I have just recently built a new PC with the specs listed below and I have come across a strange issue. I installed Windows 7 perfectly fine, installed the drivers and no issues there. Got steam up and running and installed Skyrim and ARMA 2 and had a gaming session to test my new PC (coming from a dire laptop) and all was happy.
Later that night I was playing ARMA and suddenly the computer shuts down. It would turn back on but I had no video at all, not even at post. This led me to believe the GPU was busted or something. I tried reseating, moving to the second PCIe slot and different video outputs (DVI, VGA and miniDP) and still nothing. I had my speakers on and I could hear the PC booting into Windows because of the log on jingle and if I tapped the power button it would shutdown (again, jingle) and turn off fine. I then took out my GPU and booted and again it logged into Windows and shutdown perfectly OK. I didn't think this was possible. I know there is no onboard GPU with my particular model of motherboard so most of the other threads I find on the internet don't apply as that is usually the solution.
I have already organised an RMA for the GPU but its the booting into Windows with no GPU. Is this possible? Has anyone else had a similar problem?
My specs are:
i3 2100
8GB RAM
500GB HDD
Powercolour 6870
bequiet! 530W
Nothing was overclocked and I have no DVD or anything so the good brand power supply should be plenty so I know its not that.
GPUZ68X-UD3-B3