Graphical Issues (Motherboard vs. Drivers)

[xerodok]

So, this is the first time I'm making a post in relation to graphic problems I've been experiencing. And before I start replacing/RMAing things, I would like a second option.

Specs:
CPU: Intel Core i7-2600K @ 4.4 GHz (stable)
MB: ASUS Sabertooth Z77
RAM: Corsair Vengance 16GB (4x4 DDR3)
GPU: x2 Sapphire ATI Radeon HD 7950

Problem:
Ever since the start of the XIV beta, I've noticed there has been some graphical issues, mostly screen tearing. It's generally a stripe that goes across my screen and looks like some kind of vertical sync error. I figured, the CCC drivers need to be updated for XIV, so I was patient and waited it out. Phase 4 came around, same problem, except worse. I updated my CCC, still problems. I actually looked closer at the problem, it does the same thing if I watch HD movies, scroll, youtube, whatever.

Here's a screenshot I doctored in Paint to kind of show what I'm experiencing; screenshot is from FC forums.

To me, that definitely sounds like a graphics card problem. So, I tried using one GPU, same problem, tried the second GPU, same problem. Maybe a PCI port is bad? I tried it in another PCI port, still the same thing. I even tried another brand 7950 (roommate's) and still had the same problem. Tried beta and regular CCC drivers, too.

This leads me to believe, there's something from with the PCI-e bus on my Z77. I don't want to go through with RMAing a board if I don't have to, especially so close to XIV release. Does anyone have any ideas of anything else I could try?

Has anyone had any similar problems? Suggestions?

[Totien]

Could be something as silly as a bad cable. I've seen bad HDMI cables cause nvstor.sys blue screens.

[xerodok]

Could be something as silly as a bad cable. I've seen bad HDMI cables cause nvstor.sys blue screens.

I ordered some new, higher quality DVI cables the other day because they're black instead of white (I'm weird) -- and to test this exact problem, too. I'll let you know the results.

[Alolbont]

Update your drivers to 13.8 beta 2, will fix your 14 issues especially with crossfire.

[Toxictaru]

I've seen a lot of screen tearing with heat too, have you eliminated that as a potential?

[xerodok]

I've seen a lot of screen tearing with heat too, have you eliminated that as a potential?

i7 is water cooled -- my case is pretty cool consistently. Cool enough that I normally don't even benchmark temperatures (unless I'm overclocking). I also have eliminated heat as a problem by running the cards/CPU on stock, and overclocked, same results.

[Alolbont]

Drivers man drivers, did u get the beta drivers??

[Mabubeezareel]

How many monitors are you using? I get the exact same thing on my 7950 when I run a second monitor in clone mode and have at least one of the monitors connected to one of the mini-DP port outputs on the card. Only fix I have found for it is to avoid using the mini-DP outputs and go for the combo of DVI + HDMI.

[xerodok]

How many monitors are you using? I get the exact same thing on my 7950 when I run a second monitor in clone mode and have at least one of the monitors connected to one of the mini-DP port outputs on the card. Only fix I have found for it is to avoid using the mini-DP outputs and go for the combo of DVI + HDMI.

I'm using two. And I use DVI & HDMI. Still problems. Also tried just HDMI and just DVI on a single monitor.

[xopher]

uninstall drivers, wipe your driver traces out using driver sweeper and ccleaner and then reinstall newest drivers