethoscope to help isolate the sound. Also, "gently" pressing your finger on the center hub of a fan for just a second will cause the fan's rotation speed to decrease then increase again. If that is the offending fan, the pitch/sound of the rattle and hum will change along with the fan speed.

For hard to reach fans (like inside the PSU) use a wooden glue/Popsicle stick to reach in and gently press on the center hub.

 

Over, not at . It's the way I have set up my system here: Monitor is in front of the rig (Monitor stands on table / desk, rig on dressoire behind it - I literally sit in a corner of my apartment xD) I should've explained it better, my apologies.
Regarding sound: Fair point indeed, mics and all are different and what have you. Duly noted

I have no idea where to get a spare PSU from to use.. perhaps dad has an old one laying around. The screen I can test, I have my old screen upstairs, neatly boxed up, as a spare (I surely hope it's not the screen.. only a few months old, the one I use currently - plus side, it'd be warranty) I'll try that when I get home later, or tomorrow - when I have more time to fiddle around.
I'll poke the fans then, too, since I already will be poking it, why not go poke the fans too

Thank you so far, Digerati ^^

 

You are welcome. And for the record, IMO every computer who doesn't mind digging around inside a computer and performing much of their own troubleshooting should have a spare PSU on hand for testing. It does not need to be a super high-end PSU from a major brand. It only needs to have sufficient power capacity (and cable connections) to support systems it might be swapped into. Spare PSUs are also nice for testing fans, RGB lighting, and drive motors outside the case.

Keep us posted.

 

[QUOTE="Digerati, post: 2051728, member: 135261" It only needs to have sufficient power capacity (and cable connections) to support systems it might be swapped into. " QUOTE]
That is the problem, it was an low power psu that I tossed out, just asked dad and doesn't have a high power either. Will have to ask a friend or two if they got spares.
Ah.. technology..how it makes me feel old hahaha

 

Changed screens, changed HDMI cables.. problems remains. However! After the stress tests I did with my older screen, I got a message from AMD that I have not seen before.
It found a time-out in the driver in the system.

Can't find much about it, wonder what it is about...

 

Driver in the system? Yeah, that's not really helpful at all.

I would suggest you look on your graphics card's webpage for a more current driver.

 

You have the same card as i do.I would recommend on using MSI afterburner to adjust the GPU fan speed to at least 50% speed.RX 570's tend to push 140F under load.570's are great cards but tend to have heat issues if fans are not adjusted to compensate.

 

@ Digirati: I have updated to the latest driver, no difference so far. Update must've become available overnight or yesterday

@xox: I am in the process of testing different settings. I had stress tests complete, but result in flickering screen before. Now, after the update, I am going to re-try things.

Will keep you guys updated

 

Well.. that ended on a system crash.

Insane flickering, screen went dark, followed by automatic shut down. Flickering was at various temps and fan speeds, managed to do 3 stress tests over a course of 20 mins (didn't run them back to back, but let time in-between)

After rebooting, screen was a lot darker and as I tried to write here and the screen went grey.. didn't come back on, seeking refuge in the mobile era now hahahah (at least it works without issues).

 

Sounds like the gpu might be on the way out...Might want to order a new one asap.

I had to buy a new Rx 570 a year ago.The first one died suddenly.

here is a link if you want another card.https://www.amazon.com/MSI-RX-570-ARMOR-8G/dp/B076Y93L8F

Edit this card i have has been running a year non stop with out issues.

 

I can confirm that it died.... Tried booting the pc to check it over.. alas.. All I got is a nice black screen, with the buzz of a pc behind it.
Rig has been running for 2 years and a bit nearly nonstop. I am super frustrated - always on weekends that things kick the bucket permanently..

 

Friend tipped me to try a DP cable,and it works..partially... I have limited use of the screen, got 5 huge fat bars running across it. Tried different cable, but didnt make a difference.

So, the dilemma now is whether to buy a new (better) GPU, or go all out and buy a faster rig with more capacity for my games.

Thanks for your advice and suggestions, guys, much appreciated