Getting artifacts at stock clocks with 6800GT

[Stanman16]

I have my 6800GT watercooled and have had it stable for over a year at the clocks in my sig. Lately I've been noticing weird artifacts just browsing websites and I checked my rivatuner and evidently even at stock clocks my system is not stable anymore. I ran ATI Tool and it definitely showed that I had artifacts going everywhere on that little hairy block. My temps are at 40C idle and probably no more than 45C load, so that shouldn't be the problem. Any ideas on what I should do? Is my card busted?

I think I remember doing a volt mod to my card years ago, would anyone happen to have the steps to reversing my volt mod, if that would even do anything at all?

[jason4207]

If you did the voltmod you should know how to undo it. Maybe your voltmod wore off...was it a pencil or conductive pen mod?

You can always try running at lower than stock clocks, and see if you can find stability again. Then you can determine if it's the memory or core causing issues.

If you do find stability at lower clocks then I suggest just running at those lower clocks (flash BIOS) until you decide to upgrade.

[Stanman16]

If you did the voltmod you should know how to undo it. Maybe your voltmaod wore off...was it a pencil or conductive pen mod?

You can always try running at lower than stock clocks, and see if you can find stability again. Then you can determine if it's the memory or core causing issues.

If you do find stability at lower clocks then I suggest just running at those lower clocks (flash BIOS) until you decide to upgrade.

Do video cards just get worn out after a while? The volt mod I did was through the bios I believe so I don't remember where to get the software, but I guess I didn't look at all. But I didn't want to go through with it if it didn't help.

BTW, I definitely do get artifacts, even with lower clocks.

My computer is still running pretty well for the most part though. I haven't tried any games yet because I don't really play that many anymore and I'm sure they'll just end up looking messed. Should I be wary of still using a card that isn't really working right now or should I just stick with it?

[ScottinIndy]

You can easily undo the voltmod, However it sounds to me like the card has run it's course, Still it is always worth a shot to try and change back to the stock bios. Below is a link with the steps to flash your bios, I'm pretty sure all the software needed is still available.

http://www.ocforums.com/showthread.php?t=342919

[jason4207]

How low did you go w/ the clocks, and did you underclock both the core, and the memory?

[Stanman16]

How low did you go w/ the clocks, and did you underclock both the core, and the memory?

I'm guessing I had the clocks going for a good 3 years or so. I didn't think it would crap out that soon, but I guess I am planning on upgrading soon.

I underclocked both the core and memory a good bit and nothing worked. I suppose I can go with a broken card for a few months.

edit: Yep, I still get artifacts, even with the stock bios. I get less than before, but nothing to still be proud of. Looks like I'll just be trashing the card soon instead of just giving it to a friend.