Screen Artifacts

[Didzo]

A new problem popped up on my Alienware M11x R2. Whenever the screen turns on, these artifacts pop up:



They go away when a program window goes over them and I haven't noticed any other issues when using the computer. The internets gave no particularly useful information, but I'm pretty sure that it's something with the graphics processors, probably the integrated one.

Relevant hardware info: Intel HD Graphics / Nvidia GeForce GT 335M


So BRBU, I ask: Is there anything else to check or consider before I contact Dell Customer Support?

[WaR1761]

Any recent updates to the bios or graphics card drivers or other critical system changes?

I know I have had issues in the past with odd "random things" due to heat/dust so if you can get to the motherboard/graphic card area with out breaking any warranty seals (assuming its still under warranty) give it a good blow job(canned air or air compressor work best) and see what happens.

[Kirby]

Also do the artifacts happen when the system is POST'ing, or just in Windows?

P. Much same thing scar asked really.



Also, bottle of red thread locker is cheap at NAPA or similar. Warranty seals are loltastic with a brand new straight razor blade.

[Didzo]

Any recent updates to the bios or graphics card drivers or other critical system changes?

I know I have had issues in the past with odd "random things" due to heat/dust so if you can get to the motherboard/graphic card area with out breaking any warranty seals (assuming its still under warranty) give it a good blow job(canned air or air compressor work best) and see what happens.

Only thing that I've updated on the computer recently was Win 7, and I don't think that would really affect anything. I initially thought it might be temperature related as well, but I checked the temps and nothing seemed out of place. The problem shows up regardless of temperature.

Also do the artifacts happen when the system is POST'ing, or just in Windows?

Just restarted my computer to check aaaaaand... No artifacts while POSTing or in Windows.

So I... fixed it by restarting the computer?  ???

[Mission Difficult]

They belong in a museum!

[Kirby]

[quote author=WaR1761 link=topic=6091.msg230431#msg230431 date=1321309926]
Any recent updates to the bios or graphics card drivers or other critical system changes?

I know I have had issues in the past with odd "random things" due to heat/dust so if you can get to the motherboard/graphic card area with out breaking any warranty seals (assuming its still under warranty) give it a good blow job(canned air or air compressor work best) and see what happens.

Only thing that I've updated on the computer recently was Win 7, and I don't think that would really affect anything. I initially thought it might be temperature related as well, but I checked the temps and nothing seemed out of place. The problem shows up regardless of temperature.

Also do the artifacts happen when the system is POST'ing, or just in Windows?

Just restarted my computer to check aaaaaand... No artifacts while POSTing or in Windows.

So I... fixed it by restarting the computer?   ???
[/quote]


The point of my question was to determine if it was driver based or not in all actuality, as obviously there's no drivers during POST.

If it's fixed after a reboot, I'd start sniffing around temperature being the cause, artifacts like that are easy to come by once your video ram got too cooked.

[Vandamguy]

Your thermal sensor may also be cooked and reporting the wrong values

[Didzo]

The point of my question was to determine if it was driver based or not in all actuality, as obviously there's no drivers during POST.

If it's fixed after a reboot, I'd start sniffing around temperature being the cause, artifacts like that are easy to come by once your video ram got too cooked.

The computer had been hibernating for a bit before I checked yesterday so I wouldn't think the temps would have been very high before or after restart. I'll keep my eye out on the temps though, especially after doing some gaming or other heavier duty activities.