Video Failure

I have an Alienware computer 64 bit-my AMD 5670 video card quits randomly and then I have to do a hard shut down. I ran a system test on it and it says Failure while writing and reading video memory. Do I need to buy a new graphics card? As you can tell I dont know much. Will appreciate any help.

 

It looks that way because of the errors when reading and writing to the video card's RAM. Also make sure to clear out any dust or fluff from inside the case first as the failure could be due to overheating. Since it's an Alienware, I know it's used for gaming and will generate a lot of heat. If possible, get a card with the cooling unit attached. If not possible, make sure to apply a thin layer of thermal paste (like Artic Ice) between the card and the cooling unit.

 

Tyvm-where do you buy Arctic Ice?

 

You can get it at Walmart (listed as Artic Silver — it's the same). Before applying, you'll need to clean the cooling unit and the top of the GPU with either 90% isopropyl alcohol or the cleaning agent also listed on the page I linked you to.