Random Artifacts

[rainbowdog]

I just bought a brand new computer, and the day I started it up there were artifacts on the screen. I figured it was the graphics card so I switched it out. No dice, same problem. I tried switching two cards in between two slots trying to find the problem. No combination deemed any results, so I figured it was my motherboard. I RMA'd my motherboard and got a brand new one, and I'm STILL getting the problem. I'm not sure what is causing this, but I'm getting very random artifacts on random images and severe artifacts in games.

Both of the graphics cards used are 9800gt. The motherboard is an Asus M4A78T-E.

Here's a picture of google images:

I tried getting a screenshot of one of my games but it would either turn out black or would print screen the windows on the desktop, like the game wasn't even there. The game I try to play, Heroes of Newerth, is absolutely unplayable.

Can anyone help me troubleshoot this?

 

[bystander]

Could your harddrive be corrupted? Do you have a spare harddrive you could attempt to install windows 7 fresh?

 

[bystander]

Also, what is your PSU?

 

[rainbowdog]

My PSU is an Antek Neo ECO 400w. I'm going to try the harddrive thing right now

 

[rainbowdog]

Tried hardrive. Didn't work.

 

[bystander]

The 9800GT requires a minimum of 400 watts. If your PSU isn't performing properly or going bad, it could be causing these issues.

 

[rainbowdog]

why would psu be creating such artifacts?"

 

[bystander]

If it's not getting enough power, it will may make errors in calculations.

I'm not saying it is the PSU, just that you might want to test it.

 

[swifty_morgan]

you can have a 1000 watt power supply. if it only pushes 10amps it isn't worth a crap.

 

[iggybeans]

I was going to question your calling this an artifact till I saw your picture. Those definitely LOOK like artifacts. Have you tried a different display? I've occasionally had problems with my display due to a bad connection, cable, or display.

 

[bystander]

The thing that is odd, is it is effecting random images, it's not artifacting across the whole screen. It could be corrupted image files or being read incorrectly.

 

[rainbowdog]

Figured it out FINALLY. had to change my processor from quad core back to duel core.

 

[nforce4max]

The 9800GT requires a minimum of 400 watts. If your PSU isn't performing properly or going bad, it could be causing these issues.

400w for just a card <_< that is 150w more than a GTX 470. Actually to run one card that psu is enough unless there is defect. However each card under max overclocking and load can only draw 105w on stock volts. For sli a 400w unit isn't going to cut it. The only way to make sure that it is not due to low voltage from the psu is to measure the boot up value (in bios) the voltage on the 12v source/rail and then check with in windows by the use of a utility. Any thing bellow 11.5v on the 12v rail warrants a upgrade or replacement as you go low stability gets worse. Also if possible test each card separately to see if there is any results if not try them in another machine as both could be duds.