Screen Problem?

[thefonz]

Hi,

My main computer is currently an Asus ROG G73S which I've had for nearly 3 years now. It's a beautiful piece of machinery however this week its started with weird screen flickering and "like an old tv set static" when I'm playing a game - for example it happened 5min ago with Assassins Creed 3.

The screen flickers, then goes white and then goes black and the laptop goes into idle when I have to restart with the power button.

I checked all the drivers for the graphics card which is a nvidia 460 stock it came with and they are up to date, as is the BIOS at version 205 for this model.

Any ideas?

This machine is the best computer i've ever had, that includes a build I did on a full desktop years ago which I sadly had to sell when I moved here. So I'd be really annoyed if its as my gut tells me and its the graphics card on the blink because I know if it is then I'm screwed.

I cleaned out the air vents with a hair dryer and its still happening - going to buy a can of compressed air later today to try that incase its as simple as dust but I was wondering if anyone else had come across a similar problem.

Worst case is I replace my current mini HTPC setup with this laptop and build a new uber-desktop as my new main pc but I'd rather save this laptop first :)

As much as the prospect of building my own desktop again appeals i reckon it would cost me upwards of $2k which I cannot afford right now.

Thoughts welcome as always! Hopefully there is a simple solution...off I goto Youtube to search for something enlightening.

Fonz

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

Overheating, mate. About the only thing that makes sense.

I wouldn't necessarily do it with a hair dryer, though..

A new desktop won't cost you 2K... Just don't get the biggest, latest stuff.

[thefonz]

Hmm ok - so if I blow out the fans with compressed air and open up the case to give the mobo a dust blast should help?

Weirdly it seems to only happen in a bad way during games...so wouldnt that mean graphics card is ready to die?

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

It's not ready to die, it is just being a graphics card. GFX cards in a desktop or laptop, they both get very hot. And in a laptop, there is a confined place where the air can go.

[thefonz]

So how do i fix it? :)

[+jamesyfx Subscriber²]

At this point I would say once you fixed your ventilation problem (use the compressed air, etc) your problem should be sorted.

[Mindovermaster Global Moderator]

If not, get a laptop cooler. That should bring down the temperatures considerably.

[thefonz]

Cool thanks folks, i'll try the compressed air and laptop cooler - the Asus G73S is a beast and if i can get it all working fine with minimal spend thats great!