When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
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When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
Ok, here is a long story.
I downloaded all sims 3 expansion/stuff packs and store items on this site and the game was working perfectly, until now. For some reason when I'm playing the game it turns my monitor black, it shows "no signal" and I have to reboot my computer. It starded when I was playing on a big world, in buy mode, and things got worse.
I reinstalled the game and the problem is still there! Now it is even worse, I can't play for 5 minutes before monitor turns off.
I've looked for everywhere and nobody was able to fix it, it seems to affect even people with a better or new computer. The only one that was able to "fix it" did so by buying a new gpu. Should I buy a new gpu too?
This is what I have tried so far:
1- I have changed my monitor.
2- I tried to run sims 3 in windows 7 compatibility mode.
3- I selected v-sync 'on' on nvidia options for sims 3.
4- I tried to run without any mod or cc.
5- I tried low graphics on sims 3 options.
And none of those worked (these were the ones I found the most on google), so I tried to ask for some help here. I want to play this game so badly! And I want to know if there is a solution for this. Thanks in advance.
My system specs:
- OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits.
- CPU: Intel Core i3-3240
- RAM: 4Gb DDR3
- GPU: GTX 550Ti
- HDD : 500Gb
I downloaded all sims 3 expansion/stuff packs and store items on this site and the game was working perfectly, until now. For some reason when I'm playing the game it turns my monitor black, it shows "no signal" and I have to reboot my computer. It starded when I was playing on a big world, in buy mode, and things got worse.
I reinstalled the game and the problem is still there! Now it is even worse, I can't play for 5 minutes before monitor turns off.
I've looked for everywhere and nobody was able to fix it, it seems to affect even people with a better or new computer. The only one that was able to "fix it" did so by buying a new gpu. Should I buy a new gpu too?
This is what I have tried so far:
1- I have changed my monitor.
2- I tried to run sims 3 in windows 7 compatibility mode.
3- I selected v-sync 'on' on nvidia options for sims 3.
4- I tried to run without any mod or cc.
5- I tried low graphics on sims 3 options.
And none of those worked (these were the ones I found the most on google), so I tried to ask for some help here. I want to play this game so badly! And I want to know if there is a solution for this. Thanks in advance.
My system specs:
- OS: Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bits.
- CPU: Intel Core i3-3240
- RAM: 4Gb DDR3
- GPU: GTX 550Ti
- HDD : 500Gb
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
Are you able to use any other graphics intense programs without the GPU crashing?
Did you update any drivers recently? Especially video drivers?
What your describing is often the final sign that the GPU is dying so you may want to plan on getting a new one.
A few things you can look for and try are:
1) Make sure the GPU's cooling fan is running and that the cable(s) between the GPU and monitor(s) is/are seated/secured properly.
2) If your only using 1 DVI output, try switching from DVI 1 to DVI 2 or the mini-HDMI
3) If using additional power from the PSU, make sure the connection is secure.
Did you update any drivers recently? Especially video drivers?
What your describing is often the final sign that the GPU is dying so you may want to plan on getting a new one.
A few things you can look for and try are:
1) Make sure the GPU's cooling fan is running and that the cable(s) between the GPU and monitor(s) is/are seated/secured properly.
2) If your only using 1 DVI output, try switching from DVI 1 to DVI 2 or the mini-HDMI
3) If using additional power from the PSU, make sure the connection is secure.
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
It looks like an overheating (unsifficient cooling) problem.
Make sure all ventilation slots are clear of dust (laptop: also check undersite, don't play on a rug or on your bed)
Switch PC or laptop off and use vacuum-cleaner.
Best solution is to use a compressor from a nearby gasstation to inflate tyres.
Make sure all ventilation slots are clear of dust (laptop: also check undersite, don't play on a rug or on your bed)
Switch PC or laptop off and use vacuum-cleaner.
Best solution is to use a compressor from a nearby gasstation to inflate tyres.
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
Tarac wrote:It looks like an overheating (unsifficient cooling) problem.
Make sure all ventilation slots are clear of dust (laptop: also check undersite, don't play on a rug or on your bed)
Switch PC or laptop off and use vacuum-cleaner.
Best solution is to use a compressor from a nearby gasstation to inflate tyres.
Actually you should not use a regular vacuum on electronics, regular vacuums build up static and a static discharge can, and will, ruin electronic components. They do make low voltage electronics vacuums but I would only recommend them for your keyboard, mouse and/or external dirt.
Also, regular compressed air (gas station air) can contain moisture, another bad idea for electronics. Canned air is all you need (and should be using) for blowing dust from a computer. For stubborn dirt use electronics cleaning solution and q-tips to gently remove the dirt.
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
Reminds me of my own insanity once, when I put my old GPU in the oven...to my surprise, this "quick fix" actually worked (in the meantime, I have bought a new card though). I also imagine that you can only repeat this fix a limited number of times, before the card becomes complete trash.
@CheshireCat, use that guide I linked to at your own risk, or better not at all. It did work for me, and apparently that is something one could try, but it's clearly a "Hail Mary" method.
I assume this is because of the speed at which the dust particles are sucked and 'concentrated' in a narrow area...which creates friction among the particles, which in turn creates the static electricity?
As for the air compressor, I must admit I have been guilty of that once as well; luckily the computer still worked after that. I did hold the end of the compressor's hose a little distance away from the computer though. Probably a safer method is going to be using something like this (don't know what this is called in English):
Though depending on the level air humidity around you, I imagine it could theoretically also pose risks.
@CheshireCat, use that guide I linked to at your own risk, or better not at all. It did work for me, and apparently that is something one could try, but it's clearly a "Hail Mary" method.
Dracos66 wrote:Actually you should not use a regular vacuum on electronics, regular vacuums build up static and a static discharge can, and will, ruin electronic components. They do make low voltage electronics vacuums but I would only recommend them for your keyboard, mouse and/or external dirt.
I assume this is because of the speed at which the dust particles are sucked and 'concentrated' in a narrow area...which creates friction among the particles, which in turn creates the static electricity?
As for the air compressor, I must admit I have been guilty of that once as well; luckily the computer still worked after that. I did hold the end of the compressor's hose a little distance away from the computer though. Probably a safer method is going to be using something like this (don't know what this is called in English):
Though depending on the level air humidity around you, I imagine it could theoretically also pose risks.
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
The_gh0stm4n wrote:Reminds me of my own insanity once, when I put my old GPU in the oven...to my surprise, this "quick fix" actually worked (in the meantime, I have bought a new card though). I also imagine that you can only repeat this fix a limited number of times, before the card becomes complete trash.
@CheshireCat, use that guide I linked to at your own risk, or better not at all. It did work for me, and apparently that is something one could try, but it's clearly a "Hail Mary" method.Dracos66 wrote:Actually you should not use a regular vacuum on electronics, regular vacuums build up static and a static discharge can, and will, ruin electronic components. They do make low voltage electronics vacuums but I would only recommend them for your keyboard, mouse and/or external dirt.
I assume this is because of the speed at which the dust particles are sucked and 'concentrated' in a narrow area...which creates friction among the particles, which in turn creates the static electricity?
As for the air compressor, I must admit I have been guilty of that once as well; luckily the computer still worked after that. I did hold the end of the compressor's hose a little distance away from the computer though. Probably a safer method is going to be using something like this (don't know what this is called in English):
Though depending on the level air humidity around you, I imagine it could theoretically also pose risks.
Your partially right, add in the "normal" static field from a vacuum's motor and any conductive debris and you've got the recipe for a static discharge.
The item pictured is called a bellows in English and no, it should not be used to blow dust from a computer either, unless of course your stoking a fire to melt the PC down.
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
I've been guilty of using the vacuumcleaner myself, though I do keep it as a distance, just to suck up the dust my q-tips loosen up.
I'll probably switch to canned air though...
I'll probably switch to canned air though...
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Re: When playing sims 3, monitor goes black and shows "no signal"
I'm using vacuum-cleaners and compressors for many years. Never ever had any problems.
My small server, operating 24/7 needs a clean up every 3 months
My small server, operating 24/7 needs a clean up every 3 months
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