Quote Originally Posted by Granyala View Post
Videocards don't overheat out of nothing, though what worries me is that you described a burnt smell.
That usually does not happen when a card dies to overheating (especially newer models that just clock themselves down).

You should assess the health power supply as well. It's possible that it was overtaxed, if it was a cheap one and doesn't have the proper protective circuitry.
That's a good call;
We've had the two PCs since ARR launch and kept them in good condition, although obviously they're not tip top condition because wear and tear.

The actual power supply interior is a place I can't easily clean so it could very well have cat hair or whatever from 10+ years of use. I'll be looking into that. Thanks!

Not sure about the heat transfer compound as it was put together by a local PC shop...but with10 years good I'd like to think they did right, but I'm also leaning towards it doesn't matter how clean I think I'm being because there will always be random bits of hair/dust that I just couldn't see/notice.