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Is my video card dying?

lionheart_mlionheart_m Registered User regular
edited May 2012 in Moe's Stupid Technology Tavern
I'm having some odd issues with my video card. During these past few days I've started getting artifacts when I boot up and during regular use. Sometimes after a few tries, they go away. Is it my vid card? Or is it something else like the Power Supply? I've tried booting up with onboard video with no issues so far.

3DS: 5069-4122-2826 / WiiU: Lionheart-m / PSN: lionheart_m / Steam: lionheart_jg
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Posts

  • GnomeTankGnomeTank What the what? Portland, OregonRegistered User regular
    edited May 2012
    Artifacts are almost always the video card going, usually due to thermal stress. If it's happening while you're just cruising around Windows, not playing a game, then it's definitely on it's way out. You may try yanking the card and cleaning out the fan and heat sink of all dust. If it's been a while since this was done, you may have to take the heat sink off to get it completely clean.

    That may get you some more usage, but once a video card starts to artifact at low heat levels like you're describing, it's generally on it's last legs.

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    Sagroth wrote: »
    Oh c'mon FyreWulff, no one's gonna pay to visit Uranus.
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  • AlectharAlecthar Alan Shore We're not territorial about that sort of thing, are we?Registered User regular
    To be fair, if the fan is having issues and/or dust buildup is truly heinous, it might be artifacting at high heat levels despite otherwise undemanding tasks. A physical check of the card is definitely warranted.

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  • GnomeTankGnomeTank What the what? Portland, OregonRegistered User regular
    What he describes is artifacting at low heat levels. Agreed, check out the card, but if it's artifacting at low heat levels (aka 2D mode, at the desktop), it's probably a goner in short order.

    Sagroth wrote: »
    Oh c'mon FyreWulff, no one's gonna pay to visit Uranus.
    Steam: Brainling, XBL / PSN: GnomeTank, NintendoID: Brainling, FF14: Zillius Rosh SFV: Brainling
  • lionheart_mlionheart_m Registered User regular
    Low heat levels and the case is clean...dammit. Stupid card was at most 7 months old and I lost the damn receipt. Time to hit the computer build thread...

    Thanks guys!

    3DS: 5069-4122-2826 / WiiU: Lionheart-m / PSN: lionheart_m / Steam: lionheart_jg
  • punkpunk Professional Network Nerd Phoenix, AZRegistered User regular
    lionheart_m wrote: »
    Low heat levels and the case is clean...dammit. Stupid card was at most 7 months old and I lost the damn receipt. Time to hit the computer build thread...

    Thanks guys!

    RMA it with the manufacturer. They usually do not require a receipt, at least in my experience. Do not lose hope, friend!

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