Hey,
I think my Graphics card may be about to go boom. After a while of playing, my screen gets all pixelated with random colours (kinda like TV white noise thingymajig)
Like This
Do you Guys n Gals have any suggestions? Would a new PSU help? or is it time for a new Graphics Card?
Thanks
Rick

P.S. The card in question is an Nvidia GeForce GTS 250 with updated drivers, Driver sweeper used etc
Comments
going out or it could just be too hot for what it is doing.
it certannly could clear up when you boot, (you havent booted yet?)
and if it doesn't clear up on restart, it could clear up after shut down, full power off. it also wouldnt hurt , BEFORE you do anything, to:
0) make sure any PCI PCI-E overclocking is turned off, or that Buss is LOCKED to 100
1) set any overclocking done back to normal , test
2) set the overclocking on the video card BELOW normal, Test
. 2b) when you get it stable at some low point
. 2c) change the clocks for one or the other, and test with fur or gputool, and see WHICH item causes the problem the fastest, the GPU or the Memory.
3) check the temps using any one of the tools
4) skip 0-3 and just crank up the fan
5) blow the freaking dust out and have it start working right all over again, if using a good compressor, try not to break things like fan blades and all.
also what PSU are you using atm?
I would recommend doing what the above poster said and hope that no permanent damage has happened to your card !
Thanks for the responses! I did forget to mention that it does clear on restarting the machine, in fact it clears the moment the desktop disappears to the 'Shutting Down' screen.
I have been monitoring the the temps, and for the pic i showed above, the temp was at 58 degrees c. I have cleaned the system with compressed air, nice n dust free atm.
the PSU is 500w - no clue what brand it is
This only happens 2/3 times a month - random games, random temps. I don't know if its related but I have a daily Issue where the image freezes and can only be 'unlocked' when ctrl+alt+del out.
And tbh, i wouldn't know how, yet alone dare, to overclock lol
Thanks,
Rick
It could be a PSU issue (I don't know how old your PSU is, but as they get older, sometimes even though they're rated fior a certain output, that output drops - which is bad.) It also could be some of the RAM on you video card intself starting to go 'bad'; or an issue the the PCI-E slot on your motherboard. (I agree that at 58C, unless the temp monitor app is mis-reporting; it doesn't appear to be an overheat issue)
I have been looking into the PSU situation and from the many sites i have looked at so far, i am been told i need on average 550 - 650w psu...
so i have decided to try and see if a new one would help - I am tempted to upgrade the entire pc over the coming months. Anyhow, would this psu be any good?
Thanks,
Rick
I have a multimeter for checking voltages from my PSU (my GPU has this option as well) this allows me to see if my PSU is with in 5% of its rails. A power socket monitor that shows total power draw of the item pluged in. With my set up when playing STO the PC draws 300W.
That 700w corsair is a good PSU, I have the TX 650w. But before you buy a new PSU try a few other things first:
1) Use GPU-Z, its software and will monitor: Temp, voltages, Fan speeds, Clock speeds. CPUID will check other system temps and voltages. Check your air flow in the case
2) Make sure your GPU is seated correctly, the monitor lead (both-ends) and power connector in firmly connected. If you have access to one use a multimeter.
3) Use Memtest86 / Prime 95 / 3D mark to check your system can handle power usage and see if its stable when doing so.
4) Do a disk check / Defrag.
5) Re install windows: you state its random crashes, it could be software and not hard ware related.
Its a matter of fault finding and better to check the things that don't cost money first before possible wasting it
Corsair or a Thermaltake black widow. I would spend the extra few dollars and get one that will scale with newer GPUs. I bought my 850 with the expectation that I will eventually replace the GTX 470 I got with it later down the line.
I am sooooooo grateful for all your help, and I am now just trying to decide on a new graphics card hehe - I kinda want a GTX 580 but i dunno lol
Thanks
Rick
Here's what it looked like after the driver update: http://steamcommunity.com/id/koshiir_ra/screenshot/560907770709331125
Here's what it looked like after a file reverify: http://steamcommunity.com/id/koshiir_ra/screenshot/560907770709897902
Black blocks go all over the screen and the game freezes after a few seconds. GPU is a 560ti, and its reporting in at about 60C when the game is up, so I doubt its overheating.
EDIT: I did manage to get into game by turning down all the graphics settings after quickly exiting to the login screen. However, almost everyone now has blue faces. Like the Blue Man Group invaded STO or something. http://steamcommunity.com/id/koshiir_ra/screenshot/560907770710034280
EDIT2: Deleted the piggs and re-downloaded the files, got the blue problem to go away. Game still goes pixelly and froze when I tried to turn the shadows up above low.
EDIT3: Deleted the piggs again after I found a few lingering errors with character headshots. Also remembered to delete the Tribble piggs so I get a fresh install. No problems yet.
got 700w.....its sooo much quieter than the old 'thing' I had hehe
My task is to talk my other half around so i can spend the money on the 580. I'll keep ya posted
Rick