Member Avatar for Draceit

Hello, I hope I can explain the problem well. My monitor is a CRT. The ghastly black lines/stripes emerged just today, gradually by a few secs. When it happened, the quality of the picture lessens a bit and stayed on like that.

Its something like this,
[img][/img]
Not an accurate representation though. The faint stripes appears and becomes more apparent if there is a line on the monitor, be it text or pictures. The whole screen is like a barcode.

Is there a way to cure it?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by jingda

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The pattern described by and the isolation steps suggested by make a failing graphics card the most likely cause. Vertical “barcode” stripes that become more obvious on text or lines are a common symptom of GPU/VRAM or video-scan circuitry problems, although bad analog cables, power-supply issues or electrical interference can produce similar effects.

Quick non-invasive checks (to confirm before replacing hardware):

  • Boot in the OS low-resolution/VGA mode or Safe Mode. If the stripes disappear, the problem is more likely driver/refresh-related; try a lower resolution and a CRT-friendly refresh rate (commonly 60–85 Hz).
  • Power down, unplug and carefully reseat the card in its slot; look for dust, a non-spinning fan or bulging/leaking capacitors on the board. Do not open the CRT — high voltages inside make monitor repair hazardous.
  • Swap the video cable or test the suspect card in another machine (or try a known-good card in this machine). If the artifact follows the card, the card is at fault.
  • Verify the PSU can supply sufficient, stable power and that any PCIe/AGP power plugs are connected.

Short checklist for installing a replacement GPU (compatibility and safety first):

  • Confirm slot type (PCIe, AGP, or PCI) and PSU wattage/connector requirements.
  • Power down and unplug the system; use an anti-static wrist strap or frequently touch the case to discharge static.
  • Remove the old card: unscrew the bracket, release the slot latch (if present) and pull straight out. Seat the new card fully, secure the bracket, attach any required power leads, reconnect the monitor, then boot and install the latest drivers from the card maker. Check BIOS if the board does not initialize.

Buying notes and practical options: local computer shops or big retailers will sell and often install cards (as noted), but used cards from the secondhand market are frequently the cheapest option for older systems. For very old machines (AGP era) ensure driver and OS support before purchase.

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Member Avatar for chrisbliss18

You may want to ensure that it's the monitor and not something else. If you can, try your monitor on another machine and try another monitor on the affected machine. This will tell you if the problem is the monitor or the machine.

Sometimes strange things can happen if there are badly behaving electrical devices on the same circuit. Turn everything on the circuit off (printer, fax machine, overhead lights, everything) and see if that clears the image at all. You might also want to try relocating the machine in a different part of the house and see if that makes a difference. This may sound silly, but I remember a person who had a problem with their monitor after they installed a new flourescent light that was introducing interference.

If you try other monitors on the system, and they show the same lines, you most likely have a graphics card issue.

If you try the monitor on other systems and try the monitor in different locations and the lines still show, your monitor most likely has a power supply issue. I believe that this is repairable but, unless your monitor is very expensive, is really not worth the costs of repair.

If you run any of the tests that I describe, please update your post with your findings.

Member Avatar for Draceit

Heya, I've did your tests and I suppose it is the graphics card that is the problem. Thank you for helping me deduce the results. Appreciate your detailed informative post. :) Now where can I get the money to buy a new card..... Lmao.

Member Avatar for shermac123

Where does one get a new graphics card and how do you install it?

Member Avatar for jingda

A graphics card can always be purchase at any computer repair shop or computer score. If you are inexperience with installing it, i suggest you ask an expert to help you. Maybe the person who sell you the graphic card will be kind enought to do that.

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