GPU keeps crashing to Windows message "Do you want to change the color scheme.."

[PremiumG]

Hoping I can get some ideas and help with this issue I've been having.

I recently got a 2nd hand EVGA GTX 980 SC and running it on a Windows 7 machine with Aero on. Whenever I try to game or benchmark, Windows keeps popping up with the message:

"Do you want to change the color scheme to improve performance?
Windows has detected your computer’s performance is slow. This could be because there are not enough resources to run the Windows Aero color scheme. To improve performance, try changing the color scheme to Windows 7 Basic. Any change you make will be in effect until the next time you log on to Windows
- Change the color scheme to Windows 7 Basic
- Keep the current color scheme, but ask me again if my computer continues to perform slowly
- Keep the current color scheme, and don't show this message again."

It doesn't seem to stick, and even if I click don't show this message again, it appears again.

I've tried the suggestions I found online of:
-turning off Windows Action Center warnings for Troubleshooting.
-go to performance tab and setting it on Custom rather than let Windows choose for best Performance.


Has anyone else seen this issue and have any ideas on how to fix? Is it the GPU crashing?
My GPU temperature do not seem to be an issue (always under 70c). I've seen it crash when my GPU temp is around 50C. The GPU is not overclocked and is running stock speed.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Is it the GPU crashing?
My GPU temperature do not seem to be an issue (always under 70c). I've seen it crash when my GPU temp is around 50C. The GPU is not overclocked and is running stock speed.

That is NOT a "GPU crash". A GPU crash would result in the screen going black for a few seconds, recovering, and a little pop-up bubble showing up in the systray about "NV kernel driver" crashing.

Win7 Aero disabling is something else, and is caused by a lack of resources (generally memory?) to continue to run Aero. So, something is eating your RAM or VRAM.

 

[96Firebird]

How much RAM do you have?

 

[PremiumG]

I have 16GB of RAM. I have 3 PCs at home and only this one has this constant annoying Windows error.

 

[mojothehut]

I have this same problem, mine usually happens when I'm gaming and tab out to do something else. I've been ignoring this error for years now. No idea how to actually turn it off. I too have 16gb of ram. Seriously doubt I lack "resources" enough to run WoW&Winamp at the same time :hmm:

Anyway, maybe just a win7 bug?

 

[kawi6rr]

I have 16GB of RAM. I have 3 PCs at home and only this one has this constant annoying Windows error.

Throw another graphics card in and see if that clears the problem out. If it does then you know it's a graphics card issue.

 

[Destiny]

Unless you are pushing more than 3.5GB of VRAM, there is something wrong with that cards VRAM... I used to get the same message when I play BF3/BF4 with a GTX 570 with only 1.5GB of VRAM pushing 2560x1440 with ultra settings in my games.

 

[Techhog]

Unless you are pushing more than 3.5GB of VRAM, there is something wrong with that cards VRAM... I used to get the same message when I play BF3/BF4 with a GTX 570 with only 1.5GB of VRAM pushing 2560x1440 with ultra settings in my games.

FYI, the 3.5GB VRAM issue is with the 970, not the 980.

 

[Elixer]

Run a sfc /scannow and see if it tells you any corrupt system files were found...

I do recall seeing something like what the OP is saying, and it was a faulty card in my case, but, the OS at the time was win 95 with the oddball bit depth changes.
Can't say I have seen that on win vista or higher.

 

[frozentundra123456]

I have seen this problem also. It even happens in some older games if I recall correctly. Not sure how to solve it though. I think it is some kind of bug, since I have a pretty decent system.