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Resolved Question

computer failure, probably graphics card?

by Mar 23, 2015 9:09PM PDT

5 years old computer. specs:


Processor: AMD Phenom II 955
Motherboard: Asus M4A79XTD Evo
Video Card: asus 250 gts
Hard Disc Drive: Western Digital Blue caviar Blue 500 GB
RAM: 8 gigs kingston (2x4gig)
Network card: Linksys Wireless-N WMP 600 N)
Power Supply: Antec Basiq PS 550W


Problems: about a week ago the issue started with 2 games (europa universalis 4 & kerbal space program) crashing/rebooting the computer. A few seconds before the crash everything turned into 8-bit colours and became unresponsive, then the system restarted.


This happened 2 times then nothing. This morning however, the computer screen will turn black for a few seconds, then turn online again with a message saying "the display driver has stopped responding and has recovered". This happens about 2/3 times, then the sytem will BSOD and reboot. I want to note that this happened while only Firefox & Mozilla Thunderbird were open (and assorted security programs such as firewall, antivirus etc...). Every time I restart the system it shows this issue.


I am currently typing this on the same computer, but in safe mode with networking. While the system seems very stable compared to previous, there are faint vertical, azure dotted lines (azure against a white background, red against a black background), grouped together but with 5 groups across the screen.


SO: I think my graphics card is giving up the ghost. 1. correct?

2. I intended to build a completely new system in august, but right now I can't afford to do a completely new build. The graphics card I was considering for that new system is the nvidia gtx 960. Assuming that the issue lies with the graphics card, can I replace it with a 960, specifically in terms of power supply useage and motherboard compatibility?

Discussion is locked

hogfather_2010 has chosen the best answer to their question. View answer
4 Posts
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Best Answer

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#2
by Mar 24, 2015 1:25AM PDT

The 250 uses a pcie x16 slot.
The 960 uses a pcie x16 slot.
So that should be a go.

The 250 is a 145w card.
The 960 is a 120w card.
So that should be a go.

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Answer
One can never be sure
by Forum moderator Mar 24, 2015 12:22AM PDT

But the symptom is consistent with video card trouble. It may be too late but did you keep the heatsinks clean over the years with canned air?
Bob

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well
by hogfather_2010 Mar 24, 2015 1:52AM PDT

I have tried to keep it relatively dust-free over the years, but not enough. Some of the dust was very ... attached to the heatsink and all but impossible to remove. When I removed the gpu it smelled rather unsavory, so I think we know the issue. Time to dig into the wallet and get a new one.

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I've seen layered dirt with what looked like tar.
by r. proffitt Forum moderator Mar 24, 2015 1:58AM PDT

It was from folk that smoke and to clean it I had to get out the alcohol spray and brush. Leaving that layer there is not a good thing since it works as an blanket keeping the heat in.

Another area while you are working on the machine is to be sure there's a lot of air flow through the case. It varies a lot but I use many of the old school tricks like punching holes in the side cover to another exhaust top vent hole.
Bob

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