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September 24, 2014 7:42:11 AM

I have currently been trying to track down some issues I've been having with my graphics card. I'm a novice at computers but have been working hard to figure this out so bare with me. I have been bsod atikmdag and 0xa0000001 errors. also I have had drivers not responding and recovering from crashes. My display is sometimes pixeled. I have a asus amd 6900. I have tried re downloading drivers installing without ccc. Stupid as this sounds I have opened my case and touched my pce cables which sometimes fixes my display. I relized my card seems quite hot. My next step will be to remove the cover and attempt to check my thermal paste. This card is close to 3 years old. I just want to make sure I have done everything in my power to solve this issue before purchasing another one if this is the problem. Can faulty cables cause amy of these issues such as bsod. Thanks for the support and time.

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September 24, 2014 7:50:05 AM

Start by running your PC with the side off - if this fixes it, the problem is that your graphics card is getting too hot.

You could also try reseating it (literally, taking it out and putting it back in) and do check all the cables to it (if any) are properly attached.

Do list your full spec as well...
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September 24, 2014 10:14:36 AM

I had an issue before with temp so I removed sides and that fixed that issue. Now it is the graphics caRd issue. I removed the card and changed slots which did not change anything. The cables look ok but it may be something I cannot see.

Asus sabertooth 990fx mobo
Asus amd 6900 graphics card
8 gb ripsaw
1100 phenom processor

I'm curious if applying new thermal paste to it since it is older would help.

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September 24, 2014 10:49:41 AM

Replacing the thermal paste (sometimes called TIM or Thermal Interface Material) sounds like a good idea but it's quite involved for a novice and there is another option that may help.
Pop down to your local computer store and ask for a can of cleaning air/gas, they'll know what your mean.
Power down the system, remove the power cord (important), then take out the graphics card.
Try to hold the card by its edges so you don't get fingerprints on the circuit board, the grease attracts dust.
Using a cotton bud or old toothbrush, carefully clean the cooling fan blades, making sure to get all the stuff off both sides of the blades.
Go outside and use the gas to blow the card heatsink clean.
The gas should be blown 'backwards', towards the fan (or fans) and not through them.
Use fairly short blasts and either look away or wear eye protection when using the gas, even normal glasses are better than nothing, and try to aim the gas stream away from your face.
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September 24, 2014 11:07:41 AM

This could solve atikmdag issue and 0xa0000001 errors?
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September 24, 2014 11:25:57 AM

Perhaps, it depends on the exact cause, but if you've not cleaned the card out for a while, it's a good idea.
Try using GPUZ to check the card temperatures, if it's running hot (as I suspect) that could very well be the reason for your problems.
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