Big (gfx?) problem

[boebi]

Ok, ill try explaining as much as possible...

Everything worked fine, like it always does, but then at once I startup css (counter strike source, steam) and it doesnt work. The letters of the server are all messed up, and the screen looks weird.
I try hl2 (half life 2, steam) and i get a similar problem

I was like wtf doesnt this work

Alright then... I used acronis tru image and installed my backup again...

And i thought, atlast, lets play css again...
****!!!!!! it doesnt work

Ok, i tried my backups, non-steam games, even a old game (hitman 1) but nothing worked.

I tried reinstalling my gfx driver, reinstalling DirectX, no joy...

So I hope I can get some help here, a friend of mine told me this forum is full of smart guys

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pc specs:
(dell dimension 8200)
intel pentium 4, 2.53ghz
1gb ram
GeForce Ti 4600

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boebi . info / problem / hl2.jpg
remove the spaces, i cant post urls

[Fabula]

Looks like your graphics card may be overheating, or even broken.
Open the case and look at your graphics card while running. Is the fan on it turning? Does there look to be a build up of dust in it?
When the machine is off, carefully take the graphics card out and examine the heatsink. Carefully clean away any built up dust, and put it back in. If the fan is working fine, and there is no dust built up, and you still get the problem having put a new system and drivers on, then your card is probably dead.
Get a new one. Should be fairly cheap, and you could get a significantly better one for not too much money.

[boebi]

well you were right, there was a loot of dust build up in there.

I cleaned it out, and now the fan is making a loud humming kind of noise. Is it possible to also fix that? maybe its just the fan malfunctioning?

[vinnyT]

If the fan is making a lot of noise, then you could replace it with the Zalman VF700-CU Quiet "Copper" VGA Cooler + Memory Sinks for ATI/Nvidia - http://www.scan.co.uk/Products/Produ...oductID=168309 - I've checked on the zalman site, and you card (ti4600) is compatable, see - http://www.zalman.co.kr/product/cool...elist_eng.html

Not only would this replacement be quieter, but should also make the gfx card cooler.



Before you buy anything, make sure that the pc runs the games now you have cleaned, if it does, great, that proves it was just the gfx overheating.

Also, check that none of the cables in your pc are hitting (or are very close to) the gfx fan, if they are, this could be the source of the noise.

Hope this helps.

[boebi]

everything is fixed now
games work, and the noise stopped as soon as i moved the case (tower) back vertical, since i need to hold it horizontal to open it.

thanks allot guys

[boebi]

Alright, it's not fixed :/

Its still making a lot of noise, also when I turn it horizontally. I checked that cooler, but thats not gonna fit, I only have 1.5cm space between my gfx card and the card next to it.

I also get some weird screens now and then, and sometimes my screen simply turns off. And it doesnt turn on again. I then have to turn of my pc (with the power button..) and wait (probably untill my gfx card is cooled down).

Is there any other way to fix this but buying a new gfx card (dont have a lot of money atm )

[Steve B]

are you comfortable with replacing the thermal interface compound between the heatsink and the graphics processor?

[boebi]

what do you exactly mean?

BTW: I just put a simple small fan (it was in a baseball cap once) infront of my gfx card and connected it to a simple battery. It's making about the same ammount of noise like my gfx fan does, but i think it really helps cooling. I cant use this for long though so I need a solution asap

[Steve B]

if you take the heatsink off, reapply some thermal compound, and then purchase a new cooler for the 8800, this should decrease your temps and make it slightly quieter

[Pob255]

if you take the heatsink off, reapply some thermal compound, and then purchase a new cooler for the 8800, this should decrease your temps and make it slightly quieter

it's not an 8800 it's a GeForce Ti 4600

The fan makeing a noise like that, means the bareing on the fan is dieing cuaseing it to wobble when it spins.
Takeing off the heatsink&fan giveing it a thourgher clean, replaceing the thermal paste and reseating it would probably help.
However there is a chance that it's overheated and damaged its self, which means it new card time.

a geforce ti 4600 means you're on agp (at least I don't know of a ti4600 for pci-e )
Your best bet will be a cheap geforce 7300GT or 7600GS
7300GT £55
7600GS £67

Or go ATi
x1550 £46
x1650Pro £58

While you're there I'd check all your other fans for dust as well.

P.S. best methord I've found for cleaning is a small soft paint brush and blasts of air supplied by human lungs

[MrP]

try retekdirect, they have some nice ATI all in wonder cards on the site and they have some different onesif you email them

[boebi]

Already tried taking it off and cleaning it and all that stuff.

I think it's a pci card since all my other slots are pci?

I don't have money for a new card atm..

So theres no other solution but buying a new card then? Great..

[Pob255]

From digging around, you are on AGP
http://lyberty.com/tech/sysspecs/dell_8200.html
However it's only agpx4 (but that's ok as it will support agp x8 cards just in x4 mode)

You can still pick up geforce 5200 and 6200 agp cards for around £20-25 (but these will be a step down for you)
eclipse have got a 5500 for £27
although you'd be better off with a 9550 for £24
http://www.eclipsecomputers.com/prod...R955D128&af=50

EDIT: also look 2nd hand.

[Pob255]

Replacement heat sink&fan
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...258,4294956803

That should fit, but it's £15 and there's still the risk it will not work.

[boebi]

Replacement heat sink&fan
http://www.dabs.com/productview.aspx...258,4294956803

That should fit, but it's £15 and there's still the risk it will not work.

Doesnt fit in my pc...

And I really dont wanna step down, I've got a pretty old gfx card now

So my only real solution is... buy a complete now pc


im going for a laptop... lol

[Pob255]

Doesnt fit in my pc...

Yes that one will fit, it's the same size as the standard ti4600 HS&F, anface it might be a bit smaller

It's only the 5200 or 6200 that would be a step down.
bother of thoes last two I sugested (geforce FX5500 256mb and Radeon 9550 128mb) should perform around the same level / slightly better than than ti4600

I think your best bet short of a new PC, is going to be 2nd hand.
Have a dig about on fleabay

I'd sugest looking out for a geforce 7600, 7300 or 6600 or Radeon 9600Pro or XT, 9700, 9800 or an x800 to x1600 (but remember to check the cooler height)

Also will need to double check your PSU as these cards are more power hungery.
If you decide to go this route and need advice on PSU's and card power useage, just ask