Boot up, half of screen is messed up

[ualdriver]

Hi all

Asus P6x58D-E
HD 5870 graphics card
Dell W3008WFP monitor
Core i7
Windows 7 64 bit

I recently built a new computer, and I have noticed that occasionally, upon boot-up, that the left half of my screen is completely messed up, but the right half of the screen is fine. This "messed" up screen on boot-up lasts through the motherboard splash screen, the Windows 7 splash screen, but as soon as the boot-up reaches the desktop, everything is fine. It's an intermittent problem, but annoying because if I want to go into BIOS, I can't because I'd only be able to see half the screen.

Where do I begin to troubleshoot this? I'm not sure if it's a motherboard issue, a graphics card issue, a driver issue? I built this computer a couple of weeks ago, and the graphics card came off my old system and it never did that before. I'm thinking that it is probably not a driver issue because video drivers aren't loaded during initial boot-up, right?

Thanks!

 

[T_T]

You are correct. Drivers aren't loaded until Windows starts. I suspect that the GPU is going bad, it could be overheating because the fan doesn't turn on right away.

 

[ualdriver]

You are correct. Drivers aren't loaded until Windows starts. I suspect that the GPU is going bad, it could be overheating because the fan doesn't turn on right away.

But if it was a bad GPU or a cooling problem, wouldn't other problems pop up as well? This only happens during boot-up and only occasionally.

 

[lucille21]

Hi. i also experienced same problem with you, and since i'm not a computer genius, I just re format my computer. and now i'm trying to get a good antivirus because maybe it's the reason. i don't know...but thanks for the replies and your post. i'm getting some tips. thanks again.

 

[T_T]

But if it was a bad GPU or a cooling problem, wouldn't other problems pop up as well? This only happens during boot-up and only occasionally.

Indeed that a troubling GPU would show its symptoms at other times, but in my experience, i've learned not to trust logic. Instead, I run through tests even though I feel 100% certain that logic proves otherwise. And most times, i'm humbled by the test results.

Though the cooling issue sounds unlikely, I suggest it because i've seen it. The GPU could run trouble free, with the highest settings in a game, and still give trouble at start up. Just make sure that the GPU cooling fan(s) are spinning upon start up. Also, consider trying a different GPU on your mobo.

Another place to check would be your PSU. If the GPU isn't getting enough power, you will experience display problems. Check the voltages to the P1 connector, using a digital voltmeter or multimeter.

 

[ualdriver]

Indeed that a troubling GPU would show its symptoms at other times, but in my experience, i've learned not to trust logic. Instead, I run through tests even though I feel 100% certain that logic proves otherwise. And most times, i'm humbled by the test results.

Though the cooling issue sounds unlikely, I suggest it because i've seen it. The GPU could run trouble free, with the highest settings in a game, and still give trouble at start up. Just make sure that the GPU cooling fan(s) are spinning upon start up. Also, consider trying a different GPU on your mobo.

Another place to check would be your PSU. If the GPU isn't getting enough power, you will experience display problems. Check the voltages to the P1 connector, using a digital voltmeter or multimeter.

Interesting.........OK, I'll check that out.