Crap, my graphics have gone to hell

[Raiedon]

mmm.. now that i look back at the picture its not how it appeared on my computer..
i am on my laptop now. The way it should look is just like that, but there are green slanted horizontal lines going across the screen. they are skinny and there are alot.

[KarmaKiller]

Ewwww.. those are called "artifacts". And that normally means a couple things.
1. The gpu is overheating. (which I believe you cleaned it out, so that's unlikely
2. Your GPU isn't getting enough power
3. The GPU is dieing. Most of the time, the V-ram goes bad, and that's what causes it.

Now the question is, how old is your PC? Is it still under warranty by dell? If so, I'd be giving them a call.
Now if not, you have a couple options.
1. Find another working computer that you can test parts on. (family's, friends, etc)
I'd test the power supply, to make sure it's working properly. If so, then might try the GPU in the test system to be sure.
But it wouldn't surprise me if it's a goner.
2. Borrow a friends GPU, and see if it does the same thing in your tower.

[Raiedon]

wow, and i thought this was a graphics card problem. heh.

I think i still have warranty will dell, i'll check. luckily my birthday is early next month; going to pick up crytek's "crysis computer".

However, i really think my GPU is probably overheating. Since my HDD is pretty hot, i bet the rest of my tower is hot. Its kinda in a bad spot too.

[KarmaKiller]

I do think it's a GPU problem. It could still be overheating, best way to check for that is open up the side of the tower, place a box fan blowing into the tower, then try it. If it still artifacts, then it's not a heat problem, but a internal GPU issue.
And I still don't think your HDD is overheating, sometimes the temps don't report correctly, so I wouldn't trust that to much.
And definately get a hold of dell. If it's under warranty, I wouldn't have even gone as far as you have. I would have called them right away.

And what is this crysis computer you speak of? Link or something perhaps? I'm almost betting we could build you something as fast, for cheaper.

[Raiedon]

im going to try that fan thing now

Ultra "Crysis Warhead" Optimized Gaming PC - Intel Core 2 Duo E7300 2.66GHz, 2GB DDR2, 250GB SATA II HDD, DVDRW Dual Layer, NVIDIA GeForce 9800GT, Gigabit LAN, G31M3-F, Windows XP Professional 038800 at TigerDirect.com

and i doubt you can get cheaper than that!

[Raiedon]

hah, i dont have a fan. I'll just make this easier on myself and call dell heh.

[KarmaKiller]

No, but for the price you can get a MUCH better PC for the money. The 9800gt will not handle crysis well at all, but I'm sure you've tried it before.
And anything with the "Ultra" brand on it, I'd advise you stay away from. They are really really horrible manufactures tbh.
Just my two. With that money, we can get you a loaded quad core rig that would handle crysis MUCH better.

[Raiedon]

wow, really?
do tell