Crazy Screen Antics

[kaptr1d]

So I picked up a Dell I530 for really cheap with all the barebones I needed basically.

I upgraded to a 500w PSU and an EVGA 8800GT about a month ago.

The last few nights the screen has been going crazy!

The y-axis is going all over the place and there are a few artifacts coming and going.

I was wondering if anyone else had experienced similar problems in the past. The PSU isn't a crappy quality one, so I don't think thats it and I have Nvidia monitor watching the temp on the 8800GT and it never exceeds 59 C.

Do you think the video card could be shot already?

Keep in mind the crazy screen antics occur while casually surfing the web, not after heavy load or gaming.


Full Specs:

Intel C2D E6420
4 GB 800mhz RAM
320gb 7200rpm HDD
SB XFI Pro Gamer
Inland 500W Dual Rail PSU
EVGA 8800GT 512mb
Dell 2407WFP @ 1920x1200 60hz

Nothing in the config is OC'd.

[Sterling_Aug]

Check if there are any Windows Updates for drivers.

[kaptr1d]

This is not a software related issue. All of my drivers are current and windows itself is stable.

I think it has to be the power supply of the video card but I can't grasp how either one could be bad since theyre both almost new.

I'm running memtest right now to rule out the RAM.

I should mention that the problem comes and goes.

When I left the house a little while ago the screen was jumping all over and when I came back just now the screen was stable again.

[Sterling_Aug]

You may need to replace the LCD assembly. It could be the high voltage inverter.

[bruceb]

First thing to try is swap the monitor if you have a spare.
You have the Dell 2407WFP ... did you buy it new or did
it come as part of the bargain computer ? ? ?

Also see this link at Dell

http://www.dellcommunity.com/support...0244&jump=true

There have been issues with that monitor
From the symptoms you gave, it sounds to me like either a bad cable
from the video card to the monitor or possibly a cold solder connection
inside the monitor. It would be hard to fix it yourself, unless you know
how to open and work on it safely.

[kaptr1d]

The monitor is a brand new replacement monitor.

I have it plugged in with DVI and VGA to the same video card and when the screen starts jumping around the problem will stay consistent even when I switch the input modes.

I would think that the symptoms would not be the same on the different inputs if the monitor was the root of the problem.

I will try another monitor and see if I get the same problem though.

Its a weird problem that comes and goes. Right now the picture is mint.

[bruceb]

It can be the monitor IF the Power Supply or
the Video Processing circuits have a defect.
Both of those are common to either DVI or VGA inputs.

Or it could be just a defective Video Card in the computer.

[bonz_dragon]

Seen something simular with a CRT monitor. Screen jumed around, kept resizing, colors would wash out. Couple days later it went black and never worked again.

[Rabbitrunner51]

My old CRT did that. I bet i got this new LCD just in time who knows.

New 8800GT's shouldn't be the issue, so i'm pretty sure you can rule that out.

I'd guess its the monitor, and or cable like bruce described. ZGood idea to try everything on a diff. monitor. Thtat would rule out some things right there.

[Imperion1]

Have you tried just having the DVI or VGA plugged in? Not both at the same time, as it appears you say you do.
With both the DVI and VGA plugged in to the same video card, the video card and LCD are trying to figure out which signal to use, the digital (DVI) or analog (VGA).