Spike Artifacts in games, is the gpu the cause?

[e4472]

Hello All,

I keep occasionally getting strange spike/stretching like artifacts when playing games. I have attached some images that show the problem, I am pretty sure it is a gpu vram related problem but wanted to here your opinions as to what the cause might be. I also am occasionally get an nvidia driver crash with an nvlddmkm event id 13 error which also points to the gpu as the problem.

My system specs are as follows:
CPU: i5-4690k
GPU: ASUS gtx 770 2gb
MB: Gigabyte z97x gaming 5
RAM: Kingston hyperx fury 8gb
PSU: EVGA supernova G2 750w
OS: Windows 8.1

I also wanted to say the system is about 2 years all built with new parts. The cpu and gpu are not overclocked and MAX temps under load are usually around cpu: 50 c and gpu: 65 - 70 c, also I replaced the gpu thermal paste with MX - 4 which improved temps. The system is also clean and dust free and GPU drivers are up to date and have been uninstalled and reinstalled using ddu tool.

Pictures below:

I am thinking it is a gpu hardware problem and may need a new gpu. Any help and advice greatly appreciated,
Thanks.

 

[SkyNetRising]

Classic GPU artifacts.
If you can't improve cooling of your GPU, then try underclocking GPU core/vram.

 

[e4472]

Thanks for your advice, I will try your suggestion and see if it helps. I just wanted to know if there is any possibility of it being something else like the PSU or the motherboard? I forgot to say I tested the ram with memtest86 and there where no errors so I know that's not the problem. The strange thing is I never seem to be able to replicate the artefacts in unigine heaven yet it sometimes happens on games like cod waw where the gpu is cool with little load usage.

 

[e4472]

I am afraid I continue to get this problem, maybe I will have to get a new gpu.