Question:

“I’ve encountered an issue where the top quarter of my screen intermittently flashes black during gameplay, which started after I updated to the NVIDIA 551.23 drivers. Since I’ve used DDU to clean uninstall the drivers and don’t recall the previous version number, reverting isn’t an option for me. Could you advise on a method to resolve these graphical glitches without having to randomly test various driver versions? My searches haven’t yielded much information, and I’m using a Founders Edition 3090.”

Answer:

If you’re experiencing intermittent black flashing on the top quarter of your screen during gameplay after updating to NVIDIA 551.23 drivers, you’re not alone. This seems to be a known issue with the latest driver update. While reverting to a previous driver version would be the ideal solution, it’s not always possible if the previous version number is unknown and a clean uninstall has been performed using Display Driver Uninstaller (DDU).

Here are some steps you can take to resolve these graphical glitches:

: NVIDIA often releases hotfixes for known issues. It’s worth checking their official forums or support pages for any hotfix updates that address the screen flashing problem.

2.

Driver Rollback

: If you can’t remember your previous driver version, consider rolling back to a driver version that is known to be stable for the 30 series cards, such as 537.58.

3.

Capacitor Issues

: Some Founders Edition 3090 cards have had issues related to capacitors, which can cause crashes or other graphical anomalies. While your issue doesn’t exactly match the described symptoms, it’s worth considering whether this could be related.

4.

Manual Downclocking

: As a temporary workaround, manually downclocking the GPU by around 100 MHz can sometimes prevent crashes and graphical issues. This isn’t a permanent fix but can be a useful diagnostic step.

5.

Contact Support

: If the issue persists, reaching out to NVIDIA’s customer support may provide additional solutions or information on when an official fix might be available.

6.

Community Feedback

: Engaging with the community on forums may also yield user-discovered solutions or workarounds that have worked for others facing similar issues.

Remember, while trying different driver versions might seem like playing roulette, it’s a valid troubleshooting step. Just ensure you’re downloading drivers directly from NVIDIA’s official website to avoid any potential issues from third-party sources.

In the meantime, keep an eye on official NVIDIA channels for updates regarding this issue. The company is usually prompt in addressing such widespread problems, and a fix is likely on the horizon.

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Please note that while these steps can help mitigate the issue, they are not guaranteed fixes. It’s always best to proceed with caution and consult with a professional if you’re uncomfortable performing any of these actions. If you’re still under warranty, consider reaching out to the manufacturer before taking any steps that could potentially void it.