And then the video card went out

Egad, more computer drama

Just when I put the failed hard drive behind me, the video card in my machine goes out. And I mean, it went out. The fan came off the spindle and sounded like a chainsaw running. I’m not sure if it started to overheat, but the video color began to separate, then pixelate, turned to static, then turned into a series of completely unrecognizable blobs and blurs.

And that was the end of that.

After shaking my fist at the sky multiple times, I pulled the card out, checked the specs and looked to BestBuy for a replacement. BB has an uncanny knack of showing me everything that’s NOT available at the store near me. I gave up and went to look in person.

Thing is, I need a specific card. I need some of the old technology. My monitors aren’t DVI or HDMI. I still have two perfectly usable LCD monitors with VGA connectors. And until they give out, I’m going to keep using them.

I did find a nice PNY replacement with 2GB of onboard ram and swapped out the old card. The card is about half as high and twice as wide. It completely covers the slot next to it. Good thing I don’t have anything else in there.

A quick driver update later and everything was back to normal. A frustrating morning, but the card has worked without incident for over two and a half years. I guess that’s a pretty good run.

Now I have to pause and reflect. What other electronic component is going to go out on me? Note to self, start some backups.