Member Avatar for Lp_baez

So I recently purchased 2 5k2k monitors to improve workflow for game development. I noticed once I run both displays the GPU gets hot and eventually the display goes black and the GPU fans go crazy. I also noticed that before that happens the GPU fans do not turn on to cool it down. Could this be an issue that can be fixed through an option the GPU might have? Or is the GPU not enough to keep both displays on?

The GPU starts getting hot and as soon as I display both screens, even though I don’t run heavy GPU applications and sometimes it does before I do run them or minutes after I run something like Photoshop.

GPU is an RTX 1080 Ti.

If this the GPU isn’t powerful enough, do you think an RTX 3080 might be enough?
Or if I use 1070ti to focus only on the displays and dedicate the 3080 GPU to the heavy applications.

Sorry for my ignorance in advance, I haven’t encounter this issue before so I’ve never really looked into any of this.

Edited by Lp_baez
  • 2 Contributors
  • 1 Reply
  • 84 Views
  • 13 Hours Discussion Span
  • Latest Post Latest Post by rproffitt

Dani AI

Generated

reported a repeatable loss of image and aggressive fan behaviour, and correctly pointed toward cooling as a likely factor. Before spending on a new card, work through a focused isolation and verification plan. The goal is to determine whether this is (A) a thermal/fan-control failure, (B) a driver/OS crash, (C) a power/connector problem, or (D) a monitor/cable/output mismatch.

  • Monitor telemetry while reproducing the fault. Use tools like MSI Afterburner, GPU-Z or HWiNFO to log GPU core temp, memory/VRM temps if available, clock speeds and fan RPMs.
  • Force the fans to a fixed higher speed (vendor tool or Afterburner) for a short test to see if the fault disappears; if it does, fan control or heat is the trigger.
  • Clean the card and case, check fan bearings and that all power connectors are fully seated. Inspect for dust-covered heatsinks or clogged airflow.
  • Check Windows Event Viewer for display/driver errors when the black screen occurs (look under System for display-driver crashes). Save those timestamps and logs.
  • Swap cables and ports; test with one display at a time and with reduced resolution/refresh as a stress-reduction test. Update or reinstall graphics drivers cleanly (DDU in safe mode for a clean uninstall, then install the latest drivers).
  • Verify PSU capacity and that the GPU power cables are from the PSU (no adapters causing loose contact). If the card is older, consider professional servicing or reapplying thermal interface material, but note this can void warranties.

If logs and a forced-fan test point to hardware failure (fans not responding, persistent high VRM temps, or driver crashes despite a clean driver install), pursue repair/RMA rather than buying a new GPU. Buying a more powerful card helps only if the cause is genuine overload or bandwidth limits; isolate first so any replacement fixes the root cause.

Member Avatar for rproffitt

I think there are some issues here which has little to do with the current GPU capability but more about the cooling of the 1080 Ti. Side Note: There is no such thing as the RTX 1080 Ti. Must be the GTX?

Since the 1080 works until it heats up you can consider better case cooling and or a GPU cooler.

Later you mention a 1070ti which well, I don't know how that got into the mix. Maybe some typographic errors in your top post?

In short, most likely a heat issue or an old graphics card. Can you share the last time you got in there with the canned air and did a fan check?
My criteria for fans is simple: "Works like new."

Be a part of the DaniWeb community

We're a friendly, industry-focused community of developers, IT pros, digital marketers, and technology enthusiasts meeting, networking, learning, and sharing knowledge.