Colored Vertical Stripes (Geforce 8500 GT)

Well, I was adjusting contrast/brightness and stuff like that. Then I changed the color temp (?) and suddenly there were colored stripes and blocks on my screen and my computer froze.. So I thought restarting would solve the problem, but when I tried to restart Windows didn't even start anymore. So I tried to restart on my onboard graphic card, but that didn't work either.. Had to reinstall windows. But whenever I try to use the 8500 GT again Windows doesn't start anymore (the colored stripes even appear in the bios).

I guess it is broken? Overheating ain't the problem I think, it was cool when I checked.

I ran two screens at that time: LG L222WS and some old Dell. (I was adjusting the color temp on the Dell when it happened)

Card went boom, to put it simply. RMA it so you don't have to pay money (minus shipping). When they show that in the BIOS, and it isn't the monitor, they are doomed.

Thanks for the response. Guess I'll RMA it then.

Edit: I was wondering, how is it possible that Windows wouldn't start anymore? Even a system restore didn't help.

If the card is severely damaged enough, Windows cannot compensate for it. It has no choice but to crash. The specifics, too numerous to even theorize. There are so many possible reasons it crashes Windows out, it is mind boggling. The exact reason that happens to your specific setup? That I don't know.