Is my graphics card dying?

Not sure if this is really the right forum, but I couldn't find the right one. Anyway, for a while now, I've been experiencing the situation shown in the photo below, which I think is heat related. In my opinion, the fan on the 6800 GS I'm using is useless, as both the heatsink and backplate get VERY hot. I've lived with that situation for a while, but the graphical anomalies have developed in the last few weeks. The system seems to keep going in the background (iTunes will carry on playing), but is otherwise impossible to interact with.

The hardware list is basically what's in the My System tab, and I am thinking of replacing it very soon. Just wanted to know if my suspicions were on the right lines.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2585/...39e83e93_b.jpg

You could either try to improve the cooling or try under clocking it with Riva tuner to see if it alleviates the trouble.

Your card is overheating.... Clean the fan and heatsink and if possible aim another case fan at it which might help it in the short term. Get a new card or cooler though for the long term ....

Looks like it to me.


Unlikely to be monitor but check connections to be sure.

Try upgrading the drivers to check it's not a software issue.

Try running something demanding like 3D Mark Vantage or a high end game to test if it is temperature related.


I have a different but annoying problem with a 7900GS card. Does anyone know if any software exists to tests cards for possible faults?