Artifacts issue with HD 4850

[Abhik262]

Hi, i have a Hd 4850 an am encountering an issue in which after a short while after havig switched on the computer (around 5 or so minutes) i see alot of artifacts on screen which cause what i see on screen to become very distorted. I remeber experiencing a simialr issue when i overclocked my older x1950 pro too far. After a few seconds of seeing this, the screen goes blank. then after around a minute (presumably when the driver has managed to recover itself) i see a BSOD where the memory starts dumping. This is only on for a few seconds and so is difficult to read, however, it mentions something wrong with the drivers.

I have another 4850 in another computer (see the computer specs under my username) which seems to work fine. the only main differences between my computer and the problematic computer is that the problematic comp has a C2D and a 22" monitor. I think the problem is likely due to the differences in resolution as on my 17" monitor, everything is fine. Also, another difference is that i have the typical sing slot cooler on my HD 4850, wheras on the other, there is the Palit-style cooler.

i would be greatly appreciate it if anyone were to help me on my problem. thanks in advance.

PS. Also, i have tried two sets of drivers, the newly released 8.10 as well as those which came on the disk with the graphics card.

[dfour]

It sounds like a cooling problem. Can you switch the 4850's over and see if you get the same problems??

If you do then its a duff card or overheating on the single slot cooled one.

[Webby]

Yeah sounds to me like an overheating issue, with the graphics memory most likely.

Swap the cards around and see if it still happens, if it does then its going to be a driver issue, remove the drivers and use a driver cleaning program to ensure the are no traces left then reinstall, if not then send the card back as its faulty (you may want to try it in the other PC to make sure first though.

[Abhik262]

Yeah sounds to me like an overheating issue, with the graphics memory most likely.

Swap the cards around and see if it still happens, if it does then its going to be a driver issue, remove the drivers and use a driver cleaning program to ensure the are no traces left then reinstall, if not then send the card back as its faulty (you may want to try it in the other PC to make sure first though.

I have tried that (the driver cleaning thing) to no avail. Anyway, i myself though it was an overheating problem and so that makes 3. ill see if a can rearrange some other cards, which could help.

[Abhik262]

Ok that plan failed miserably. My HD4850 worked for as long as i could test it, though the temps were a bit higher. One solutioni can think of is to install an aftermarket cooler. Can anyone reccommend a good one for the HD4850 which is relatively easy to install?

How about this one:
http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=627848

or this one:

http://www.scan.co.uk/Product.aspx?WebProductId=810140

The latter looks considerably better and should solve my problem, but due to my lack of experience in this field, i cant really say anthing.

[dfour]

I would go with the akasa as it vents the heat outthe backand not into your case. they are fairly easy to fit but people have said they are a little load as they have no way to change the fan speed included.

If you used the new 8.10 drivers from ATI did you not try setting teh fan speed manually for the hot 4850 from catalyst control panel??

[Abhik262]

I would go with the akasa as it vents the heat out the back and not into your case. they are fairly easy to fit but people have said they are a little loud as they have no way to change the fan speed included.

If you used the new 8.10 drivers from ATI did you not try setting teh fan speed manually for the hot 4850 from catalyst control panel??

I have tried this, but as it is the dodgy/cheap cooler from Xpertvision, it is very load and still doesnt do a very good job. Also, by loud, i mean load enough to drown out a tv at a fair volume. Anyway, so do you all think that the Akasa neo is a better choice?

Could anyone point me into the direction of a good guide. I also read somehwere that i would need to clean off the existing thermal paste, so would the necesarry removal paste be included?

[dfour]

Yes you do have to clean the existing thermal paste of the graphix card and all you need is white spirit or nail polish remover and a cotten bud to do it.

Review

http://www.driverheaven.net/reviews.php?reviewid=604

The Akasa Vortexx Neo is quiet, easy to install, looks brilliant and produces fantastic results. To top it all off, it is available for only £19.96 which is a great deal. Highly recommended.

[Pob255]

Or rubbing alcohol (from your nearest chemists) or a good "white" distilled spirit eg vodka
Before people jump on me for this, a quality vodka should consist of grain alcohol and water and very little else.
It will often contain less trace compounds than other solvents, often which are added to stop consumption of it.
Distilled gin also works well, but becarefull to advoid Compound gin as that is enfused after distilling and has higher trace content (esp sugars)

I also find, cocktail sticks handy for scrapeing off the worst of the thermal compound (a cocktail stick is soft enough not to damage the surface of the chips) before cleaning off the remains with a solvent.

[Webby]

Be aware that changing the cooler will void your warranty, the card will likely have a sticker over one of the heatsink screws (a Palit/Xpertvision 9800 GT with the same cooler I installed recently did) so they will know that you have changed it. Most other companies don't seem to bother with that!

[Abhik262]

So just, nail polish remover is necesarry? Ok, ive recieved it, will install and report back. Thanks for all of the help so far.

[Abhik262]

Ok, i have instaalled the cooler, but the problem remains. Also, the card screeches before overheating. What could i do? The temps are a bit better but still, the problem persists.

[dfour]

It looks like a RMA situation. Put the card back to the original condition and then retrun it to the place you got it from as faulty.

[Abhik262]

It looks like a RMA situation. Put the card back to the original condition and then retrun it to the place you got it from as faulty.

Doesnt the fact that i changed the cooler mean i cant return it?

[dfour]

Doesnt the fact that i changed the cooler mean i cant return it?

Only if they realise its been modded.

[sys-req]

Only if they can tell you changed it, if you stick the other one back on and tidy it up will they know