Solved BSOD from atikmpag.sys or failing graphics card?

[flipleekim]

I'll try my best to make this short so you don't have to read a novel. If you have questions or need detail, I'm happy to answer.

TL;DR: BSOD and computer looks crazy (see attachments). Eventually re-installed Windows. Semi-updated software/drivers, still looks crazy and crashes. Is it a software or a hardware problem?

Basic facts:

• Computer is about 5 years old
• "Custom" build through Cyberpower (Yes, I know now what a terrible life choice that was. I repent)
• Windows 7 Home Premium 64 Bit

Issue:

• Computer crashes/BSODs when run outside of safe mode (and sometimes even in safe mode)
• Display (fed through graphics card) looks crazy. Motherboard port didn't seem to work on first try, but going to check what's happening there shortly
• Prevailing message is atikmpag.sys, but have had other issues (I think by following the rules all crash reports are attached - but please read below)

Attempts at resolution so far (as suggested by sites found while trying amateurish troubleshooting via Google):

• Restarted computer and prayed
• Deleted AMD driver through Device Manager
• Downloaded CCC from AMD website and it installed a fresh, new driver
• Used command prompt to replace expanded version of atikmpag.sy_ to windows drivers as atikmpag.sys
• Reformatted hard drive via complete re-install of windows (the Sevenforums .zip attachment comes from this iteration).

My big question is, what is the source of my problem? Do I need to fix some software (and if possible, how) or do I need to replace hardware (just a dieing graphics card or an entirely new rig)?

**THANK YOU SO MUCH IN ADVANCE FOR YOUR HELP. Going a little crazy without my beloved PC. **

 

[Laith]

Hiya and welcome to SevenForums!rb:

This is definitely the GPU that is the cause. You need to replace it. That poor little GPU is failing hard time.

 

[flipleekim]

Thanks for your reply, Laith!

Just for my future reference, how can you tell that the cause is a failure of the graphics card and not a software issue (blue screen of death listing a driver program related)? Is this the kind of thing that can be solved by some of the crazy methods out there like throwing it in the oven or removing dust from a fan, or just the time is naturally up on it?

Follow up question that I can post in a different thread if needed... How can I know what replacement to use? Is there a reasonable way to see what the limitations are of my current setup (namely power) to know what kind of card I can put in there now?

I really appreciate it!

 

[Laith]

I can tell because you should not be getting these kinds of things with graphics driver failure. A good place for that is PCPartPicker, pick your parts, new GPU and see if it compatible.

 

[flipleekim]

Installing the new graphics card worked. Thank you for your help!

 

[Laith]

No problem! It's my duty to help!