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    Help with graphics card

    Discussion in 'Gaming (Software and Graphics Cards)' started by solster, Nov 5, 2009.

  1. solster

    solster Notebook Enthusiast

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    Hey Guys,

    I've been getting issues with my graphics card, i've tried underclocking it, undervolting the CPU, Zalman cooler, window open next to me (freezing me arse off), and i keep getting these artifacts.

    i ran the game in Windowed Mode, and the artifacts only happen in the game window.

    nothing goes wrong unless i run games.

    ive attached a screenshot

    anyone got any advice?
     

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  2. lidowxx

    lidowxx Notebook Deity

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    Did you monitor the temp of your video card? Could be overheating that caused the issue.
     
  3. fred2028

    fred2028 Sexy member

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    Could be defective GPU?
     
  4. solster

    solster Notebook Enthusiast

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    cant monitor the temps of the GPU, its an x1800 (Mobility). the card is a year old now. its an Alienware m5550 laptop, always has overheating issues.

    so im guessing its fried the card?

    temps of the CPU is about 70
     
  5. Reaper05

    Reaper05 Notebook Evangelist

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    i hope that cpu temp is max not idle. and yes the card is dying id get a hold of alienware and tell them what is wrong and try to get it replaced
     
  6. solster

    solster Notebook Enthusiast

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    nah its about 40 on boot and 55 idle. none of those numbers are good i know.

    i contacted alienware a while ago, coz the laptop is over 12months old they dont care :(
     
  7. KingRaptor

    KingRaptor Notebook Evangelist

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    Try taking some compressed air and blow out the dust in the vents. You'd be amazed at what laptop fans can pick up and trap inside the heat sink after just 6 months
     
  8. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    ATI Tray Tools might be able to monitor the temps.

    but the GPU is probably overheating... make sure:
    - you have the vents clean
    - and a new application of thermal compound on the GPU.
     
  9. solster

    solster Notebook Enthusiast

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    I did try and clean the vents, but will give it another go, cant hurt.

    I left it out the window the other day, cleaned the crap out of it. Booted up at 22 degrees. idled at just slightly higher, loaded a game up, 1 hour later... BOOM shut down, overheating im guessing the logs of RMClock showed at 78 degrees.

    ATi Tool cant monitor the temps, i tried it, I also used it to underclock the GPU. Unfortunately this card has no temp sensor, I will never buy a card that doesn't have a temp sensor again. Its such a key feature.