Think my GFX Card took a dump

So I believe my graphics card took a dump recently. It started a few months ago. I would be playing a game and the screen would freeze or the sound would skip. I stopped watching videos while gaming and the whole sound problem went away but the video problems continued. I thought it might be a software problem so I did an OS wipe and all was good and well for about a week or so then the same thing started happening. Now after a few more weeks its even worse. The whole screen will get these large blocks on it and if I open a program or something they will go away. However, my computer screen will normally shut off and I will have to do a hard reboot to start it back up. I am coming here to clarify the problem before I try to replace anything.

Update: I even on bios start up I get green lines across the screen
Another update: I tried booting a live Ubuntu CD and it said it found no graphics configuration and wouldn't even let me load the desktop.

FYI I use on board sound.
I built the rig 3-4 years ago.

AMD 6400+ Dual Core
XFX GT 8600
OCZ PSU 750W
4 GB Crucial RAM
ASUS Mobo (Forget exact Model)

http://img80.imageshack.us/img80/5158/photo4cn.jpg

 

Hi

From the screenshot it looks as if you are using Windows 7. If that is the case, did you recently upgrade from Windows Vista, or Windows XP? It's possible that the video drivers are corrupted, or that the Windows 7 drivers aren't working properly for the graphics card.

However, on that note in mind, and also noticing it happens at the POST screen (BIOS status, etc.), think about this as well:

I had a few issues, not sure what caused what. I had issues with the motherboard, my graphics card (only a month old, MSI did a faulty design on the card, as I wasn't the only one with the issue), and bent pins on my CPU. My issues included the following: the keyboard and mouse I'd been using for years stopped working properly (though a different model keyboard and mouse by the same manufacturer worked fine), I got the weird BIOS screens, computer would freeze randomly (had to do a hard reset or shutdown/start) and I mean RANDOMLY... sometimes it would work for minutes, sometimes days. The freezes were due to the graphics card, never figured out exactly which was causing the BIOS screens, but the keyboard and mouse issue were definitely due to the motherboard (I bought a replacement motherboard from eBay as it's an old board). I don't know if any issues were caused by the bent pins on the CPU, but I was able to straighten them (talk about needing patience and a steady hand... heh).

Your issue COULD be the graphics card, or the motherboard slot its in, if it's not a driver issue. Just remember that when you install the graphics card, there's a BIOS on the graphics card that changes how it works with even the screens before Windows, and I BELIEVE that the drivers mess with the BIOS controllers on the actual card.

 

That I am running Win 7, 64-bit. Before reading your post I tore apart my computer and put it back together and reset the mobo bios. I am downloading the gfx card driver as we speak and going to attempt to install it if my computer stays on for long enough.

Would using the other PCI port for the GFX card help? Its been a long time since i've done anything besides use computers so im a bit rusty.

 

Yes Pleeb, trying the other PCIe slot on the motherboard could be something to try. In fact, taking the card out and putting it back into the original slot after making sure it's clean ("reseating the card") would be a first step hardware-wise. If reseating the card doesn't help, then try the other PCIe slot.

Also, interesting note: When I got my new graphics card, I downloaded the drivers directly from the manufacturer's website, and had some issues. I uninstalled and installed the drivers from Windows Update instead, and that fixed the driver issues I was having. I know it's strange... not sure why the ones Microsoft gave me were better. I'm also using Windows 7 64 bit.

 

I reseated the card and its a no go, however, it has gotten worse. Now the screen is worse off, even after installing the drivers from nvidias website. Even trying to wipe the OS with a fresh install didn't help the GUI.

http://img515.imageshack.us/img515/1377/photo5bx.jpg

 

Well, my memory's coming back to me... the reason I got a new graphics card is because the one I had was "going bad" as in it was getting worse and worse... sounds much like what you're experiencing. It very well indeed could be that your card is taking a dump.:-o

 

:cry Yeah using the other PCIe slot didn't do it. Still doing the same thing. Time to save up I guess.....

 

(blowing Taps)
Sorry for your loss, but we all gotta go sometime.rolleyes:wave

For me, that's now.:-D
(Too much coffee).

 

Haha yeah it sucks. But luckily I can get a cheap one that is still better then the one I had :-D

Anyone have a brand they like/have had good experience with? I've only had XFX personally, but would like to try another brand.

 

I've had BAD experiences with MSI.

I've had good a good experience with my Gigabyte GTX 470, very solid card. I would recommend Gigabyte myself.

I would recommend at least looking on Newegg and read every review on any card you're looking at. The egg ratings don't always match up with the actual reviews.

 

Yeah I totally agree about Newegg. I love that site. I always read at least 5 review from every Egg rating.