I need some help with a graphics issue. I've been playing Skyrim on high settings just fine since its release. Until yesterday when some nasty graphics problems appeared. In outside areas I am getting long streaks across the screen. They distort and sometimes block the view entirely. They do not seem to affect people at all, only the envinronment.

It's almost as if the textures overlaying the environment (rocks, trees and grass) are being torn and stretched across the screen in places. But I can't figure out why it would only be outside and not inside. Maybe it is a 3d model issue? I also can't figure out why it would just now develop after more than 2 months of flawless play. I'm worried my graphics card is (almost?) fried.

I've taken a picture. Oh, and I am playing on an ASUS N61JQ notebook: 1.6Ghz Quad Core, 4GB Ram, ATI Mobility HD 5730 on 1366x768 settings. Not very powerful, but it's gotten the job done so far.

So, any ideas?

[img]http://i1126.photobucket.com/albums/l607/kamikazees/Skyrim.jpg[/img]

Looks like it I'm afraid.

Some things I'd suggest:
Check to see if other games work fine or if they have issues.
Remove your drivers and install the latest ones.
Check to see if it happens on lower settings.

I am wondering if playing Skyrim on High on that chip caused the card to "age". Like Welsh suggested, try it with other games and also play on lower settings (Which you should IMO, Im afraid.)

Hope all goes well!

If I were to guess, I'd say it is over-heating. That artefact may be the result of current overheating, or permanent card damage due to previous over-heating...this won't be known till you dial down everything to basic lo-res and see if artefact goes away. If yes, you know what to do. If no, well....then its dead, Jim.

Get a dock with lot's of cooling fans for your next lap