PC hardware forum: Pixelated screen, bsod

That was one thing I did. Took the videocard out and subjected it to a healthy dose of compressed air. Also cleaned the pc as well.

So by your recommendation, are you suggesting it is the videocard that is the problem. Hardware issue and not software?

You didn't write if there was a lot of dust or if you replaced the heat sink compound but the pixelated screen and crash is typical of a video card with heat issues. That heatsink compound does dry out and again, it's a dollar item so I always wipe the old off and apply fresh.

Age matters, and we always check for BAD CAPS on the boards. Google BAD CAPS for pictures.
Bob

I only dusted it out, and yes there was quite a lot of dust. I have not replaced the heatsink compound.
I have a feeling it is related to heat issues as well, now that you mention it.

Though, are my issues reversible? If I am cold booting up the computer and I already see pixelated screens, does that mean the videocard is already permanently, irreversibly damaged?

If there is still hope, then I will try your suggestion of replacing heatsink compound. I just need to google search how to dismount the enclosure to get at it. Not familiar with tuning videocards at all

I know from experience to invest the DOLLAR of heat sink compound since replacing a card not only costs that much but then you have the "driver hell" issues to work. I don't consider drivers to be that bad but your average owner can't install drivers. And some of the new cards don't include the driver CD which is both good and bad.

Good because I get the latest driver. Bad for those that don't know how to find or use .zip or other files.

Again, it's about a dollar of compound. Always worth trying.
Bob

My reservation isn't with purchasing the compound. I actually have some arctic silver lying around somewhere. I am concerned about my unfamiliarity with dismantling the videocard apart to reapply the paste. I am googling and you tubing as we speak.
I'm guessing it can't be too difficult? Just a couple of screws holding the red enclosure together?
Please let me know if you know any resources that I can read.

Thanks for your help this far bob
Ray

So I look at the card and see how they attached the heat sink or shroud. Off it comes and I understand that folk that don't do this would expect a manual or assembly diagram.
Bob

So I managed to disassemble the videocard to dust out and reapply new thermal heatsink compound (arctic silver 5). Wasn't as complicated as I had imagined, never having done this before

Upon boot up, I still have pixelated boxes onscreen. I think the only thing left to do is try to replace the videocard with a new one.

Any other suggestions?

If it go the heatsink work done and there are no bad caps, that's the sign the card is toast.

Good to read you got the work done. In the future I'd use the canned air on the next card every few months.
Bob

Thanks again for your help bob.
Here's hoping that the videocard is the issue. Will find out tomorrow. Got my sights on a radeon 7770.