problem: pixel "popping" on Radeon 9500

[PremiumG]

I'm running a Radeon 9500 non pro right now that i bought refurbished. It is Sapphire OEM 128 MB version.

Anyway, during some demos and such, sometimes i notice pixel "popping". That is sometimes pixels just sparatically change to white or black or something while rendering. Everything else seems normal. Is this ok?

Just to clear things up, pixel popping; i don't know if there is an actual term for it or anything. I am not getting checkerboard effects. I am not overclocking this card. It is running stock speed. Sometimes a pixel or two will go out. Normal? Should I underclock to see?

I have heard it is possibly due to line noise since the 9500 uses a 12V connection to PSU. Mebbe? I'm running a pretty underpowered PSU (300W), running NF7-S, 2 IDE devices, 2 Optical drives, 1 gig memory. Is that a factor?

 

[sodcha0s]

Not normal, rma the card if you can. I bought a brand new Sapphire 9000Pro earlier this year and it was a piece of junk, so I returned it. I would stay away from Sapphire.

 

[Rogozhin]

Hm

sapphire is the OEM maker for built by ati cards so I don't think these troubles are representative of the company itself (I have a sapphire 9700 non pro that is EXCATLY the same card as the built by ati 9700 (even says built by ati on the fan).

That pixel popping isn't a good sign-seems to sound like hardware problem-rma if possible or try it in a different rig to see if it quites.

rogo