Graphics/Rendering Issues, Using An "Approved" Graphics Card

[Buckley]

This is what I have done:

1. Checked my computer specs to see if they were satisfactory.
2. Deleted cache files.
3. Searched Google for similar issues.
4. Restarted computer and let it cool down.
5. Played for a few minutes to check GPU's temperature. (59 degrees Celsius according to SpeedFan, if that's at all relevant.)
6. Updated graphics card drivers.

My system's specs:

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System Information
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Time of this report: 10/13/2011, 23:05:55
Machine name: COLLEN-PC
Operating System: Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit (6.1, Build 7601) Service Pack 1 (7601.win7sp1_gdr.110622-1506)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: Z68X-UD4-B3
BIOS: Award Modular BIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-2500 CPU @ 3.30GHz (4 CPUs), ~3.6GHz
Memory: 8192MB RAM
Available OS Memory: 8176MB RAM
Page File: 2208MB used, 14140MB available
Windows Dir: C:\Windows
DirectX Version: DirectX 11
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
User DPI Setting: Using System DPI
System DPI Setting: 96 DPI (100 percent)
DWM DPI Scaling: Disabled
DxDiag Version: 6.01.7601.17514 32bit Unicode

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Display Devices
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Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 570
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 570
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_1081&SUBSYS_15703842&REV_A1
Display Memory: 4064 MB
Dedicated Memory: 1248 MB
Shared Memory: 2815 MB
Current Mode: 1920 x 1200 (32 bit) (59Hz)
Monitor Name: Dell U2410(Digital)
Monitor Model: DELL U2410
Monitor Id: DELF015
Native Mode: 1920 x 1200(p) (59.950Hz)
Output Type: DVI
Driver Name: nvd3dumx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvwgf2umx.dll,nvd3dum,nvwgf2um,nvwgf2um
Driver File Version: 8.17.0012.8026 (English)
Driver Version: 8.17.12.8026
DDI Version: 11
Driver Model: WDDM 1.1
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/3/2011 06:50:00, 15064168 bytes

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Sound Devices
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Description: Digital Output (ASUS Xonar DX Audio Device)
Default Sound Playback: No
Default Voice Playback: No
Hardware ID: PCI\VEN_13F6&DEV_8788&SUBSYS_82751043&REV_00
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: cmudaxp.sys
Driver Version: 5.12.0001.0008 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 3/10/2011 15:44:16, 2725376 bytes

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Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 841.6 GB
Total Space: 953.8 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: WDC WD1002FAEX-00Z3A0

As the title says, I'm experiencing some odd graphics/rendering issues. It's doing a lot of weird things, but to name a few:

-Random rendering problem with my Sims, where their skins get stretched oddly.
-Screen started flashing black (not frequently, but every 30 seconds or so).
-In map view, the screen froze up, the graphics went wonky (glowing oddly, the lots were skewed, just weirdness), then it started to crash to desktop (the desktop background came up) but it stopped itself and went back to the normal Sim screen. The game functioned fine after that with no other graphics issues for a while. (Sorry, I realize that probably doesn't make any sense but I can't think of a better way to describe what happened.)
-"Artifacts". Here is a screenshot of this problem:

http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a466/colleen_davis/Screenshot-47.jpg

I am worried that my graphics card is having problems, but I want to see what you all think and if you all have any ideas/suggestions. My computer is fairly new (it was built in June of this year, 2011), but I realize that doesn't necessarily mean anything. I think my machine should handle the Sims 3 (+expansions) without issue, but if not please let me know. Thanks for your time! I sincerely appreciate any advice. :)

EDIT: Okay, so it may be something with the game. I went into one of my saves that I've been playing for a while now, and it reset all my options (my custom age span and asked me about edge scrolling, as if I'd never played before). Also, it started acting oddly in regards to the house I was using. It randomly turned some of the red brick siding fuchsia. I minimized the Sims game and when I came back it was back to normal. Here's a picture:

http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a466/colleen_davis/Screenshot-60.jpg

http://i1038.photobucket.com/albums/a466/colleen_davis/Screenshot-61.jpg

[ellacharmed]

Are you playing in Fullscreen or Windowed mode? And this issue occur in either/both?

Is this a PC you've built yourself? What is the power supply?

It could also be the Nvidia drivers - I have the black screen issue constantly, even just browsing the 'net - until I switched the "Power Mgmt mode" to use Max Performance setting. It seems to be an ongoing thing and has started since 2009 or maybe earlier. It is still happening in the latest Beta.
- http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=100800&hl=nvlddmkm&st=0
- http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=207666
- http://forums.nvidia.com/index.php?showtopic=211130

[Buckley]

Thank you for your response ellacharm3d! I am playing in fullscreen mode. I have never tried windowed mode before. The PC was built by a company in Michigan, and the power supply is a CORSAIR CMPSU-650TX 650W.

I will look into the Nvidia driver issue, however I am afraid it is my graphics card that is starting to go out. I had it looked at by a local computer techie and that was what he said. If replacing the graphics card doesn't work, you will probably see me back here though. But I'm pretty sure that's what was happening.

Thanks again for your time! :)

[ellacharmed]

That PSU should be OK as the card needs minimum of 550W, but check the amperage on the 12V rail, just in case. While you were monitoring Temps, did you also take note of the voltage changes?

If they have another (spare and opened) 570 or even another 5xx card, test them in the shop before RMA'ing the spoiled piece. It should still be under warranty? The components in overall system are all pretty new.