Irritating Monitor Flicker/Grains

[coldsplash]

Hi friends,

I'm facing a rather irritating problem.

My monitor is showing some kind of flicker/grains. I have a "Viewsonic VG1921wm 19 inch" flat panel.
- The problem started after my SMPS was busted and i got it (SMPS) replaced.
- After replacing SMPS, i realized that my graphic card too had burnt. So, temporarily, I used the onboard graphics of my "Intel DG33" motherboard. The flicker/grains started from here onwards.
- I got my graphic card replaced only to find that the slot too had burnt. Hence I got a new motherboard too. So presently I have an "ASROCK G41M" motherboard and "NVIDIA 8500GT" graphic card.
- Even after these replacements, there is still the same amount of flicker/grains.

The following are steps that I have already tried to get rid of the problem:
- Updated NVIDIA drivers
- Updated Viewsonic's monitor drivers
- Changed cable between CPU and monitor
- Changed power cable of monitor
- Tried lower refresh rates with lower resolutions (it shows up even at 60Hz and 800x600 - w.t.f)

In order to narrow down if the problem was due to monitor or CPU, I had it separately tested at a friend's place. These were the results:
- (Friend's CPU+My Monitor) The monitor displays without any flicker/grains
- (My CPU+Friend's Monitor) No flicker/grains

Also, I have tested the monitor with the projector out port of a friend's laptop and it still works fine.

Its only that my CPU + my monitor = problem.

Please someone help me. I have already invested so much in getting replacements and service charges to unsuccessful service guys. This is my only hope of getting back on my PC.

 

[pimpom]

You have already taken some sensible steps to narrow down the problem. It would help if you could describe the appearance more clearly. "Flicker/grain" is a bit vague. Are the grains like tiny sparks?

The problem may be caused by poor contact at some point in the power chain. It's unlikely to be a software problem or at the CPU-monitor signal cable.

You did not mention these. Have you tried them? -
Changed the CPU power cable.
Tested your CPU + monitor at your friend's place, all with your own cables.

The problem can be due to poor contact at the power cable to CPU, power cable to UPS, or at the wall plug.

 

[coldsplash]

At my friend's place, once I got the motherboard replaced, I had tried my CPU and monitor and it worked fine. But immediately after I got it back home, it appeared again. I have shifted to another home after that and the problem persists. The only difference was the CPU to monitor cable at my friends place, but when I got a new pair of those, it did not do any help.

About the details of the "Flicker/grains", its more like some elongated grains. Not like sparks, but like rather dark lines. Since it forms a sort of uniform pattern, I am figuring it has something to do with power only.