Video issue on dell 580s

[nesrinamb]

Dell desktop computer 2 years old

integrated graphics card

Issue: computer was getting horizontal lines on the screen randomly and then it would freeze.

Steps taken:

1) used different screen, same thing
2) started mem test just to check everything, same issue occurred and mem test froze (now assuming its hardware related)
3) reset the ram and tested the sticks one by one and then no error on subsequent attempts (now not sure)
4) also ran the dell diagnostic just because, all is good (client ran it with dell tech support before he called me, he claims something didn't pass the but cant remember what)
5)Ran heavy load to test the graphics, kept it going for a while but nothing (i even opened up a ton of different windows at the same time and pics to push it further but could not recreate the problem)

question: do you guys think theirs anything else I could take a look at?

Also if it comes back do you guys recommend new board or get pci graphics card

Personally i just don't trust the board right now.

*didn't see any swollen caps

 

[gatestechsol]

If you don't trust the board then see if you can find a replacement for a decent price online and keep your eye on it just in case the computer comes back.

I'm not too keen on adding an additional add-on card to a motherboard that may have problems. But it sounds like from your troubleshooting steps that the problem possibly could have been with the RAM. Maybe one or more became a little unseated and caused the problem.

 

[SynapseTech]

The 580s use the Intel GMA HD Video card on the Processor. Probably not the video card still more likely its the memory. How many passes did you let mem test make? The memory could still be bad. I had the same issue this last week. Didnt work right in one PC but worked great in another. Duno why. New memory fixed all the problems the computer was having.

You can always add a low profile graphics card for testing, but the computer would still be buggy with bad memory. FYI, you have a 300w power supply in that thing. If you do get a new video card, make sure it doesn't need anything more than that.

 

[TimM]

Could it be a heat problem? The apparent fix could be explained if you blew the dust out or left the side off the case after reseating the RAM.

 

[nesrinamb]

thanks for the replies guys problem seems to be gone but client states it would go away for a while and come back before it came to me. I will be calling up the client tomorrow to see if its happened since but he hasn't called back to complain.


@SynapseTech

Thanks for the advice, checked turns out I got a 250watt power supply

Did test the memory for a while cant remember how many passes.

@TimM
Checked all the fans and everything and did blow out the dust on the inside

Will post later if client says its still happening.

Did tell client that the issue was an odd one, he understood and I will talk with him tomorrow.