Help diagnosing video artifacts and crashes

[ViperX2]

So I've been getting a lot of artifacts and crashes when playing games.

Here are my specs:
evga 680i MB
PNY 8800gt
Core 2 Duo 6600
2GB corsair DDR2 PC26400 (800 MHz)
Raptor 10,000 RPM 74GB / WD 7200 RPM 250 GB
650W PSU

At first I thought it was my the 8800gt, but I replaced it with my old 7600gt and even though it would not get all the artifacts I still get crashes some time, although not as often. Because of this I'm starting to think that it may not be my video card. I have tried using the other PCI Express slot on the mother board, but still same results with both video cards. I'm leaning toward a MB or PSU malfunction but I'm not sure, and wanted to get some input before I go pick up some new hardware. I have tried many different settings on my MB's bios including the default settings.

I would appreciate any ideas of what the problem could be and/or suggestions for tests to determine the problem. Also if anyone knows any settings I could adjust in the MB's BIOS that could stabilize my system.

Thanks.

 

[CurseTheSky]

What are your PSU voltages reported in BIOS? BIOS readings aren't the greatest way, but it's not bad for getting a quick idea of what might be happening. Also, what brand is that PSU?

Any chance your room / case are EXTREMELY hot? Try running with the side panel off and a fan blowing in and see if anything improves. Other than that, I'd guess driver issues (might be time for a reformat / reinstall).

 

[ViperX2]

My PSU is a Thermaltake PurePower 600AP 600W not 650W, my mistake. Here are the voltage ratings I could find in the BIOS:

CPU Core 1.28
CPU FSB 1.2
Memory 1.850
nForce SPP 1.2
nForce MCP 1.5
HT nForce SPP<->MCP 1.2

 

[ViperX2]

Oh ya and my temps are ok.

 

[ViperX2]

Also another thing I noticed is that it is much worse when I'm not running the game at the native resolution of my LCD.

 

[ViperX2]

SpeedFan says my +12V is 11.19V, is this too low?

 

[kmmatney]

Originally posted by: ViperX2
SpeedFan says my +12V is 11.19V, is this too low?

That seems too low, but see if you can check the 12V voltage in teh BIOS as well, as Speedfan may be wrong. Does the 5V look OK?

 

[ViperX2]

I checked the BIOS and they all seem ok.

 

[ViperX2]

I ran the Nvidia stability test and it crashed with the error:

GLUT: nvcplui.exe Application Error

The instruction at "0x00000000" referenced memory at "0x00000000". The memory could not be "read"

Should I just reinstall windows?