Well I *think* it's the video card...
Question/Problem:
For the past few weeks my desktop screen has been showing oddly coloured blocks of pixels. The pixels would start small, gathering in corners or around programs or toolbars, but the longer I left them the more there would be until my entire screen was covered in flashing, coloured pixels and my PC would freeze. It originally would only do it when I alt-tabbed between windows, but now it's started doing it when I play one game specifically (FFXI).
Link: In the background is how it starts - pixels around certain programs, such as the sticky note in the upper right hand corner. In the foreground is what it begins to turns into if I leave it; it eventually turns the entire screen white and freezes.
I can usually make the pixels go away by clicking on the window that shows them (for example, right clicking on the desktop and opening the 'personalize' window makes all coloured pixels on the desktop disappear), but once it reaches the point where they start flashing white I have to restart.
I assume it's a video card problem, but if there are any suggestions other than buying a new one...I just bought a new laptop and cannot afford to replace anything atm.
Operating System, Version and Service Pack:
Windows 7 64-bit, service pack one. I'm using two ATI Radeon HD 5970s with Crossfire, driver 11.5 (I tried 11.6 and it seemed to make things worse, so I uninstalled it). I didn't build my PC myself, it's an Alienware Aurora.
Your level of experience (we simplify or explain instructions based on how you answer):
I know parts and programs by name, but I'm lost when it comes to actually taking things apart...so I'd say intermediate.
When did the problem start? Has it been going on constantly since then?
Months ago. I contacted Dell tech support with the picture above, they said they'd e-mail/phone me when they figured out what the problem was...and I haven't heard from them since.
Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot?
Tried a variety of different drivers, changed the settings on my fans, updated the BIOS, and attempted to run my games on lower settings in case they were the cause. None of this has helped, as the problem has only become worse.
Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly apprecated!
For the past few weeks my desktop screen has been showing oddly coloured blocks of pixels. The pixels would start small, gathering in corners or around programs or toolbars, but the longer I left them the more there would be until my entire screen was covered in flashing, coloured pixels and my PC would freeze. It originally would only do it when I alt-tabbed between windows, but now it's started doing it when I play one game specifically (FFXI).
Link: In the background is how it starts - pixels around certain programs, such as the sticky note in the upper right hand corner. In the foreground is what it begins to turns into if I leave it; it eventually turns the entire screen white and freezes.
I can usually make the pixels go away by clicking on the window that shows them (for example, right clicking on the desktop and opening the 'personalize' window makes all coloured pixels on the desktop disappear), but once it reaches the point where they start flashing white I have to restart.
I assume it's a video card problem, but if there are any suggestions other than buying a new one...I just bought a new laptop and cannot afford to replace anything atm.
Operating System, Version and Service Pack:
Windows 7 64-bit, service pack one. I'm using two ATI Radeon HD 5970s with Crossfire, driver 11.5 (I tried 11.6 and it seemed to make things worse, so I uninstalled it). I didn't build my PC myself, it's an Alienware Aurora.
Your level of experience (we simplify or explain instructions based on how you answer):
I know parts and programs by name, but I'm lost when it comes to actually taking things apart...so I'd say intermediate.
When did the problem start? Has it been going on constantly since then?
Months ago. I contacted Dell tech support with the picture above, they said they'd e-mail/phone me when they figured out what the problem was...and I haven't heard from them since.
Any steps you've taken to troubleshoot?
Tried a variety of different drivers, changed the settings on my fans, updated the BIOS, and attempted to run my games on lower settings in case they were the cause. None of this has helped, as the problem has only become worse.
Any suggestions or ideas would be greatly apprecated!