Hi everyone, I had a weird issue that started happening 2 or 3 weeks ago.
My GPU would crash the entire computer when stressed, even while lightly (YouTube, light gaming, etc)
Specs:
OS: Debian GNU/Linux (Sid) with Nvidia 325 drivers
Crosshair V Formula Z (bought in May, 2013, off Newegg for $240)
Athlon II x4 600e 2.2GHz 45W, 1.2V rated max (OC 3.0GHz @ 1.212V). Idle: <25C, stressed: <38C
EVGA GT430, stock freqs. (card is FINE, benched it on my other desktop). Idle: <33C, stressed: <78C
Gskill Ripjaws X (or was it Z?) 32GBs (4x 8GB)
2x WD Caviar Blue 7200RPM 500GB SATA3
Corsair CX430 PSU
CoolerMaster CPU cooler, I forget the model, but it can safely dissipate heat from a 220W CPU
HAF 912 Case, Asian model--all black interior (excellent airflow, honestly, and cost me only $50 off eBay)
Now, about the issue...
Everything was working fine up until a few weeks ago--that's when my GPU would crash the entire computer and make it reboot when stressed (within the span of a few seconds to 30 minutes), even with light loads. Thinking it was a bad overclock, I reverted to stock frequencies for everything. Didn't help.
Ran memtest overnight in case it was something with the RAM, but nope, passed it. Took out the card, put it into my other desktop (with a Biostar AM2+ board, got it used for $25 off eBay, and it worked fine)--benched it with Windows 7 and MSI Kombustor for over 2 hours, no crash.
At that point, I'm thinking "Dang...maybe it's time for an RMA... FUUUUUUUUUU-- *rage face*"
So I take out the card, put it back in my Formula Z, and I notice the EZ plug socket, and I'm like "Ehh...can't hurt to try..." and I plug in a molex, power up my PC, and the GPU miraculously works ever since with no crashes...
Disaster avoided, I think...
So, can anyone please tell me what's going on? It shouldn't take extra power from a molex to power a <60W card on the PCIE slot (which is supposed to be able to handle 75W devices). Also, it worked FINE FOR MANY MONTHS, but then it didn't without the EZ plug being populated. What's up with that? Should I RMA the board with Asus?
