Mac Pro 8800GT overheating

r44b · 22 Sep 2009 at 20:33

For about 4-6 weeks ive had this intermitant problem that has gotten much worse within the last 2 weeks.

After starting a game (on OS X or Win XP) the fan will speed up to max and stay there. About 2-10 minutes later the machine will freeze and both screens get covered in crazy flashing purple, red, pink, green, yellow artifacts.
So im guessing this is a borked graphics card.

Is my diagnosis correct?

Also, has anyone ever had an issue similar to this before? I really dont want to go through the hassle of having to send the machine away as its constantly in use for work.
I've searched all over for similar issues but only found it to be an issue with ATi cards and never the 8800GT's.
Are there any things i should do before phoning apple to help things move quicker? Can i expect to be sent a new card without needing to send in the machine?

Adrianr · 23 Sep 2009 at 16:11

When under Windows download Riva Tuner and Furmark. Run furmark to stress the graphics card and watch the temperature in RivaTuner. If it goes above 80C your cooler most likely isn't making proper contact, which is grounds for replacement

Feek · 23 Sep 2009 at 16:12

Dust?

r44b · 23 Sep 2009 at 17:04

Adrianr said:
When under Windows download Riva Tuner and Furmark. Run furmark to stress the graphics card and watch the temperature in RivaTuner. If it goes above 80C your cooler most likely isn't making proper contact, which is grounds for replacement

Thanks, ill certainly give this a go

I Also checked for dust and it really wasnt very dusty at all, but cleaned it out none the less so im pretty sure it isnt clogged up.

bledd · 23 Sep 2009 at 17:42

Check the temps

might be an idea to remove the cooler and reseat it

or buy something like a thermalright v2

Slogan · 23 Sep 2009 at 17:57

By cleaning out do you mean you wiped the fan output/input or give it a good blast with some canned compressed air?

Mine would be pretty clogged up if I didn't clean it now and again with a bit of pressurized air.

r44b · 23 Sep 2009 at 18:26

yeah i used compressed air

If i reset the heatsink will I be voiding the warranty?

bledd · 23 Sep 2009 at 18:31

who makes the card? would you have to break any stickers to do it?

some don't care if you take it off -eg EVGA

r44b · 24 Sep 2009 at 16:36

Just gone through the process of running furmark and riva tuner. The core temp is reading 74°C idle and 89°C under load (1920x1200 - no msaa) looks like apple will be getting a call.

edit: i will actually try resetting/changing the cooler before i phone apple (it is evga). Also ive found a few forum threads elsewhere that have had good results doing that and ended up with a much quieter machine which i would <3

bledd · 2 Oct 2009 at 15:47

any update?