Computer Crashing with multicolored horizontal lines

[jon22706]

I have been having this problem since I built my computer in January. My entire computer freezes up and I am presented with the following. I have no Idea what is causing this. Please Help!

 

[rvcjew]

is your pc OC'ed in anyway and does it do it when doing certain activities or when just at idle? you might want to look at your event viewer and reseat your ram and gpu, you should probably also run memtest 86 for a few hours and see if it is bad ram. how many ram modules is it?

 

[jon22706]

I just ran Memtest Overnight and I don't appear to have any errors. I am not overclocking my PC in any way. The cashing occurs usually when I'm playing games thou steam.

 

[rvcjew]

what does core temp say your cpu temps are, what cpu is it and is it using the stock cooler? Core Temp you should let it keep logs in the settings then go play game and when i crashes look back at the logs in your documents folder to see if it hit very high temps. the lines like that normally are more do to GPU's though, did you reseat it yet?

 

[ShamrockRig]

Could be a faulty GPU as im sure this is know as some form of "artifact" ? Don't take my word for it, im not 100% certain, a possibility none the less.

 

[joeandmarg0]

It looks like a graphic card problem.Remove the card and clean it,if it has an onboard fan,make sure the fan spins freely and the fan intake and exhaust louvres are clean and clear.Visually check the card for any discolouration and/or distortion,especially the capacitors,[large cylindrical components]Clean the card contacts with a pencil eraser and blow out the slot with air,a bicycle pump is a useful alternative if compressed air is unavailable.

 

[sygnus21]

I just ran Memtest Overnight and I don't appear to have any errors. I am not overclocking my PC in any way. The cashing occurs usually when I'm playing games thou steam.

Whenever you start seeing lines like that, it's a good indication that the GPU card is going. Another indicator is where all is good until the card heats up... like when gaming.

That said, just to be sure, you could try switching monitors to be sure it isn't the issue (I don't think it is, but...).

The other thing to try... just to be sure, is another cable (again, I'm sure that isn't the issue either... but?).

As to the card... if you're the handy man, you could try taking it apart an re-apply some new thermo paste to the processor itself and see if it holds. If that doesn't work, and you know the monitor, and cable is good, than yeah, the card is going south

Sorry.

 

[essenbe]

What are your GPU temps while gaming? Did your card come with a monitoring utility? You should have a monitoring program like Afterburner which will show an on screen display and allow you to set a custom fan profile that may keep temps down.

 

[sygnus21]

What are your GPU temps while gaming? Did your card come with a monitoring utility? You should have a monitoring program like Afterburner which will show an on screen display and allow you to set a custom fan profile that may keep temps down.

Yeah, but "may" just prolong the issue of needing to replace the card. The weird thing is the OP said this has been happening since January. That's a long time to have that issue and the card still be functional. It's usually a short time between seeing those lines and a dead or totally useless (constant lines) card. I'm thinking one day the OP will turn on the PC and... no video... card dead.

But...

And thanks Steve

 

[Layback Bear]

It sure would be nice to have the power supply listed in jon22706
My System Specs.

 

[sygnus21]

It sure would be nice to have the power supply listed in jon22706
My System Specs.

That's a darn good point. And definitely worth looking into; could also explain the freezes as well.

 

[Layback Bear]

Every thing in the computer needs a proper quality power supply. In my opinion trying to trouble shoot a computer without a quality power supply is the tail chasing the dog.

The Graphics Card AMD Radeon HD 7850 needs at least a min of a quality 500W power supply and that is minimum.
If it was my computer I would at least have a 650W.

A poor power supply will drive a video card crazy.

 

[sygnus21]

Yeah but those lines usually indicate a failing video card, and not necessarily a PS issue. Anyway I think we should wait and see what the OP posts before going any further.

 

[jon22706]

Sorry about the late reply guys, I opened my computer removed the video card and cleaned out some dust. Just a few moments ago my computer crashed with the multicolored horizontal lines again. The power supply that im using is a Corsair Builder Series CX 500 Watt ATX/EPS 80 PLUS (CX500).

 

[sygnus21]

Your power supply seems to be good enough for the video card you have so you look at replacing the card. Sorry.

BTW you can calculate your PS requirements here... Cooler Master Power Supply Calculator

You could also try this one two but it's a bit more complicated than the one above... eXtreme Outer Vision - eXtreme tools for computer enthusiasts

 

[jon22706]

No worries! The card is still covered by warranty so Ill just contact the company and get a replacement

 

[sygnus21]

No worries! The card is still covered by warranty so Ill just contact the company and get a replacement

Good luck. And please keep us informed.

Thanks.