Graphics gone bad

[furikuri]

I can load up Civ4 just fine, but after 4-5 minutes, even if I just leave it at the main menu, the graphics will start to get 'corrupted'.

Please see my attached screenshot for example.

Does anyone know what's happening? I didn't overclock anything on the machine, including the videocard.

Computer specs:

Athlon XP 1800+
Gigabyte GA-7VRX
1GB RAM
Albatron Geforce4 Ti4600 128MB
SB Live!


I really want to play and enjoy this game!

Thanks in advance!

 

[furikuri]

I also want to add that the game plays great on my laptop (though a bit slower), so I don't think there's something wrong with my copy of the game...?

 

[auldian]

I also want to add that the game plays great on my laptop (though a bit slower), so I don't think there's something wrong with my copy of the game...?

Post a dxdiag.txt if you could. Someone may recognize an issue there.
My 1st thought is heat. This rig is a couple of years old I presume and it's possible the fan on the graphics card has become unseated or is wearing out. I hesitate a bit because the corruption looks less haphazard than I've experienced when a cooler failed.
Nonetheless, good luck.

 

[furikuri]

Thanks auldian. I've attached my dxdiag.txt.

That was my first thought too, that my graphics card might be overheating. My CPU temps do look fine but I don't have sensors on the GPU. The system is quite a few years old already so yeah, perhaps the fan is not properly seated on the GPU anymore. Weird thing is I did just play Need For Speed Most Wanted a little over a month ago without any issues...

Anyhow, before I go out and buy a new GPU cooling fan, if anyone can give me any other pointers that'd be much appreciated.

Thanks!

 

[auldian]

Anyhow, before I go out and buy a new GPU cooling fan, if anyone can give me any other pointers that'd be much appreciated.

Civ4 uses some updated DirectX 9.0c files. Your installation, 9.0c though it is, is an earlier build of some files. It's minor but it has been effective in some cases. There's a newer version of 9.0c at Microsoft Download Center.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for a simple software fix. Good luck

 

[furikuri]

Okay, just installed the latest Directx 9.0c but the problem persists. It's not just Civ4 too. I tried Need For Speed Most Wanted again and it exhibits the same problems too.

Has my videocard gone bad, or worse.. my motherboard? Nothing's wrong when I'm not playing games though.

I'll install a new GPU heatsink+fan when I find some time and see where that leads me. In the meantime, I guess I'll just have to play the game on my laptop.