What's the problem, here?

Question

Right in the middle of my game Half Life 2 (which I've been playing for months on this computer), the entire computer screen turned into like...a kalydascope. Like, all I see is tons of flashing lights and wierd colorful shapes.

I turned the pc off and on a bunch of times, I even tried replacing the monitor, but everytime I turn on the computer the first and ONLY thing I see is these flashing lights and shapes. No start-up screen, no nothing.

Is this a video card problem? Should I get a new video card?

Thanks to anyone who helps. :D

Answer 1

Definitely a video card failure. Try reseating the card and checking for loose chips on it. Heat can work things loose. Remote chance, but why not?

Lots of choices out there for your replacement, but keep it fairly simple. You might want to carry the bad card with you to the store.

A video card failure can also take out parts of your motherboard - rare, but possible. If you have a spare card [everyone needs a cheap, spare video card] change it out to confirm your problem AND see if that particular PCI port is or isn't fried. If you've got an AGP port - well, if it's fried, you can still buy and use a PCI video card. That's exactly what happened on this old machine.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Sounds like the graphics/video card.

Try opening up the case (with all power turned off) and removing and reseating the graphics card and then powering back up as normal.

Borrow a graphics card from work or a mate to test if you can to prove whether it's the graphics card...

Answer 3

yeah, your video card is fried. Is it still in warranty? you can get a replacement if it's still in warranty. next time, make sure that your computer has a good ventilation of air.