Getting random black screen crashes with RTX5080. Have crash logs, also have a GPU crash dump but wont let me post. Started happening after changing GPU’s 5090->5080. I have done the full GPU Drivers resets including using DDU, completely reinstalling warthunder, checking files, clearing cache etc.
The only thing that maybe has helped is running DX11. Although im not sure if it actually fixes things or if I get lucky.
Since you’ve already tried DDU, reinstalling the game and clearing the cache, I wouldn’t repeat those steps just yet.
The first thing I’d want to clarify is what actually happens during the black screen. Does only War Thunder crash while Windows stays responsive, or does the entire PC freeze or restart? For example, can you still hear Discord or other audio when the screen goes black?
I’d check Windows Event Viewer → Windows Logs → System around the exact crash time, especially for Display/nvlddmkm or WHEA-Logger events. A Kernel-Power 41 event alone doesn’t identify the cause; it only indicates an unexpected shutdown or restart.
The DX11 observation is interesting. I’d try comparing DX11 and DX12 under similar game settings and conditions, keeping track of how long each runs before crashing. If DX11 consistently works while DX12 fails, that would be useful evidence for a renderer-specific issue.
Since you already have a GPU crash dump, I’d submit it together with the relevant .clog and DxDiag through the official War Thunder bug-report system if the forum won’t accept the attachment.
One more question: do other GPU-intensive games or benchmarks show any instability with the RTX 5080, or is it exclusively War Thunder?
That would help narrow down whether to investigate the game renderer/driver interaction or the hardware and power connection after the GPU swap.
During the blackscreen its only WarThunder. I can still hear discord and other programs keep active. Audio is also on through Spotify during the blackscreen.
I took a look at the Windows logs and the only one I can find around the crash time is WerKernel%4Operational.
DX11 seems to be working better, it certainly doesn’t crash as often. Not 100% if this is a true fix but so far it seems better.
I will submit the GPU crash dump, .clog and the dxdiag through the official channels, thanks for the recommendation.
Other GPU Intensive games do not have issues, including running many stress tests on 3D Mark. GPU looks healthy and performs well including on DX12 Runs. Its just WarThunder that will give these crashes.