Checking for overheating is a great first step when it comes to video cards — the graphics processors on the cards do tend to generate a lot of heat and can push a system that’s already running hot right over the edge. Remember that you also need to be sure that the heat can exit the computer case…it’s not just about clearance between the video card fan and the next card over. My recommendation is an intake fan on the front of the case and an exhaust fan on the rear of the case, to make sure the air flows in one direction across the components.

If this started to happen after installing a new video card, it might also be your power supply — new graphics cards use a lot of power, which can cause a lower-wattage power supply to just give up if you’re demanding more power than it can handle. This is especially true if you’re using a generic power supply that came with the case…typically those power supplies are low-wattage and not so reliable for performance applications. When you start adding new performance-oriented components to your computer you should seriously consider upgrading your power supply to one that’s at least 450 watts these days.