Sudden image corruption problem

[Arcum2]

Sometimes when I am playing games or just surfing the net, my computer screen will all of a sudden go wierd colors and I can't read the screen and I must reboot. Now the computer doesn't freeze, i.e. I can still move the mouse around and I see different colors, but it becomes unusable and needs to be restarted.

I have tried underclocking my video card (9700), but the problem still remains. Is this due to a virus or a video card problem? I have changed drivers, all have the same affect.

Please help.

 

[rbV5]

It was my Power Supply when I had a similar issue with my AIW 9700pro. Check your voltage rails with a monitor program. My +12v rail would drop to 10. something and instant graphic corruption similar to what you describe.

 

[Arcum2]

I checked and the voltage is around 13. I guess I need a new P/S.

 

[rbV5]

Originally posted by: Arcum2
I checked and the voltage is around 13. I guess I need a new P/S.

Those readings could be fine if you are using a software monitor, and what you mean by "around". The key with mine would be the drop in voltage from a normal reading followed immediately by the corruption. It got progressively worse over time.

 

[Arcum2]

It's at 13.056 using PC Probe. Some users on another forum suggested the video card fan may need cleaning, so I'll try that out.