Graphics card image distorted, Is it fried?

[pingpongmury]

Yesterday, my BFG 8800GT OC2 began giving me a distorted picture (Images: http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/132/l_e73c7463ec1b4985b2cb016114baa6ab.jpg http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/142/l_bbf28c80ae6f4eb8bf1dbcb03ceaeb68.jpg). The card was working fine the day before without any problems, so i am not sure what happened to make the card output a bad image. I know that it is the GPU that is the problem because when it is removed, and my rig is running on my integrated GPU, the picture is fine. Also, when i try to boot the computer with the 8800GT, when windows begins to boot i get a blue screen ( http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/142/l_bbf28c80ae6f4eb8bf1dbcb03ceaeb68.jpg ), telling me "Attempt to reset display driver and recover from timeout failed". So i booted in safe mode with the card in and installed the manufacturer drivers from the CD that came with the card. I then restarted, and the picture was still distorted.

I am not sure what is going on, this is what i have tried:

Running the card on a different monitor, with a different DVI cable.

Tried both DVI ports on the back of the card.

Pulled EVERYTHING out of the case and cleaned.

Cleaned the PCI-e pins on the GPU w/rubbing alcohol and q-tip.

Checked for hot spots on the bottom of the card, there are none.

Checked for dust/hair in the PCI-e slot. Nothing.

Checked for bent pins on the DVI ports, there is one on the right port, and two on the left. ( http://c4.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/142/l_25d62a4615c445debd65c6ff42b6c427.jpg http://c2.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/136/l_917b32eb2f9c4a7b91d3775c68ec3c8d.jpg ). I straightened and tried booting up again, no change.

Reset BIOS, Started in Safemode, Reinstalled drivers, and am running my integrated GPU without a hitch.


If anyone has any idea what is going on it would be VERY much appreciated as you would be saving me some money if it is fixable.

Thank you,

 

[EXCellR8]

Considering you've already tried a lot of stuff, sending the card in for RMA is probably your most practical option at this point. It looks like the card is artifacting slightly and the BSODs could be pointing to faulty vram.

Before sending the card in, remove the card (use integrated GPU) and run Driver Sweeper in safe mode to remove all files associated with the display drivers. Once that is done, shut the computer down and install the 8800GT again. Try to boot in normal mode if you can and install the latest drivers, or the last known set that worked, and restart. If the card still prompts artifacts or other distortions, send it in. You should only need to pay for out shipping if the card is covered under warranty.

Hope that helps...

 

[pingpongmury]

Thanks dude, but it didn't work. It's still doing the same thing.

Thanks again for your help, I have always come to TechSpot to solve some problems when i can't, it's never failed. I have already called and RMA'd the card and will ship it Monday. BFG has a lifetime warranty on it's products, they're going to ship me a new card free of charge.