Graphical corruption

[pacha_uk]

Does anyone know what could cause my graphics to suddenly corrupt while playing games? I'll be happily playing C&C 3 when this happens:

The game doesnt crash, but the graphics go nuts. After about 10-20 seconds, the pc normally does crash unless I manage to exit out of the game. In this case, the graphics are still messed up in windows until I reboot the pc.

This only happens in relatively newer games like C&C3, NFS Pro Street, NWN 2, Mass Effect and a bunch of others.

I'm thinking an overheating issue? My graphics card is at about 50 C in windows which seems ok to me. System specs below:

core2duo e6300
2x1gb 800mhz ddr2 ram
256mb radeon x1950 pro
win xp sp2

 

[ridinondub247]

did you overclock ur card?

 

[rubix_1011]

PSU isn't delivering consistent power, your card might not be completely seated in the slot, corrupt drivers?

 

[pacha_uk]

Thanks for the quick replies guys!

ridinondub247 -> Nope, I've never overclocked the card

rubix_1011 -> I've tried several versions of the ati driver, none make any difference. The card also seems to be stable in its pcie slot. How would I check if its the PSU? I unfortunately dont have another psu around which has a pcie connector for the graphics card