Windows 7 Ultimate (64 bit)
Intel Core i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz
Asus AMD Radeon HD7950
16GB RAM
OCZ ZS Series 750 W
So here's the situation. I recently had problems with my computer and came to the realisation that my graphics card had died after a couple of years good service (removing it and running the monitor through the motherboard worked fine).
I tested the PCIe slot by installing a spare card (an old 8800GT) and connecting the monitors through this. It worked BUT a short time later the card also seemed to die (This time I smelled a faint burning that I didn't when my original card fell down and didn't get back up). I'm wondering if these failures are a result of something specific or unrelated (the 8800 was very old, possibly incompatible in some way, and had been stored in the attic for some time - but was wrapped in an anti-static bag and in a padded box).
I'll also mention that when the first card died, it totally disabled the displays while seated, whereas my computer is purring along contently with the dead 8800 in there. (In both these cases I had the DVI cables attached to the motherboard as part of the diagnostics).
Is there a way to test whether it's safe to install a new card prior to purchase?
I do have a SECOND spare 8800GT that I don't mind murdering if it would help the process.
In other words, if I buy a new card, will it die too?
I'd greatly appreciate any help with this, as I don't exactly want to throw away £350 on a new card if it'll just get ruined in a day.
Intel Core i5-3570K CPU @ 3.40GHz
Asus AMD Radeon HD7950
16GB RAM
OCZ ZS Series 750 W
So here's the situation. I recently had problems with my computer and came to the realisation that my graphics card had died after a couple of years good service (removing it and running the monitor through the motherboard worked fine).
I tested the PCIe slot by installing a spare card (an old 8800GT) and connecting the monitors through this. It worked BUT a short time later the card also seemed to die (This time I smelled a faint burning that I didn't when my original card fell down and didn't get back up). I'm wondering if these failures are a result of something specific or unrelated (the 8800 was very old, possibly incompatible in some way, and had been stored in the attic for some time - but was wrapped in an anti-static bag and in a padded box).
I'll also mention that when the first card died, it totally disabled the displays while seated, whereas my computer is purring along contently with the dead 8800 in there. (In both these cases I had the DVI cables attached to the motherboard as part of the diagnostics).
Is there a way to test whether it's safe to install a new card prior to purchase?
I do have a SECOND spare 8800GT that I don't mind murdering if it would help the process.
In other words, if I buy a new card, will it die too?
I'd greatly appreciate any help with this, as I don't exactly want to throw away £350 on a new card if it'll just get ruined in a day.