PC gets weird numbers on bootup, colours distorted etc

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Hello all, when I boot up my PC instead of a bios diagnostics screen like usual I get a lot of weird numbers and letters, and when the PC goes to boot into Windows XP, on the loading screen it freezes and then the whole page turns white with black artifacts and when I see the Gigabyte splash screen etc all the colours are strange, the problem first started in games only, with green etc artefacts which leaves me to believe it's the graphics card, but surely that wouldnt stop it from booting into Windows or? Many Thanks for the help
 
Definately sounds like the VGA (specifically the VRAM) there is no way to check I'm afraid without a second card or on-board video, part of POST is to check for VGA! Have you got a mate who's card you could borrow to verify?
Jonnygrunge.
 
Hmmm well I reseated the card and it loads past the Windows XP bar, then I just get a black screen, no mouse recognition etc, the mouse flashes for a second then goes off again, I did schedule a Scandisk, but it's not showing it on screen, the PC occasionally loads though, so is it possible it's running that?
 
I number of things can cause this type of fault, commonly its the VGA, It could also be the mobo itself NB on the blink, also the PSU can be on the way out failing when it is put under heavy load, voltage dropping away. Even system RAM can cause this, certain addresses failing. The best way to debug that type of fault is to rule out certain components, try reducing the amount of components, Optical drives, spare HDD's that are connected, to check the PSU. Remove one stick of RAM (if you have 2) or put it in another slot, etc.
 
Well it seems to be the graphics card, as I cooled it down, and reseated it, and then it worked fine, until I went ingame and the screen went yellow so, i'm pretty sure it's that, but Many Thanks anyway, I think i'll order a new one anyway :D
 
I've had the same problem with a 7900gs from what i know the ram is poor with the 7900 series, the vram could be failing, only thing that stopped these artifacts on boot up and in games i downclock the graphics cards ram speed.
 
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