Black screen that eventually displays, think it might be the graphics card?

[pr0p5man]

Hello,
I have an 11 year old Midi Tower PC, 550W PSU, Windows 10, 64 bit.
Spec:-
Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 Quad Core processor
ASUS PSQL Pro mainboard Intel P43
8192MB 800MHz Dual Channel DDR2 SDRAM (4 x 2GB)
1TB Serial ATA 2 HD with 32MB buffer
Blu-Ray Combo Optical Drive
1GB ATI HD4670 Graphics
22" Ilyama HD Monitor

Since having Windows 10 installed in January, at a local computer shop (now closed - combination of lockdown and retirement), the monitor is taking longer and longer to display, currently up to an hour at worst. I’ve tried the technical trick of turning the PC off, and then immediately on again, which, on occasion, works!
Once fired up, everything works as it should, but I suspect this state of affairs may not last.
With my limited knowledge, I think the culprit may be the graphics card, as I discovered that this hasn’t been supported by the manufacturer for a good few years.
However, when I turned the thing on this morning, I saw, for a few seconds, flashes going across the screen that I hadn’t noticed before!
Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.

[veeg]

Hello

Does the gpu have the latest drivers for it? What is the build number for your win 10? It does sound like your gpu may be failing or faulty drivers..

[pr0p5man]

Hello,
Yes, I believe the gpu does have what would have been the latest drivers - I’ve tested this through “Settings”, a couple of times.
The invoice states Windows 10 (1909). However, updates to this are automatically installed as and when.lp?
Does this help?

[veeg]

Sounds like the gpu..

Let me get some more help here..

@Bruce

[pr0p5man]

Sounds like the gpu..

Let me get some more help here..

@Bruce

Thanks…it wasn’t in Settings that I found the latest driver, but Device Manager, and the latest/last/final? driver update was in January 2015.

[Bruce]

while I can’t rule out a graphics card issue, I must say I have never seen what you describe as being a graphics card fault.
obviously first time for everything but I’d be putting my money on the monitor itself as the culprit.
but with an 11yo system (congrats on reaching that by the way!) it could be a few things.

I’d be taking the oppurintity to get a better screen and GPU but then you have to step back and ask, it the rig worth it and would the money be better spent on a new PC?

[pr0p5man]

Your comments are very helpful. I am coming round to the conclusion that it could be a combination of different things, given the age of the various components.
I’ve had a good innings with this machine, so it may be time to look at a new one, or perhaps one refurbished to a high standard.

Thanks… much appreciated.

[veeg]

Any more questions? Shall i mark your thread?

[pr0p5man]

I don’t have any more questions, thanks…whatever “mark my thread” means, please go ahead!