Diagnosing Mac Pro problem--is this a video card issue?

[SwitchingSoon]

Hi, I have a first generation mac pro that no longer works. When I boot up, I see the login in screen for a few seconds perfectly, but then the screen goes haywire--i.e., the screen shows tons of different colors in weird rectangular patterns. (I can't remember if it goes haywire only after I login...)

I disconnected the computer a month ago, but it still has a lot of valuable files, so if it's merely a video card issue, I'll fix it.

Does anyone have similar experience? I'm afraid to purchase a new video card and realize I wasted my money...

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EDIT

Ok, so I tested it again and cleaned the video card. It's not the video card. It's also not the hard drive because I can see my desktop for a short while before it all goes haywire.

I guess this means it's the motherboard..?

 

[scotttaylor]

After you boot it can you access the machine via file sharing from another Mac (after the screen goes haywire)? Also, try removing the video card then booting it and either access it via file sharing or screen sharing from another Mac. If the system is stable with the video card removed that probably points to a faulty video card.

 

[blunti]

I had a similar problem with my 08 MP before I sold it. Once I put another video card in it, the problem was gone...


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