New Graphics Card giving artifacts...

[NinjaMoose]

I got a new graphics card yesterday, an Inno3D Nvidia 7600 GS 256MB AGP 4x/8x, which was an upgrade from a lower spec card that worked just fine... However when I tried testing my new card with a 3D game, the screen was filled with what I'm told are artifacts... Either way, it was totally unplayable (this game was Neverwinter Nights 2, which ran ok with the previous card)... And again I was having similar problems with most other 3D games I tried. So I checked the NVidia Control Centre, and the logo in the preview pane was completely distorted. These were the latest drivers, from the NVidia website... So I tried to install the drivers that came with the card... The preview pane was sorted... but I'm still having problems with a lot of games that worked fine before.. Any ideas would be muchly appreciated

[d3fiant]

can you post some specs on ur system so we know what we are commenting on. Also uninstall the drivers u installed, along with any for your previous gfx card if they are still around then install the latest for ur OS from the Nvidia website, try Forceware 162.18 they will be fine. Also make sure the rest of ur system is up to date via windows update, chipset drivers etc.

One other thing to make sure, sometimes u need to go into the BIOS and up the AGP aperture size to 256MB, not gonna pretend to understand why this is an issue but if I didnt have my old system bios set to 256MB (or higher) I got artifacts (865 mobo and 6800GT) without fail

Let us know how u get on

[NinjaMoose]

I can't find anythin about aperture size

my specs are...

AMD Athlon XP 2200+
1024 MB DDR SDRAM
Windows XP SP 2

and i'm not sure what else to put lol...

for some reason if I turn the Hardware acceleration down one notch in the troubleshooting, the preview on the NVidia control panel starts lookin as it should.. but still a bit hit and miss with 3d programs

[Mithrandir]

What PSU are you using?

[CooperXS]

I'd say try to reseat the heatsink with good thermal paste

[NinjaMoose]

i'm not sure bout the PSU to be honest... probably not up to much, its jus the one that came with my PC a good few years back now.. is it possible the cards knackered? or would it produce such effects with not enough power?

[Mithrandir]

My understanding is that if the PSU is not up to standard (providing sufficient stable power) then you might get artifacts. There should be a label with some info onto the PSU, if you can check again.

[s_kinton]

Open your case and look at the big sticker on the side on the PSU. Write down the number of amps on the +12v rail(s). e.g. +12v = 18a

[burble]

Sounds like dodgy RAM on the video card to me.

[Tetras]

Dodgy PSU doesn't usually cause that, more likely shutting down, restarting, black screens etc. 7600 GS is very low power draw.

My guess is the card is dead.

[Blitzen]

Dodgy PSU doesn't usually cause that, more likely shutting down, restarting, black screens etc. 7600 GS is very low power draw.

My guess is the card is dead.

It does you know.
If the power draw for the card is borderline then artifacting will occur.

[NinjaMoose]

okay.. i think my PSU is a BESTEC ATX1956-F... if someone who knows what they're looking for could give it a quick google would b greatly appreciated.. i'm new to all this stuff im afraid.. so we're thinking the either power issues, or the cards a duff?

[Pob255]

BESTEC ATX1956-F = 200w cheap powersuply and your problem.

Replaceing the PSU could solve it but there's a chance it's killed the card
Get a decent PSU, if the problem is still there then clame innocence and RMA the card unless you got it 2nd hand/fleabay

A good PSU (around 350w) will set you back around £35
eg 350w FSP blue storm £32.60

[NinjaMoose]

kk thank you... well I guess it wouldnt hurt to ask for a replacement jus to check... n whilst im in the shop might as well have a look into new PSU's...


thanx guys... if anyone comes up with anythin else, would b glad to hear...

[Blitzen]

Yep....officially a sh!te PSU.

Replace and i would expect your problems to disappear.

Take a look at the XCLIO's on Scan.
Great but cheaper PSU's.

[DratUK]

Blitzen is right. Often overlooked I have used these when budgets are tight. My son has the 550 modular running a 7900GTX with no problems.
450 Watt X-Clio

Or the FSP

BlueStorm AX500-A