The monitor stays black with the headset on? If he turns the headset off does his monitor come back on?

If the fan on his gpu isn't spinning up to max speed when the screen goes black then it isn't a power issue.

"If the fan on his gpu isn't spinning up to max speed when the screen goes black then it isn't a power issue."
 
I'll ask and get back to you.
 
"Samsung Odyssey WMR headset - how is this connected ?
 
Has Nvidia Control Panel been setup ?  Does it show up as a Second monitor ?"
 
He has the monitor to the DVI port and the headset to the HDMI (required - also second connection to USB 3).
 
I'll ask about the Nvidia control panel. He's a serious PC noob so I'm trying to keep this as simple as possible. Not sure he'll know, but let's see.
 
Thank you both for your ongoing help. I'm trying to create another person to experience VR with! If necessary I can let him try the EVGA GTX1080 I have (it died and I sent it back, but in the mean-time I had already gotten a new 2070 so I never reinstalled the 1080). I believe that has lower power demands? Trouble is I'd have to drive quite a way to do the install and also that one still has pretty good value, so I'm hoping I can at least let him wet a toe in the VR world with the 970. I know it works for VR because I used the combo myself for quite awhile, but I have a beefier PSU (if, indeed, that's the problem).

Aaahhh... its a VR headset, so windows is switching all the display to that VR, which it says only uses 15 watts, but wont switch back if you unplug cause its still lookin for the VR. If anything it probably errors out the O/S if you just pullit in the m,iddleof it working. What make and model is the psu on the PC?
 
https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/hmd/windows-mixed-reality/xe800zaa-hc1us-xe800zaa-hc1us/

MCorey
Think that PSU should be OK?

Not really. He should be running a 500w gold unit. Instead of a 450w bronze.

MCorey
Well dayum. I'm a pal, but I'm not sure I'm such a pal I'd want to swap out a PSU. Annoying! :)

Lol, welcome to the world of being "that PC fixer guy".  Its thankless and you get all the complaints, no matter what, like customer service from hell. The best part is when you fix the pc for them, they sit down, start using it and usually say thanks and ignore you after that. Don't tell anyone where you live and be really careful who you give your cell to!

MCorey
 
Well, here's a question. Since the PSU he has is a "fully modular" model, is it possible to get a more powerful unit that is also modular, detach the cable connections, swap out the bricks, and then just plug the power connections back in? He may be able to do that himself. I've never had a modular PSU so I don't know.

NO


Many PSU have modular cable --> That Are NOT Interchangeable <--- "They will fit" --> But ARE Wired Different & will Damage your Hardware
 
 The issue is the modular plastic parts on the wires & inside the PSU are a "common component" -- However the PSU Output Pins Can Carry Different Voltages - model to model Even With the Same Mfg
 
 
You --> MUST <--- Confirm with the PSU Mfg that the cables Are interchangeable - Or You Risk letting the Magic Smoke Out

 
The Wires that Came With a PSU ---> Have been wired to Make Sure the Correct Voltage goes to the Correct Pin on the Hardware (device) side of the Cable
 
 
Short Version:  PSU Outputs are Custom ---> (NOT Standardized)  & [Wire ends for your equipment ---> IS Standardized] ---> Therefore the Wires Are Customized for That specific PSU

Thank you. I would not have known that. I'm sort of a "if it fits it must be OK" kinda guy. IOW, I know enough to be dangerous I guess.

Well, he has an EVGA PSU right now, can the EVGA folks here perhaps recommend a beefier supply that's compatible cord-wise with the EVGA B3 450 W 80+ Bronze Fully Modular ATX (Part# 220-B3-0450-V1)? Something with room for the future?