I have built a new PC recently, but I have a very annoying problem with it. Any help is much appreciated.
Build
CPU Intel Core i5 4670K Boxed
CPU Cooler Scythe Mugen 4 PCGH Edition
Mainboard MSI Z87-G41 PC Mate
Memory Crucial Ballistix BLS2CP4G3D1609DS1S00CEU
GPU Sapphire R9 280X 3GB GDDR5 OC DUAL-X
SSD Samsung 840 EVO 250GB
Internal HDD Seagate Barracuda 7200.14 ST2000DM001, 2TB
Case Corsair Carbide 300R
PSU Seasonic M12II 520W
What I did
While installing Windows 8, I got Video TDR failure messages a few times, and I noticed it was done way faster than I expected (but that can also have something to do with the fact that I have better hardware now, like the SSD and a faster CPU). After the install was finished, I updated my drivers, first with the CD that came with the card, but after that I went online to update even further, because my problem persisted. I haven't installed anything besides Windows 8 and a few drivers.
The problem
From time to time (it is totally random), my screen goes black, like it is in sleepmode, and I can't wake it up anymore. The fanbs in the tower keep running, however, so the PC isn't shut off entirely. The only way I can make it work again with my screen active is by doing a restart. I'm not stressing my GPU in any way when this happens, the "going black" occurs while browsing the internet or while simply being in Windows (on desktop, or in a folder). Like I mentioned above, I haven't any games or programs installed yet, so the GPU doesn't really get challenged.
Also, after doing those restarts, I get regular messages that Windows hasn't been loaded properly and it gives me the option to repair.
When everything works as intended and I get into Windows, I get warnings about my drivers, saying "Your driver wasn't responding but it has been fixed".
I read Microsoft support forums stating that it is either the drivers or the hardware, causing the TDR failure messages. The drivers are the most up to date as stated above.
My guess now, is that Windows 8 didn't get installed correctly because my GPU being corrupted somehow. This could also cause the error messages about the drivers. But I want to be sure about this, how can I test if my GPU is broken or not?
Or does anyone have an idea what might fix this?