4870 graphic corruption?

[goodcow]

Model Identifier: MacPro4,1
Processor Name: Quad-Core Intel Xeon
Processor Speed: 2.26 GHz
Number Of Processors: 2
Memory: 12 GB
Chipset Model: ATI Radeon HD 4870

OS 10.6.1

There have been two occasions now where I've gotten severe graphical corruption on the screen forcing me to reboot. Once I reboot, everything is fine.

The first time I noticed it when trying to use QuickLook on some H.264 footage and it would playback all corrupted. I tried some Sony EX1 footage and the same thing.

Everything was fine for about two weeks and then yesterday I was editing in Final Cut, applied a filter and noticed I started getting screen corruption again.

Is the card messed up, or do I have some codec coflict or something?

Any advice?

Thanks.

1920x1200 images:
http://goodcowfilms.com/web/4870_cortruption_1.png
http://goodcowfilms.com/web/4870_cortruption_2.png
http://goodcowfilms.com/web/4870_cortruption_3.png

 

[Dr.Pants]

If reboots are doing something, maybe you need a PRAM reset; however, I do think the graphics card is the culprit here.

 

[rikoshay]

Have you blown the dust out your Mac's innards, paying particular attention to the cooler atop your graphics card? Do this first before you start thinking hardware failure.

 

[lannister80]

Yep, clean out your MP. Could easily be overheating of the graphics card due to dust buildup.

 

[goodcow]

Yep, clean out your MP. Could easily be overheating of the graphics card due to dust buildup.

I've only had the machine for four weeks now.