MSI ATI Radeon HD 6970 Lightning Issues

Question

Hi all,
Back in May I upgraded my 4870's in crossfire to a 6970 lightning, and I have been having some issues since then, but I'm not sure if its down to a dodgy card, or driver issues, and wanted to sound them out before I do anything.
The issues currently are -
Actual navigation around Vista is fine. No issues with video playback. Only graphical quirk is in Zune Marketplace, which occasionally has the odd line which seems to streak away from album pictures.
In games, the line streaking is much worse, and makes them somewhat unplayable. Dragon Age 2, Witcher 2 and Global Agenda, all have the problem. Not sure if streaking or tearing is the correct term really. I'm about half way through Dragon Age 2, and in the mansion house, the streaks radiate away from the characters and most animated objects, the fireplace for example. Haven't started Witcher 2, but this is the same in the tent at the very start, there is also speckles, or purplish dots on dark objects. The same issues occur in Global Agenda, but on a much worse scale. In game video's are fine however.
Also, in Rift, an odd speckling of pink/purple dots on certain terrain. No big deal, certainly not a game ruiner, was barely noticeable.
No crashes at all however...
I have tried cleaning drivers on several occasions and attempted to run the cards using the latest ATI drivers, as well as the drivers that came with the card, and also the drivers listed on the product webpage. I have tried the card with both bios settings, have removed and reseated the card, but nothing improves.
I have discussed this on the forum of the company that I bought the card, and the general consensus is that its a dodgy card and I should RMA. I wanted to try here before I go down that route, as I really would prefer a working card than having to go down the RMA route, which would be a last resort.
Thanks!
Added system details:
Windows Vista 64bit
AMD Phenom II X3 Tri Core 720 2.80GHz @ 3.30GHz
Gigabyte GA-MA790XT-UD4P Motherboard
Corsair Dominator 8GB DDR3 XMS3 PC2-1600C9D TwinX (4x2GB) Bundle
Western Digital Caviar Black 500GB SATA-II 32MB Cache - OEM (WD5001AALS)
Western Digital VelociRaptor 150GB 16MB
750W Seasonic S12D-750 ATX2.3 Power Supply  
A Sony blue ray player of some description and also a sony dvd rewriter.

Answer 1

Yes to driver sweeper, both with MSI drivers and latest ATI drivers.
Happens in all games I have on the computer, Metro 2033 does not load at all however.
I have tried with both default clock speeds, and also underclocked, I believe default is 940/1375, I have tried at these speeds, and also underclocked at 900/1325.
I also tried uninstalling all drivers, installing drivers for one of the 4870's I used in crossfire and trying that, and it allowed me to play the games with no issues.
I don't have another PC that would fit the card, so can't try it in another pc.
Only pictures I have access to are small and don't really show the issue, I will try to provide better ones tonight.