Weird squares and lines in games?

Picnics

Commendable
Oct 11, 2016
26
0
1,530
I have tried everything I could think of aside from getting a new graphics card. What normally happens is, I open a game (so far, any game like skyrim, elder scrolls online, black desert online, and saints row) and black squares (or squares that kinda distort the background) appear, and occasionally it leads to the entire game freezing up, showing a large colorful whatever that ends up crashing the game itself. Usually if the black squares show up in a game, it shows up on my browser, and other applications after I quit the game. And, in skyrim, when I look around, it seems like some textures are being stretched out. Here are a couple of examples:
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I don't think it's my gpu overheating because with the games open, it goes to 54°C. I have absolutely no idea how to fix this, or even what exactly to search for in google. I would appreciate any help at all.
 
Solution
If you haven't done it yourself already, nothing to worry about.

Completely uninstall your video drivers, then run the latest installer.
Your video drivers are under programs and features.

Dovawulf

Reputable
Sep 22, 2014
30
0
4,560
It's possible that your GPU is having hardware failures. What you're experiencing is called artifacts.
Here's a couple of things to try that can rule out hardware failure:

Ensure your GPU is not overclocked or undervolted, and try again.

Reinstall your video drivers.


It could also just be an issue within Windows, or possible hardware incompatibility.

Weird possible fix if it's a hardware failure:
If you're sure it's none of these problems, look up graphics card baking. Crazy, but it works rather often.
If it doesn't, you're left with a dead GPU or at least stuck with the same problem.
 

Picnics

Commendable
Oct 11, 2016
26
0
1,530


How do I check if my GPU is overclocked or undervolted? Also, what is the best way to reinstall my drivers?
 

Dovawulf

Reputable
Sep 22, 2014
30
0
4,560
If you haven't done it yourself already, nothing to worry about.

Completely uninstall your video drivers, then run the latest installer.
Your video drivers are under programs and features.
 
Solution