Nvidia Driver installation problem

[Jerico]

Hi all,

Tried getting help from the Nvidia SLi forums, but everyone was stumped so I'm hoping you chaps are more enlightened!

I've just upgraded my system and watercooled it. I haven't overclocked anything yet either, my specs are:

Q9450
EVGA 790i Ultra Sli
2x 2Gb OCZ DDR3 1333 ReaperX
2x 8800GTX
Enermax Galaxy 850w
Dell 24" LCD
Vista x64 Home Premium
1 x Raptor 75Gb
2 x Maxtor 500Gb

2x Pumps
2x 120.3 radiators
9x 120mm fans
2x Zalman Fan Controllers

Stuck all of this in a Mountain Mods case, and have had all sorts of problems with it which I've overcome, but this one has me stumped.

I've flashed my mobo with the lastest P05 Bios, installed Vista and managed to get SP1 and all the other updates downloaded including the NForce 15.17 drivers. The I got the latest 8800GTX 175.19 WHQL installed, reset the system and bam BSOD nvlddmkm.sys error.

Removed that driver via Safe mode and used Driver Sweep, installed the old 169's I had that worked previously. Vista booted but had artifacts across the screen like the gfx card was overheating (It was at 36c), it did pick up my Sli and I enabled it but the artifacts were still there. I had to reset the computer again and after the Vista loading screen, the monitor went blank although I heard the Vista startup ding over the speakers.

I tried most of the drivers from 169 - 175 but not the Beta 177's for the new 280's and I'll randomly get either BSOD, Blank screen or artifacts if it gets to Vista until I reset then a blank screen.

Anyone have any suggestions?

[rufeo]

the fact that you've got artifacts makes me think that the gfx card/s is the problem. have you tried running with just one of them? if one works on its own then try the other as well, if they're both working fine then mostly likely not the actual hardware thats the problem.

that nvlddmkm error was pestering me last year as well. since it was a nvidia driver i was pulling my hair out trying to find the problem with the gfx card. in the end it turned out to be an unstable OC that had been stable for about 3-4 months.

you could check your ram as well using memtest to rule that out.

[GoNz0]

i would take the blocks off the cards and make sure everything that should be in contact is

[Jerico]

With the default Vista graphics driver I get no artifacts at all. The cards worked fine in the old system and I Installed the water blocks very carefully, although at this stage I'll try anything.

[rufeo]

i would take the blocks off the cards and make sure everything that should be in contact is

omg, completely ignored the fact that he's got it water cooled..... overheating problem is most likely, i reckon the ram on the gfx card is overheating if the temp of your gpu is accurate

[Jerico]

Also I RMA'd the motherboard and RAM twice due to the other problems I mentioned earlier, both have been giving a clean bill of health and the RAM passed memtest.

[Jerico]

I'm using the EK 8800 GTX Full cover waterblocks which touch the ram on the cards, I put AS5 on them for good measure. I've screwed it tight enough so the cards aren't bending, so it should be in good enough contact.

[rufeo]

have you tried each card individually yet?.....

[GoNz0]

I'm using the EK 8800 GTX Full cover waterblocks which touch the ram on the cards, I put AS5 on them for good measure. I've screwed it tight enough so the cards aren't bending, so it should be in good enough contact.

if you used AS5 on the memory chips you may be shorting the ram, its adviced to use AS5 on the GPU and AS ceramique on the ram chips to prevent shorting, you may have to buy a tin of alcohol spray to clean the ram chips up its its bled over the side and got on the legs.

i use the same full cover blocks and read that in a few places b4 i did it.

and i brought 1 card from a m8 with the block already on, me being me removed it as i knew he would have overdone the paste, and sods law 1 ram chip was lower than the rest and hadn't made proper contact, i put a good dollop of ASC on that to make sure !

[Jerico]

The secondary card is one that I've used for a couple of months in my old setup, so I know that works fine. The new one works fine as it's my primary card atm, until I install the Nvidia drivers ofc.

[Jerico]

Luckily I have some ASC and my handy dandi ArctiClean (makes the room smell of lemons for days!). Guess it's time to drain my system again, redo waterblocks and see what happens. Thanks for replying so fast everyone.

[GoNz0]

i hope im not wasting youe time draining the system, i know what a pisser that is...

i jsut brought 2 T pieces and 2 fillports so i can drain both WC loops a bit easier

[Jerico]

It's one thing I haven't tried yet and at the moment my computer is just a very expensive paper weight. So I'm greatful for your suggestions.

[GoNz0]

good luck m8

[rufeo]

yep good luck to you! if you run into anymore problems then i'm sure there's loads of ppl here that can bring their expertise to the table