Is my GPU dead/dying?

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schindlj

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Feb 8, 2013
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10,510
I have been using this computer for a long time and everything has been running perfectly until recently. Now on startup, my screens artifact, having a checkerboard green pattern on the screen, then it eventually either goes black, or blue screens.

Everything on the mobo is set to Auto, and the temps on occation have reached 90C on the GPU.

I have not not cleaned the actual gpu or cpu heatsink in almost a year (which i know could be causing this)

Does it just need to be cleaned? Or could it possibly be a more serious issue i am dealing with?

If i put in a newer amd/ati gpu, would that be able to see if it is a gpu issue?

ATI 4870 (i believe will doublecheck at home)
intel core 2 duo 3.5ghz
8g ddr2 ram
Antec 1200 case

I am planning on building a new pc when I get the money (which wont be until oct/nov) Just curious if there is a way to salvage this rig until then.

*update* I already tried using each screen individually. It makes it take a little longer( i actually get to the desktop before it starts to artifact and cut-out). Which is why I am hoping that it is just an overheating issue.
 
Solution
coozie7
Artifacts or screen corruption on startup are usually bad news and point to a dead or dying card.
It's not likely to be caused either by heat (cold start, no time for the temperatures to rise) or drivers (they do n't load until much later during the boot process).
It may just be down to the card/slot connection becoming poor over time, so remove and reseat the card. While it's out give it a close inspection, look for burnt/discoloured marks on the circuit board and signs of damaged capacitors, they should be nicely cylindrical with flat tops, and no signs of leakage.
If it looks like any of these:

http://www.playtool.com/pages/artifacts/artifacts.html

You're probably looking for a replacement, though :(.
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brett1042002

brett1042002

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Jun 17, 2009
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Blow out the system, and re-apply new thermal compound on both the GPU and CPU. Thermal paste tends to wear out and lose its effectiveness over the years. Basically, it gets hard and crusty. Try that then check temps again.

Arctic Silver 5 is a good compound to use.
 
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hizodge

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Nov 22, 2012
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11,160
I think it would be rather optimistic to think that overheat could be caused by built-up dust or worn off thermal paste during cold boot. You say you have multiple screens? Try plugging one off and see if it helps out and if they both work seperately. If not, then yeah I'd bet money that your GPU is toast.
 
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coozie7

coozie7

Champion
Jun 2, 2007
10,015
10
59,215
Artifacts or screen corruption on startup are usually bad news and point to a dead or dying card.
It's not likely to be caused either by heat (cold start, no time for the temperatures to rise) or drivers (they do n't load until much later during the boot process).
It may just be down to the card/slot connection becoming poor over time, so remove and reseat the card. While it's out give it a close inspection, look for burnt/discoloured marks on the circuit board and signs of damaged capacitors, they should be nicely cylindrical with flat tops, and no signs of leakage.
If it looks like any of these:

http://www.playtool.com/pages/artifacts/artifacts.html

You're probably looking for a replacement, though :(.
 
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Solution
S

schindlj

Honorable
Feb 8, 2013
11
0
10,510
The card ended up being dead. My screen looked like the bad ram screen. Since the rest of the computer is so old anyway, I am going to just try and make some cash on it. Friend might buy some of it.
 
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