GPU driver crashes — where the display goes black briefly and then recovers, often accompanied by a "Display driver stopped responding and has recovered" message — are among the most common PC issues. They have multiple possible causes and a structured diagnostic approach is much more effective than random fixes.
Common Causes
Overheating: The most common cause in Nigerian conditions. The GPU exceeds its safe temperature and triggers a protective crash. Check GPU temperatures under load (HWiNFO or GPU-Z). If temperatures exceed 90°C before crashes, thermal management is the issue.
Power delivery issues: An underpowered PSU or a degraded power supply can cause GPU crashes. This is particularly an issue in Nigeria where power quality varies. A PSU that worked fine for two years may be delivering unstable voltage after years of generator power.
Driver issues: Sometimes a specific driver version has bugs with certain GPU configurations. A clean driver install (using Display Driver Uninstaller in safe mode, then fresh driver install) resolves many crashes.
VRAM problems: Failing or overheating VRAM causes crashes in GPU-intensive workloads. VRAM errors are harder to diagnose at home.
The Diagnostic Sequence
- Check GPU temperatures under load. If above 85°C: clean the GPU, ensure case airflow is good, verify fan operation
- Update to the latest GPU drivers (or roll back if crashes started after a recent driver update)
- If crashes occur primarily when using multiple applications simultaneously: check PSU load (HWiNFO shows PSU sensor data on some motherboards)
- Test the GPU in another system if available, or test with a different PSU
- Run GPU memory tests (OCCT, VRAM stress test in GPU-Z)