Graphics card issue

OK, Long story:

The other week, the display on my laptop started to go a grainy red. After opening it up to check the graphics card, I found that a fixing (the card is held under a fan which is held in place by 4 screws) had broken off, and as a result, pressure on the front of the laptop from my hand (I need to use the keyboard!) moved the card. So, I kept the fixing on the screw and loosened it just enough so that it was held against the board, and the problem was solved.

Now, when playing games, inculding GW, I get periodic bouts of slowdown. Virus and spyware checks came up with nothing and a defrag and other comp maintenance did nothing either. The fan is still kicking out heat so I know it's not that.

However, when I removed the card to check it, I did have to separate the fan from the card itself, and the thermal paste did look a bit grotty. Is there any possibilty I need to clean the old paste off and reapply some new paste, or is it more likely that one measly loose screw out of 4 (the other 3 are as tight as I can safely get them) is not helping, even though the cover should be pressing it down into place?

You'll have to replace the thermal compound with some fresh stuff, you can get it from any good pc shop and try to have all 4 screws tightened up as safely as possible.
I hope this helps

isn't your card really hot?? it still good be warm also when the fan is blowing

Like I said, If I tighten that 4th screw, then the red graininess will return. Unless, of course, I can get a couple of nuts between the fixing and the card...

I'll deffo try the thermal paste though and see what happens there, thanks