Curse

makosi · Dec 03, 2006, 04:15 PM // 16:15

As of this morning, my graphics have been distorted by hazy blockyness. This applies to the pre-windows screens (at the BIOS screen etc) and on my desktop. I'm 99% sure its a Graphics card issue but I don't know if it can be resolved and was wondering if its fixable or fit for the bin.

Sometimes the blockyness goes away with the occasional flash of artifacts.

P4 HT 3.00Ghz
1 Gig of RAM
Radeon X800XT PE
WinXP

The Graphics temperature never exceeds 85 degrees according to the Catalyst Control Center that comes with the driver which i believe is safe (is it?)

I've re-installed the ATI drivers and cleared any notable dust from inside the case. Any ideas?

ducktape · Dec 04, 2006, 08:52 PM // 20:52

85C or 85F? 85C is kinda hot, and since the blurring is visible when you take a screenshot, you're right that it's your video card.

Take off the side of your case and get a fan from somewhere in your house. Put the fan right next to the open side of your case and have it blow air on your video card. If your video card is overheating, this will make it work normally again. If the fan helps, you just need to add more fans to your case. If the fan does not help, your video card could be permanently damaged already.

If the fan does not help...you mentioned you cleaned out some dust from your computer, perhaps you need to get a can of compressed air and blow out any dust that's inside your video card slot.

makosi · Dec 04, 2006, 11:22 PM // 23:22

Ok, so my PC spntaneously mended itself and I *touch wood* don't seem to have this problem anymore.

Thanks for the tips though, ducktape. I reckon it was due to overheating from the central heating as its December and I'm in Scotland so its permanently on.

Sleeve · Dec 08, 2006, 08:40 PM // 20:40

aside from heat, the problem could also have been tied to bad ram on the video card.

just throwing it out there.