During games my computer locks up, then BSOD

[nitenichiryu1]

Hello everyone,

First this is my setup:

Windows 7 64bit
ep45-ud3p
q9450 @3.52ghz with tuniq
ddr2 1100 f2-8800 g.skill 4gb
corsair 620hx
x-fi titanium
8800gts 512

It all started when I was playing cod4: mw2. The game lagged, artifacts appeared on the screen, the screen froze, and then I got a BSOD and the computer restart. After that, I opened wow and once I got to the character screen, the same thing happened. I immediately downloaded the latest 196.21 drivers by Nvidia, and that didn't help at all since both games still gave me a BSOD.

The only modification I made to my computer was updating itunes/quicktime. Before all of this, my computer had been working fine with no hiccups whatsoever. I checked temps, ran virus scans, and tried switching between three of the last Nvidia drivers since last October. I even did system restore to a few days before it started happening, and it still happened.

Can anyone give me advise me on what to do next? I'm really not sure what to do D=. I appreciate any and all help.

 

[nitenichiryu1]

Update:

My computer will no longer start in normal mode, only in safe mode. When the computer boots up, the gigabyte logo has dots and artifacts all over the screen. Once the screen gets to the "verifying data" part, all the text is now in symbols and gibberish. If i go to the bios, the letters are also distorted.

If i try to go into normal mode from there i just get another blue screen saying "attempt to reset the display driver and recover from timeout failed." I'm sure it has something to do with my video card, but I want to be absolutely sure. Anyone have any ideas? Suggestions? Again, your help is much appreciated.

 

[bigboxes]

Try another card. I keep a cheap-o around just to troubleshoot. If not do you have a nearby friend that has a card your could try? Did you reseat the card?

 

[pcgeek11]

Update:

My computer will no longer start in normal mode, only in safe mode. When the computer boots up, the gigabyte logo has dots and artifacts all over the screen. Once the screen gets to the "verifying data" part, all the text is now in symbols and gibberish. If i go to the bios, the letters are also distorted.

This is indicative of the video card going bye bye! There are no drivers at this point and everything is being handled by firmware and hardware.


pcgeek11

 

[Soundmanred]

try pc defrag on your pc..

Fail on the defrag recommendation, and what's with the "webstatscounter" thing?

 

[nitenichiryu1]

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'm going to try out another video card today, and see if that works. Again, thanks for the help! I'll update once i get the chance to put in another card.

 

[nitenichiryu1]

So I picked up a new card and installed it. That seemed to solve the issue. Thanks again for your help, everyone. Unfortunately, I had registered my 8800gts 512 too late so EVGA couldn't do anything to help me when I called them. Now i just have a huge paperweight sitting around =/.

 

[billyb0b]

what new card did u put in?

 

[nitenichiryu1]

I put in a maxcore 55 gtx260. It's definitely an upgrade and I like it, but I do wish my 8800gts 512 held on a bit longer.

 

[Grimbones]

The exact same thing happened to me with an EVGA not too long ago...Now, i should say, that i used a different (thinner) power cord in my PSU when this happened. Same artifacts and everything, only ran without drivers...but still had the artifacts. Careful with power cables!

 

[Udgnim]

bake your old video card for shits and giggles

http://www.hardforum.com/showthread.php?t=1421792

 

[nitenichiryu1]

hmmm...That baking thing sounds like a good idea, haha.

 

[johnpombrio]

This may be too late, but the DVI cable may have wiggled loose on your old card (ask me how i know this issue). Before you recycle it, try it once more, for old times sake.