Graphics go down in flames

[Replicant]

Pardon me if this issue has already been addressed in this forum. I'm new to Simviation and haven't read the entire forum yet.
I have a brand new PC, 2.4Ghz P4 with 512Mb Ram, a GeForce 4 4200Ti, an Audigy and Sidewinder 2 Force Feedback. I installed CFS3 and the graphics are corrupting and breaking up while its running. I am seeing a screen revealed behind the action showing the camouflage pattern template of one of the aircraft. No graphics problems noticed with any other games or apps.
I'm about to try the patch and will be trying a graphic driver update. Am I on the right track?
Has anyone else had this problem or have I just bought a kamikaze copy?

[Iroquois]

Sounds to me like the dreded Nvidia driver vers 42.XX graphics problem. The vers 42 drivers cause corrupt graphics and "psychadelic" background images.  Try Nvidia version 43 drivers available at nvidia.com or guru3d.com. I have these and no graphics problems encountered with my 950 Duron and Geforce2 MX400.