F5F Stay Refreshed Power Users Overclocking Corrupted GPU, attempting to operate normally

Corrupted GPU, attempting to operate normally

Corrupted GPU, attempting to operate normally

C
CakeSFD
Member
226
11-05-2025, 10:40 AM
#1
Hey everyone, I own an MSI R9 280x with 3GB RAM, which I purchased back in 2014. Since then, I've faced problems like overheating and noticeable artifacts, leading to BSODs and instability in Windows. I also have a GTX 650 Ti that I've been using since I started noticing the issues with my main card. Compared to the 280x, its performance feels much weaker. I've tried several fixes so far: replacing the thermal paste, updating and reinstalling the drivers, and even underclocking the GPU in terms of core and memory speed, as well as slightly lowering the voltage. I thought the original overclock (1020 MHz core, 1500 MHz memory) might be too unstable for my chip, causing those problems. However, any small drop below that speed leads to major artifacts—like the screen flickering erratically. I've managed to overclock again, but underclocking isn't an option anymore. Now I'm considering boosting the voltage or power to compensate for the instability, which helped temporarily but caused errors when I tried to restart Steam. I'm seeking advice on how to stabilize this damaged card before deciding to sell it. My current overvoltage setting is only 6 mV, and I'm hesitant to increase it further due to the risk of overvoltage-related issues. My main questions are: Are there better solutions for a corrupted, artifacting GPU like mine? What underclocking methods could prevent screen artifacts? And what voltage recommendations should I follow for my factory-configured overclock? Thanks in advance.
C
CakeSFD
11-05-2025, 10:40 AM #1

Hey everyone, I own an MSI R9 280x with 3GB RAM, which I purchased back in 2014. Since then, I've faced problems like overheating and noticeable artifacts, leading to BSODs and instability in Windows. I also have a GTX 650 Ti that I've been using since I started noticing the issues with my main card. Compared to the 280x, its performance feels much weaker. I've tried several fixes so far: replacing the thermal paste, updating and reinstalling the drivers, and even underclocking the GPU in terms of core and memory speed, as well as slightly lowering the voltage. I thought the original overclock (1020 MHz core, 1500 MHz memory) might be too unstable for my chip, causing those problems. However, any small drop below that speed leads to major artifacts—like the screen flickering erratically. I've managed to overclock again, but underclocking isn't an option anymore. Now I'm considering boosting the voltage or power to compensate for the instability, which helped temporarily but caused errors when I tried to restart Steam. I'm seeking advice on how to stabilize this damaged card before deciding to sell it. My current overvoltage setting is only 6 mV, and I'm hesitant to increase it further due to the risk of overvoltage-related issues. My main questions are: Are there better solutions for a corrupted, artifacting GPU like mine? What underclocking methods could prevent screen artifacts? And what voltage recommendations should I follow for my factory-configured overclock? Thanks in advance.

V
Vector_VIP
Junior Member
35
11-06-2025, 02:54 AM
#2
It seems the problem started early, indicating a defective card that should have been fixed under warranty. The situation is likely to worsen, and there may be limited options left to resolve it.
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Vector_VIP
11-06-2025, 02:54 AM #2

It seems the problem started early, indicating a defective card that should have been fixed under warranty. The situation is likely to worsen, and there may be limited options left to resolve it.

6
64creepers
Member
59
11-06-2025, 04:43 AM
#3
Well, if these problems started from the beginning, it seems you received a defective card and it should have been returned under warranty during its validity. The situation is likely to worsen, and there may be very limited options to fix it.
6
64creepers
11-06-2025, 04:43 AM #3

Well, if these problems started from the beginning, it seems you received a defective card and it should have been returned under warranty during its validity. The situation is likely to worsen, and there may be very limited options to fix it.

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Fireking124
Senior Member
576
11-06-2025, 06:36 AM
#4
I concur with rolli59. It seems like a faulty GPU, and any effort to fix it is probably futile. It's time to swap her out.
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Fireking124
11-06-2025, 06:36 AM #4

I concur with rolli59. It seems like a faulty GPU, and any effort to fix it is probably futile. It's time to swap her out.

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_xAlucardx_
Junior Member
18
11-07-2025, 07:58 PM
#5
I'm sure it's not working right, but when I tried to return it a while back, I only got automated replies and gave up. I would have swapped it if possible, but now I can't do anything about it. You guys know what to do, so I guess I'll just keep going with the 650 ha ha ha ha.
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_xAlucardx_
11-07-2025, 07:58 PM #5

I'm sure it's not working right, but when I tried to return it a while back, I only got automated replies and gave up. I would have swapped it if possible, but now I can't do anything about it. You guys know what to do, so I guess I'll just keep going with the 650 ha ha ha ha.

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Nicodemos234
Junior Member
40
11-07-2025, 08:16 PM
#6
FeaturedDa_man :
I'm sure it's not working right, but when I tried to return it a while ago, I only got automated replies and gave up.
A few years ago, I faced a similar issue with three sets of speakers I bought (for myself and two others). They were purchased online using a credit card.
One set was faulty. Trying to contact customer service through RMA kept me stuck in the same automated messages over and over. I documented everything and sent it to my credit card provider.
In the end, I received a refund for all three. It seems the seller didn't cooperate either.
I understand this isn't helpful now, but if you ever deal with an unresponsive vendor, keep all your communications in order. If ignored, let the credit card company handle it.
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Nicodemos234
11-07-2025, 08:16 PM #6

FeaturedDa_man :
I'm sure it's not working right, but when I tried to return it a while ago, I only got automated replies and gave up.
A few years ago, I faced a similar issue with three sets of speakers I bought (for myself and two others). They were purchased online using a credit card.
One set was faulty. Trying to contact customer service through RMA kept me stuck in the same automated messages over and over. I documented everything and sent it to my credit card provider.
In the end, I received a refund for all three. It seems the seller didn't cooperate either.
I understand this isn't helpful now, but if you ever deal with an unresponsive vendor, keep all your communications in order. If ignored, let the credit card company handle it.