Computer Artifacting

So since I didn't get much of a response in the other thread... I'm running 2-sli'd GTX470s in my Antec 900 (V1) and my cards keep artifacting when I try to play games... I can't seem to figure out what the problem is whether it's my PSU (running an 850W), just not getting cool enough (they are REALLY close together with a sound card in between them), or something else (the hard drives giving out - but I'm assuming GPUs).

First thing is first... how should I test to figure out what the problem is. Second, should I look into getting liquid cooling (and if so, what should I be looking at - budgets around $500)? Third - should I upgrade to a full tower and get a higher-powered PSU (preferably cheap and reliable for both of those if necessary)?

Finally... I am running an older CPU (an AMD Athlon II x4 640) on a M4N98TD EVO board... Should I be upgrading that? I would rather not have to upgrade that as it's really pushing my budget as it is. I will post more specs if deemed necessary.

On another note I did check what I thought to be heat coming off my PSU and realized it's heat coming off my second card.

Seriously can anyone make any suggestions for this.

 

Check the temps when under load.

 

So did you check for new drivers?

 

Yes I just double checked to make sure.

I run around 80C under non-stress modes. I ran a 1280x720 non-AA stress test that took about 30 seconds and my primary GPU spiked to 90C almost instantly (under a minute and it was at 89C)... It's holding stable right now, but keep in mind I normally run all my games at 1920x1080 with AA... 91C at 2mins 30seconds.

Retest under my standard settings 1920x1080 and under 2 minutes I hit 92Cs...

 

Holy hell, I could go out on a limb here and say that heat is causing your artifacting. Don't worry about the CPU. Umm, Try removing the sound card and checking the temps one more time. If the heat is still there, there is more than likely damage to the card. And I don't remember you posting here.

 

Yeah I'd definitely say heat, that's higher than it should be.

 

Removing the sound card would not do anything, unfortunately. The second card runs at 80C as well - standard. Could anyone recommend a good liquid cooling unit (and or setup)?

 

If you are crammed for space then I don't think you will be able to liquid cool, it takes a lot of space, and with you running 2 cards I don't even think this will fit. http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16835186048

Umm here is where I have purchased water cooling, they have a larger selection than newegg. http://www.xoxide.com/watcoolkit.html

 

I'm not exactly crammed on space, however it is tight. I could easily do external cooling but I'm not sure if that's something you might recommend or not (like the Zalman Reserator or almost any of Koolance's external units).

Also the 3-fan cooling might not be the best thing because the GPUs are within about 3 inches of each other.

 

Well I was reading some of those reviews on newegg and the fan option lowered the temp drastically, but also mentioned space being a problem especially with 2 cards.