Cod Makes My Second Monitor Go Black

Caroline Mae

2 min read

·

27-12-2024

1

0

Share

Many gamers have experienced the frustrating issue of their second monitor going black while playing Call of Duty (COD). This isn't a problem exclusive to a specific COD title; it can happen across various installments. While the exact cause can be elusive, this guide will explore common culprits and provide effective troubleshooting steps.

Identifying the Culprit: Software or Hardware?

Before diving into solutions, it's crucial to determine whether the problem stems from software or hardware issues. A software problem usually manifests as a sudden blackout during gameplay, while a hardware issue might involve a persistent black screen, even outside of COD.

Software Issues:

• Driver Conflicts: Outdated or conflicting graphics drivers are a primary suspect. Your graphics card's drivers might be incompatible with COD's graphical demands or clash with other software on your system.
• Game Settings: Intensive graphical settings in COD could overwhelm your system, leading to display problems on the secondary monitor. Lowering in-game settings might resolve this.
• Background Processes: Programs running in the background can consume significant system resources, potentially interfering with the display. Closing unnecessary applications can free up resources.
• Overheating: Although less common, a CPU or GPU overheating during intense gameplay can sometimes trigger display issues. Monitoring temperatures is crucial.

Hardware Issues:

• Cable Problems: A loose or damaged HDMI or DisplayPort cable connecting your second monitor can easily cause display problems. Inspect cables carefully.
• Monitor Issues: The second monitor itself might be malfunctioning. Test it with a different device or cable to rule out this possibility.
• Graphics Card Problems: A failing graphics card can manifest in various ways, including secondary monitor blackouts. If other troubleshooting steps fail, this should be considered.

Troubleshooting Steps:

1. Update Graphics Drivers: Download and install the latest drivers from your graphics card manufacturer's website (Nvidia or AMD). Ensure compatibility with your operating system.

2. Adjust COD Graphics Settings: Lower settings like resolution, texture quality, and shadow detail within the COD game options. Experiment to find a balance between visual fidelity and system stability.

3. Close Background Applications: End unnecessary processes running in the background using your task manager to free up resources for COD.

4. Monitor Temperatures: Use monitoring software (such as HWMonitor) to track your CPU and GPU temperatures during gameplay. Excessive heat might indicate a cooling problem.

5. Check Cables and Connections: Carefully inspect all cables for damage and ensure they are securely connected to both your computer and monitors. Try different cables if possible.

6. Test Your Second Monitor: Connect your second monitor to another device (like a laptop) to ensure it's functioning correctly.

7. Restart Your Computer: A simple restart can resolve minor software glitches.

8. Reinstall COD: If other steps fail, reinstalling Call of Duty might address corrupted game files.

9. System Restore (Windows): If the problem recently appeared, a system restore to a previous point might undo any problematic changes.

When to Seek Professional Help:

If you've exhausted these troubleshooting steps and your second monitor still goes black while playing COD, professional assistance is advisable. A faulty graphics card or other hardware component might require repair or replacement. A technician can diagnose the problem more accurately. This is particularly true if the issue extends beyond gameplay.