Need Help

[PSYCHO V]

I'm having a prob with my PC.

One day out of the blue it started doing this.



I hadn't started any programs or even connected to the net. Just booted up and it happened.


Any ideas what the problem is?

[Mikeus Caesar]

The most likely problem is that your graphics card has passed its best before date and is no longer fit for human consumption.

In normal speak, your graphics card is now worthless.

[LeftEyeNine]

I advise a monitor check. Pins at the end of the cable may be damaged -but may be repaired if you're lucky enough.

[drone]

I doubt it's the monitor, since a printscreen image would show up as normal when displayed on another computer. My guess is that the video card is on it's last legs. I don't know the exact mechanism of the printscreen capability, if it's saving the image from the vid-card memory then it's time for a new card.

[Spino]

I assumed you rebooted multiple times to see if the problem corrected itself?

I once had a defective Radeon 9700 that displayed a similar picture. Not sure what caused the problem though. I do recall reading online that people who experienced similar graphic artifacting said it was due to overheating. Anyway since it was brand new I RMA'ed it immediately and got a new one.

Your problem might be related to overheating or possibly a bad component or memory chip. If your 3D card is still under warranty or the store/reseller RMA policy is still applicable then take immediate action to get it replaced. If it is no longer under warranty or the like then check to see if the card is seated properly in the AGP or PCI-ex slot. Also check to see if the fan is spinning properly and isn't clogged with dust and particles. If it is then clean it out thoroughly with high pressure air or a soft brush. If this doesn't do jack and you're feeling adventurous consider removing the heatsink/fan, cleaning off the old thermal paste or pad from the chip & heatsink/fan and applying quality thermal paste like Artic Silver.

[PSYCHO V]

Thanks guys, appreciate the help. I'm not great with technical stuff like this.

Ok..

• Nortons didn't find a virus.
• Scan disk didn't fix it but appeared to disabled mouse after running.
• I've checked the cables and they seem ok.
• I've unplugged and replugged the monitor
• I've reset monitor to default settings
• I can't check the monitor on another PC, or vice versa. Have only one of each
• I get ghosting when moving menus

I assumed you rebooted multiple times to see if the problem corrected itself?.

Yup, on reboot it usually clears for a second but then reappears.

I once had a defective Radeon 9700 that displayed a similar picture. Not sure what caused the problem though. I do recall reading online that people who experienced similar graphic artifacting said it was due to overheating. Anyway since it was brand new I RMA'ed it immediately and got a new one..

Yer, my card is a Radeon 9800 pro 128 MB. I've worked it pretty hard over the past 3 years.

Your problem might be related to overheating or possibly a bad component or memory chip. If your 3D card is still under warranty or the store/reseller RMA policy is still applicable then take immediate action to get it replaced. If it is no longer under warranty or the like then check to see if the card is seated properly in the AGP or PCI-ex slot. Also check to see if the fan is spinning properly and isn't clogged with dust and particles. If it is then clean it out thoroughly with high pressure air or a soft brush. If this doesn't do jack and you're feeling adventurous consider removing the heatsink/fan, cleaning off the old thermal paste or pad from the chip & heatsink/fan and applying quality thermal paste like Artic Silver.

Thanks, I'll give it a go.

my2bob