Graphics issue

[Lou_smorals]

Hi peeps
My lads computer is having graphics issues, when he has computer on for a little while maybe 10 minutes or so, especially under load, for instance gaming, we can hear a sound from pc, sounds like fan speeding up, for about 5 seconds the screen goes blank and his tft screen then goes into standby, his graphics card is dust free, about 6 months old £79 gerforce 9600gt card (I think, from memory).
any suggestions lads???
LS

[dpSparhawk]

Overheating. If the fan is speeding up, that's the video card software detecting the card is getting hotter so it increases the fan speed to cope with the heat. However, if it's cutting and the screen going into standby, that's the computer shutting off the video card.

At least this is the most likely cause. I'd whip the side off and put your hand near the card, if you can feel lots of heat coming off it, I'd get it RMA'd.

[riget]

Yep sounds like overheating, but it could be the cpu, see which fan speeds up when the side is off.

[evilsatan]

Does the computer turn off or just the screen? If the computer turns off I'd say the CPU is overheating.

[Lou_smorals]

hi
thank you all, computer keeps going, game keeps playing (can hear sound of game on speakers ) but monitor gone into standby - happens more frequently as time goes on, no fluff and belly button debris in fan either.
thanks
LS

[evilsatan]

Is the GPU passive or does it have it's own fan? What is the cooling system like? Is there enough fans drawing fresh air into the case over the components then sucking hot air out the back?

Do you have another PCI/PCI-e port to test the GPU in?

Is your PSU outputting enough power for your system? Does the GPU have a power plug connected to it? Or is it powered by the PCI slot?

Lots of questions to keep you busy

Speedfan is a free utility you can use to monitor your CPU/GPU core temps.

[Lou_smorals]

Hi
Ok lads, thanks for help so far......*update*
Using the methods above I deducted that it was indeed a faulty grapics card, card was bought 6 months ago for £79 from local computer shop, so I called them and asked if I could bring card back - they said no bring whole pc as we have to establish that is the culprit, so I did this, guy then tests and said it is card and attempts to sell me another, I reminded him we had bought it there 6 months ago, oh says he, well we need to send it off to check serial numbers and see if we can get an RMA, come back in a couple of weeks! we didnt have receipt but we do have credit card statement with payment on it.
ggggrrrrrrrrrrrr
LS

[evilsatan]

I think they are operating within the law mate, but if the RMA request fails they are still liable to sort this out for you as long as you have not damaged the item yourself. The only problem is no receipt but if the credit card statement has he shops name on it then it shouldn't be a problem.

[Lou_smorals]

Hi
they called todaY and replaced card, thank you all
LS

[evilsatan]

Glad to hear it was sorted matey