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Is my XFX HD7950 dead?

M

masands

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Joined
Mar 19, 2016
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Hi,
So I've built this gaming PC a couple of years ago and it was all working fine till this morning. I booted it up, and the monitor woke up but nothing would display on the screen. After a bit of removing and reinstalling some components, I removed the graphics card (HD7950) and it booted up fine with the iGPU.
So I tried the following steps with no luck getting the GPU to work. I'm guessing it's dead (unusual since I haven't gamed on it that much).
1) Set the primary video output in the BIOS to iGPU and reconnected the GPU. Works fine and the BIOS can detect the GPU in the PCI-E slot.
2) Used the Display Driver Removal tool to remove all AMD drivers and tried reinstalling them. Got a blue screen (THREAD STUCK ON DEVICE) error (note this is still running off the iGPU).
3) Reflashed the BIOS to the latest version. No luck. Still running off the iGPU with a black screen output from the HD7950.
4) Finally, I removed all AMD drivers and it managed to boot off the GPU. However I could I see coloured lines/artefacts all over my desktop. Every time I would try and install an AMD driver the monitor would just go blank.
See here: http://imgur.com/D9WjxaZ http://imgur.com/qL5l3Wp
So, I'm guessing it's dead right?
It's strange that I can get it to work every now and then without AMD drivers but everytime I try to install new drivers, the OS just freezes or blue screens.

Edit: Oh, and I tried baking at 200C for 10 minutes. Didn't work (I mean it works without any drivers from time to time). I read that these new cards have lead-free solder. My Oven can go to 250C. Should I try that?

Edit2: My OS is Windows 10.

Edit3: Just saw this thread a few steps down:
http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/threads/amd-7970-weird-startup-problems.220849/

Having almost identical issues...
 
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Sounds like the VRAM or controller has failed. Not an uncommon way for Tahiti to go out, I've got a stack of cards all with that same problem.

Baking can help if it's a problem with cracked solder on the VRAM. 200C is just a bit shy of where you need to be, as leadless solder flows around 218C. If you feel like it, bake it around 250C for 8 minutes, no more. Bake it face up, otherwise you run the risk of the caps and chokes falling off in the oven.

I've heard of a few miracles where people get their cards working again, but it's not common. Of the last 8 Tahitis I've reflowed only 2 came remotely close to working again. All in all it's a roll of the dice.
 
Thanks for the replies. I've tried switching to a new PCI-E slot. It didn't really do much except for the fact that I can now install AMD drivers without getting a bluescreen. I also flashed a new VBIOS using the ATIFlash tool. Again, didn't really help much.

I don't think I'll waste anymore time with this. I'll chuck it and buy the next-gen video cards and get VR ready :)
 
It's the Ghost model. Not the one with the fancy twin fan (double dissipation?) But yes, it did run remarkably cool all the time and it was even factory overclocked I believe.
 
Fouquin said:
Sounds like the VRAM or controller has failed. Not an uncommon way for Tahiti to go out, I've got a stack of cards all with that same problem.

Baking can help if it's a problem with cracked solder on the VRAM. 200C is just a bit shy of where you need to be, as leadless solder flows around 218C. If you feel like it, bake it around 250C for 8 minutes, no more. Bake it face up, otherwise you run the risk of the caps and chokes falling off in the oven.

I've heard of a few miracles where people get their cards working again, but it's not common. Of the last 8 Tahitis I've reflowed only 2 came remotely close to working again. All in all it's a roll of the dice.
Click to expand...

I think those temps are a bit hot for baking,Lead older starts to flow at 185c
Most website suggest baking at 195- 200c for 10 mins , 250c is way too hot i think to start at for first attempt df

I Have revived my GTX 560 three time so far by baking
First time 195c for 10mins - card revived worked for 3 months
Second time same baking method , card revived lasted +-2months
third time 200c for 10mins -revived card still working for 1 month so far

card was giving green dots and memory errors

Edit :lead free melting range - 217c–245c
 
SnakeDoctor said:
Most website suggest baking at 195- 200c for 10 mins , 250c is way too hot i think to start at for first attempt df

Edit :lead free melting range - 217c–245c
Click to expand...

You figured out my reply before I even needed to make it. These cards all have leadless BGA and solder. :)

An easy 250C bake isn't unsafe and so long as you don't let it sit over 8 minutes it's all good. If the board is pre-heated then a 4-5 minute bake is usually enough.
 
Fouquin said:
That is A-Okay (do people still say that?) I just need any cooler that fits. Bare boards don't run so well. I have a B/S/T thread about it. On mobile but I'll try to link it here for you.

Sorry your card is out, always sucks to lose good hardware.

( http://www.techpowerup.com/forums/t...d-7970-7950-280-280x-gpus-for-coolers.220805/ )
Click to expand...

I live in Australia. I'll check the shipping costs (I'm guessing you want it shipped to the US)?

Edit: We are looking at $30AUD shipping to the US. Will take upto 3 weeks. I'm happy to send it to you but I can't figure out how to use the Heatware site.
 
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