Help with MAJOR computer problem

[hurricanex90]

I'll just get right to the point.

Intel Core 2 Extreme X9650 @ 3.00 GHz
Windows Vista 64
4GB RAM
NVIDIA GeForce 9800 GX2

Here's whats going on.

This occurs frequently as soon as my computer starts up, but can be cured temporarily if I play a game like Demigod for 10+ minutes, and turning the monitor on and off.

My best guess says that my video card as died off, and just wont run anymore. I have no idea why, I could attribute it to overheating, but I have 4 fans in my computer, I don't ever overclock, and I have 2 120mm case fans. I've ruled out a monitor problem completely, as every other device that I need to use its display (PS3 for example), works flawlessly.

My budget is under 250$ for a new graphics card, if that is indeed the problem. I have updated the drivers, tried reverting to a previous version, ect, but it doesn't help a thing.

I've looked at Tom's Best Value Cards for June, and am liking the 210$ Radeon HD4850 X2, but I have no idea if it is compatible with my mother board, what I would do exactly if I did get a new graphics card; the procedures, proper installing, etc.

Thanks Computer Forum Community!

 

[bengal85]

YEP try a new video card see what that does for ya

 

[Fatback]

Yes it does sound like you graphics card if you have onboard graphics I would remove the card and see if the problems stops if not try to find somebody that has a card you can test on it. What kind of PSU do you have I'm thinking you will need a good 650w to run a 4850 x2 but I'm not sure since PSU are not my specialty. So if your power supply is up to it then you should be good to go I see no other reason why you computer should not support it unless it didn't have a PCIE slot which I'm sure it does if you using a 9800 GX2.