Weird video graphics problem Vol. 2

[Fixxxer]

I didn't want to flood MONO's thread with my problems.

I was playing some GTA:SA the other day and all was fine. Suddenly, everything on my screen went from the graphics of the game to just a bunch of abstract triangles jumping all over the screen. Now when I boot up my PC there are distorted verticle pixelated lines on the screen.

I was curious if anyone had any idea what this problem is.

[Lazerblade]

I had this problem with an older nVidia card, about a year ago, maybe less, I forget exactly when I got my Radeon. Anyway, it turns out my nVidia card was just about dead. Heat issues, dust, a component coming loose from extensive use, a variety of hardware failure issues could potentially be the problem. For any video issue, the first thing I'd do is uninstall and re-install drivers. Persisting problems would lead me to removing the card from the board, cleaning the card and the slot, and re-inserting the card after inspecting it for heat or worn component issues. I've seen cards with like a transistor or capacitor loose but the card still works, although very quirky.

If after all of that you still have problems, it may be time to look at a new card. Although you may want to test the card in a different machine to make sure it isn't the slot or something else, or test a different vidcard in the same machine. That's why I keep my older video cards.

[Fixxxer]

Yeah I was thinking heating, but nothing on my system changed. The vid card fan still works, there's no physical signs of over heating. All my case/CPU/PSU fans are still working. It just went poof.

I'll have to see about swaping the vid card with another to find out for sure, but I'm too poor right now to replace it, so I hope that isn't the problem. If it is, I'll be on my laptop and PC gameless for quite some time.

:sad:

[RedTornado]

Dust accumulates over time and blocks air as well as wears out fans. If you have an X800 or later then you can check your temperatures via ATI Catalyst Control Center (CCC), ATI Tool, or ATI Tray Tools.

The GPU might also be dying, although that is rarer instance.

[MindlessOath]

GPU bga chips overheat and damage OR the balls on the BGA loosen ie cold solder, sometimes they can be repaired, other times they need to replace the chip if its damaged, or reballed if its not repairable with a reflow.

take it to a servicer if its not software issue, or just buy a new one (its probably to much money to service it, unless its under warrantee - check that out.