PCI-E problem?

[sobarel]

Hello all,


I've just built a system around the IP35 Pro XE - everything is working perfectly except that my graphics card (Asus EAH3650) is producing a faint flickering scrolling pattern down one side of the screen. I've tried another card in the same PCI-E slot with the same results, and I've eliminated the possibility that it's the monitor or lead. I've also had to remove and reseat the card a couple of times to get it to work at all.

Is this likely to be a bad PCI-E slot on the motherboard, or is there something else I can try?

Appreciate any help!

Thanks, David

[AD-15]

hello,

Have you tried using the other PCI-E slot? If it works, you can be sure the first slot is indeed faulty I reckon.

[sobarel]

Thanks for the reply.

Yes, that would be the sensible thing to do! However, my Zalman power supply has these sort of "easy release" style power connectors which are thicker than standard, so when the auxiliary ATX is connected the second PCI-E slot is effectively inaccessible. It's a bit of a design defect!

[AD-15]

hello,

Is the auxiliary ATX connector absolutely necessary for your system to run stable? From what I understand, it's only used as an additional power source, not a necessary one.

You'll only be using the system for a limited period of time, simply to see whether the issues you encountered are replicated with the second slot.

EDIT: Can you post your system spec please?

[sobarel]

Ah, the manual isn't clear on this point, so I was assuming the aux ATX was necessary for any PCI-E devices. So, I've just tried the card in the second slot ... and the problem is still there.

It can't be a bad PCI-E slot then. I'm much more confused now!

System spec:
Abit IP35 Pro XE
Intel Core2Quad Q6600
Asus EAH3650
2GB Corsair DDR2 PC2-8500
2 x Samsung SATA HD
1 x LG SATA DVDRW
Win XP

[AD-15]

I wouldn't discount the idea that both slots are faulty - it's just unlikely.

How have you made sure the monitor itself isn't the problem?

Also, does the monitor use a VGA lead? If so (I'm assuming you'd be using a VGA/DVI adapter), then it's asking for trouble IMO. I have a monitor that uses VGA, and when I was using an older card in one of my systems (with a VGA port) there were no issues. Now I've totally rebuilt the system however, and the new graphics card uses 2xDVI ports only, so I have to stick in the standard adapter that comes with it. This has given me loads of issues with fuzziness at the sides of the screen, and the picture randomly deciding to shift itself to the right every now and again.

Could you also tell me what PSU you are using? I know there are some makes that have issues with the Abit IP35 boards (mine included!).

[sobarel]

I've tried the monitor on another PC, and it was fine. There's also an inbuilt test pattern which works correctly, so the problem must be coming from the PC...

I'm using the DVI-in on the monitor, but it also has a VGA-input which I also tried with an adapter, just to exhaust every possibility! I've also tried a different lead and using the second DVI output on the graphics card. I'm being very thorough I think, but just ending up thoroughly baffled!

One thing I should maybe mention - if I drop the screen setting to the lowest possible resolution (800x600) the problem disappears, but it's there at every other setting...

Oh, and it's a Zalman 460W PSU I'm using.

[AD-15]

hello,

Can you try using both the graphics card and monitor with another system, at the same time?

[Blitzen]

2 things it can be:

1. Drivers issue...download the newest one (this is my bet as i have seen this before).

2. Interference froma close by TV.

I seriously doubt a dodgy PCI-E slot or a power issue would be to blame for these symptoms.

[sobarel]

2 things it can be:

1. Drivers issue...download the newest one (this is my bet as i have seen this before).

2. Interference froma close by TV.

I seriously doubt a dodgy PCI-E slot or a power issue would be to blame for these symptoms.

I've tried the newest drivers from both ASUS and direct from ATI. I've also tried some of the older ones that are still available, and even just a default Microsoft VGA driver. The problem is there regardless.

There is no TV, or anything else, nearby. This is also the same monitor in the same position as with my previous system, and I never had this problem then. Also, if the problem was interference then I'd expect to see the flickering on the monitor's in-built test screen - and I don't, which makes me think the problem must be originating from the PC.

[sobarel]

hello,

Can you try using both the graphics card and monitor with another system, at the same time?

The other system in the house is a bit old, and doesn't even have PCIE slots. I'm not sure that I know anyone who doesn't have either a similarly old system, a Mac, or just a laptop - but I'll ask around.