NOGOODSK8RPUNK wrote:
i have a dell and was running the stock vid card that came installed w/ the comp then the new vid card that was installed has a built in fan i vaccumed out all dirt cat hair etc at the time of doing that about a month or so. this capacitor is it on the vid card? i'm looking at the old one and it appears to be in good shape hope that helps
The capacitors are the little plastic-looking cylinders that stick up perpendicular to the card. The heads of the cylinders should be flat. If they're bulged (like domes), they are probably bad.
If your machine was cleaned a month ago it should be okay. What about the obvious? A poorly seated card can cause erratic performance. Try removing the card and securely reseating it. I've had card problems and memory stick problems because the little buggers weren't stuck in their slots just right.
The best thing I can suggest is that you try to narrow it down. If you still have your old video card, try that for a few days. Swap monitors for a few days if you can. Etc. I'd run this by Tofu, if you haven't already.