Display issues with new system

New system:
CPU: AMD 64 X2 4200+ (socket AM2)
Mobo: ASUS M2N-SLI Deluxe
Ram: 1gb G.Skill PC6400
Video card: EVGA Geforce 7600 GT PCIEx16
Sound card: Sound Blaster LIVE! 5.1
Hard drive: Western Digital Caviar SE16 250GB SATA 300
Optical drive: OEM Samsung 18x DVD-RW
Power supply: Thermaltake TR2-430w
OS: Windows XP Media Center Edition

Problem:

System seemed to fire up ok but the visuals are very strange. Happens even at POST screen, not just limited to within Windows. While setting up Windows I had just attributed it to the fact that I hadn't installed the display drivers yet. However, when I try to install display drivers my screen just goes black and my monitor's power indicator light goes orange as if I'd just turned my computer off. I have to boot in safe mode and uninstall the drivers to get it to work again. Here's what my desktop looks like:
http://www.plan9clan.com/images/eww.JPG

I wish I could get a picture of what my boot screens look like, they're much more screwed up than that but in a similar way with the out of place blocks of color.

Any ideas? Video card DoA? PSU too wimpy? I'm an idiot and missing something really easy? Halp!

I'm pretty sure that'd be a video card problem. Easiest thing to do is re-seat your video card and check all connectors. If it persists then swap it w/another video card. If it still looks distorted then the only thing I know to do in this regard is try swapping displays. Hope this helps.

I think I've checked all my connections and whatnot at least 10 times now and tried at least 5 different drivers. Unfortunately I don't have another pcie card to try in this system or another pcie system to try the card in. I've found a few cases of people with similar problems and it sounds like I've got a dead card on my hands. Luckily there's a computer parts warehouse nearby that price matches newegg so I can pick up a replacement there tomorrow while I send this thing back to newegg for a refund.

a local retailer that price matches an internet site? :lol:

is that a screenshot or is it digicam shot? <-- serious and important question

is that a screenshot or is it digicam shot? <-- serious and important question
I wish I could get a picture of what my boot screens look likeThis leads me to believe it's a screenshot, which would mean a video card failure.

Yes, it was a screenshot and you're correct, the card was bad. I ran to Microcenter this morning and picked up another, identical card and everything is fine. Now I just need to make the decision to either return the defective card for a refund or have it repaired/replaced and run them in SLI. Thanks guys. :rocker:

Glad to be of service my friend :bigthumb: