Reset any GPU overclock, do a clean driver reinstall, check GPU temperatures and dust, and test with a different cable and monitor. If artifacts appear in the BIOS or before Windows loads, the graphics card is likely failing.

What's going on

Artifacting means the GPU is outputting corrupted data. Software causes (drivers, game bugs, unstable overclocks) tend to appear only in certain apps or games. Hardware causes (overheating, failing VRAM, a damaged GPU) usually get worse under load and may appear everywhere.

Problems with the cable or monitor can look similar (flicker, lines, sparkles), so rule those out first.

Signs of the problem

  • Colored dots, lines or blocks on screen.
  • Stretched or flickering textures in games.
  • Glitches even in BIOS or on the boot screen.

What causes it

  • Unstable GPU or VRAM overclock.
  • Overheating from dust, failing fans or dried thermal paste.
  • Corrupted or buggy graphics driver.
  • Failing video memory or GPU chip; faulty cable or monitor.

Fixes to try, in order

  1. Rule out cable and monitorTry another cable, port and display.
  2. Remove overclocksReset clocks to default in MSI Afterburner or the vendor app; try a small underclock to test.
  3. Clean-reinstall driversUse the vendor's clean-install option or DDU in Safe Mode, then install the latest stable driver.
  4. Check temperaturesMonitor GPU and memory/hotspot temperature with HWiNFO while gaming. Clean dust and make sure fans spin.
  5. Check in BIOSIf artifacts appear before Windows loads, the card is likely failing. Check warranty or replace it.
How to confirm the fix: No artifacts during long gaming or GPU stress sessions at default clocks.

Prevent it from coming back

Keep the GPU cool and dust-free and validate overclocks properly.