Give me your brains!!

Foghladh_mhara · 11-27-07, 02:54 PM

I need a new graphics card methinks. My nvidia 7900GS is getting on my nerves. Cant run past the opening screen of GWX and despite updating and downgrading my drivers it refuses to play ball. Even turned down the hardware acceleration and refresh rate without effect, still keeps crashing to a blue screen regarding nvidia display drivers. At this point this pc is little more than an expensive paperweight

I'm about 5 mins away from dusting off my special anti-static work boots and carefully kicking the hard drive around my living room!

I've come to the conclusion the card itself maybe damaged and I need to shell out for a new one. What is the general feeling among you lot about prefered cards? Do I chance a better nvidia or go Ati? Or is there a another option I dont know of?

danlisa · 11-27-07, 03:00 PM

What's the error code on the BSOD? That would help as a start.

If it is the GFX card, take the side casing off the PC and remove the GFX card from the AGP/PCI slot. Check for dust, clean if needed then reseat it firmly. With the case still off, start the game and take note to see of the cooling fan on the card starts up.

Foghladh_mhara · 11-27-07, 03:34 PM

0x0000001 as far as I recall. Graphics driver issue, stuck in an infinite loop. Some nv4_disp.dll file is causing trouble. Followed all the online help instructions but nada. Updated drivers dont seem to work

von hally · 11-27-07, 03:48 PM

lo mate
dont know whats happening, but ive got an nvidia fx5200 and everythngs ok...and thats an old embarrassing card to admit to having.
dont clobber your monitor yet..keep trying mate...if mine works yours can too!!!

Brag · 11-27-07, 04:03 PM

I got same as Von Hally --GWX works fine

T.Von Hogan · 11-27-07, 04:13 PM

run dx dianostics particularly whats in tab 3

BulSoldier · 11-27-07, 04:21 PM

I had similar problem when conecting to internet.Deleting seemes to help but the internet kepp stoping for a second and coming back. If it is not hardware,you should use the best cure - format.

Foghladh_mhara · 11-27-07, 04:36 PM

Its a problem that has hit me infrequently in the past but has steadily got worse over the last month or so. The file in question is the primary driver file but according to the diagnostic check its the most up to date and there are no problems with direct 3d or direct draw. Everything checks out. Except it doesnt work.

Maybe it is dirt on the actual card :hmm: Me taking the back of a PC? Thats only one step down from brain surgery!

Subtype Zero · 11-27-07, 05:38 PM

Might be a memory problem. I had similar problems awhile back and it turned out to be a bad memory module. Originally, I thought it was a graphics problem, then I returned my motherboard, finally found out it was bad memory.

Thankfully, my memory manufacturer had a free replacement guarantee! Check your memory with memtest86, its a small 68 Kb program that will test your memory for errors. Good luck!

mstgnymike · 11-27-07, 05:50 PM

GeForce FX 5500 for me and everything is great with company of heroes, cod2, sh3, world in conflict. All are demanding games and i function fine withem

Fenris_Wolf · 11-28-07, 03:15 AM

A few things:

- Are you able to run other 3D games?
- What operating system are you using?
- How much RAM is installed and how many % is free when the system is idling?

Castout · 11-28-07, 06:09 PM

Yes It may be a memory stick problem. You may have a defective memory stick. I had this problem sometime ago with my brand new memory stick. Had it replaced and my crashing stopped. Try another memory stick perhaps borrow it from your brother's or sister's CPU.

7900GS is quite a powerful card to run SH3. I don't think it's the card.

Another thing which may be causing you the distress is that your GPU, that is your graphics card, is failing. Check this with a PC technician.

Good luck

Foghladh_mhara · 11-28-07, 07:21 PM

Well I think I've got enough RAM. Theres 4 GB installed and my whole system is about a year old. Running XP Pro with 3.4 Gz Pentium D. Have Googled the problem and got about 10 million hits!! Seems to be a common problem with no specific solution. Some people put it down to software, some to a hardware issue. Something is tying up the video hardware and putting it in a loop waiting for a response. I've run Call of Duty 4 with all the bells and whistles with no probs.

I cleaned the card, uninstalled drivers, re-installed and it crashed first time I loaded GWX. I tried again and I've been nervously patrolling the north sea for 3 hours now. It certainly adds a new element to the game. Not only looking out for escorts but also waiting for the BSOD to attack from nowhere

Fenris_Wolf · 11-29-07, 04:50 AM

There are a few things I'll recommend that you can try if you want to give it a shot.
(In no specific order)

- Download DXCleaner and Drivercleaner (freeware) and use them. Some times the older nv_disp.dll file is not removed. This thing will remove it. Now install DirectX 9.0c and 9X.XX version of nvidia drivers (version 94.XX to 97.XX are highly recommended for SH3).

- Bring up the Nvidia control panel or install the utlities from the GPU's installation disk and monitor the temperature of the GPU while running any 3D game. Any temperatures above 65 degrees celcius are undesirable and require an improved cooling solution.

- Make sure the processor is also operating within the desirable temperature limits (around 55 celcius) while running a 3D game.

- Sound card drivers are also very important here. Any 3rd party sound drivers used with Creative line of sound cards (Audigy 1/2 models) are known to cause blue screens. If your sound screeches and stutters to a halt before a blue screen, this might be the problem.

- Aging windows install. This is another thing looked down upon among computer techs. A windows install over a year old is most likely to cause problems that are too tedious to work with. A clean format of windows, or if that's inconvenient, make a seperate, clean install just for your games. This should take care of most software related problems.

- Virtual devices! Having a virtual CD-ROM device to mount images from hard disk -might- cause problems sometimes. It is especially a no-no when running games with Starforce protection (e.g. SH3).

- Last but not least. Virtual memory settings. Yes, you have 4GB RAM but some tweaks with the virtual memory settings can sometimes make all the difference. I recommend that you adjust the size of the page file in the system settings and make it fixed and not windows managed. Make the file size 3GB to 4GB.

11-27-07, 02:54 PM	#1
Foghladh_mhara Commander Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 473 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Give me your brains!! I need a new graphics card methinks. My nvidia 7900GS is getting on my nerves. Cant run past the opening screen of GWX and despite updating and downgrading my drivers it refuses to play ball. Even turned down the hardware acceleration and refresh rate without effect, still keeps crashing to a blue screen regarding nvidia display drivers. At this point this pc is little more than an expensive paperweight I'm about 5 mins away from dusting off my special anti-static work boots and carefully kicking the hard drive around my living room! I've come to the conclusion the card itself maybe damaged and I need to shell out for a new one. What is the general feeling among you lot about prefered cards? Do I chance a better nvidia or go Ati? Or is there a another option I dont know of? __________________ The beauty of not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise without any of the stress that might normally precede such a venture

11-27-07, 03:00 PM	#2
danlisa Navy Seal Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Cornwall, UK Posts: 5,499 Downloads: 45 Uploads: 1	What's the error code on the BSOD? That would help as a start. If it is the GFX card, take the side casing off the PC and remove the GFX card from the AGP/PCI slot. Check for dust, clean if needed then reseat it firmly. With the case still off, start the game and take note to see of the cooling fan on the card starts up. __________________

11-27-07, 03:34 PM	#3
Foghladh_mhara Commander Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 473 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	0x0000001 as far as I recall. Graphics driver issue, stuck in an infinite loop. Some nv4_disp.dll file is causing trouble. Followed all the online help instructions but nada. Updated drivers dont seem to work __________________ The beauty of not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise without any of the stress that might normally precede such a venture

11-27-07, 04:03 PM	#5
Brag Navy Seal Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Docked on a Russian pond Posts: 7,072 Downloads: 2 Uploads: 0	I got same as Von Hally --GWX works fine __________________ Espionage, adventure, suspense, are just a click away Click here to look inside Brag's book: Amazon.com: Kingmaker: Alexey Braguine: Books Order Kingmaker here: http://www.subsim.com/store.html For Tactics visit:http://www.freewebs.com/kielman/

11-27-07, 04:21 PM	#7
BulSoldier Samurai Navy Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Burgas/Bulgaria Posts: 550 Downloads: 40 Uploads: 0	I had similar problem when conecting to internet.Deleting seemes to help but the internet kepp stoping for a second and coming back. If it is not hardware,you should use the best cure - format. __________________ By the hour !

11-27-07, 03:48 PM	#4
von hally Commodore Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Scotland Posts: 634 Downloads: 64 Uploads: 0	lo mate dont know whats happening, but ive got an nvidia fx5200 and everythngs ok...and thats an old embarrassing card to admit to having. dont clobber your monitor yet..keep trying mate...if mine works yours can too!!!

11-27-07, 04:13 PM	#6
T.Von Hogan Planesman Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: mississippi Posts: 190 Downloads: 51 Uploads: 0	run dx dianostics particularly whats in tab 3

11-27-07, 04:36 PM	#8
Foghladh_mhara Commander Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 473 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Its a problem that has hit me infrequently in the past but has steadily got worse over the last month or so. The file in question is the primary driver file but according to the diagnostic check its the most up to date and there are no problems with direct 3d or direct draw. Everything checks out. Except it doesnt work. Maybe it is dirt on the actual card :hmm: Me taking the back of a PC? Thats only one step down from brain surgery! __________________ The beauty of not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise without any of the stress that might normally precede such a venture

11-27-07, 05:38 PM	#9
Subtype Zero Lieutenant Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: 19,998 Leagues under the sea Posts: 262 Downloads: 7 Uploads: 0	Don't forget your memory! Might be a memory problem. I had similar problems awhile back and it turned out to be a bad memory module. Originally, I thought it was a graphics problem, then I returned my motherboard, finally found out it was bad memory. Thankfully, my memory manufacturer had a free replacement guarantee! Check your memory with memtest86, its a small 68 Kb program that will test your memory for errors. Good luck! __________________

11-27-07, 05:50 PM	#10
mstgnymike Medic Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Within the Abyss Posts: 163 Downloads: 5 Uploads: 0	GeForce FX 5500 for me and everything is great with company of heroes, cod2, sh3, world in conflict. All are demanding games and i function fine withem __________________ "We have met the enemy and they are ours..."-Oliver Hazard Perry "U-77 Creeps at Night in the Depths" U-77,my greatest command sunk May 4, 1945 by destroyer HMS Lamarn (Tribal Class) Based at Wilhelmshaven(2nd Flotilla) 39-41 Based at Brest(2nd Flotilla) 41-43 Based at La Spezia(29th Flotilla) 42-44 Based at Bergen(11th Flotilla) 44-45 (923,675 Tons)

11-28-07, 03:15 AM	#11
Fenris_Wolf Sparky Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 155 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	A few things: - Are you able to run other 3D games? - What operating system are you using? - How much RAM is installed and how many % is free when the system is idling? __________________ NO HOOCHIE WOOCHIE - NO LIFE!

11-28-07, 06:09 PM	#12
Castout Silent Hunter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Jakarta Posts: 4,794 Downloads: 89 Uploads: 6	Yes It may be a memory stick problem. You may have a defective memory stick. I had this problem sometime ago with my brand new memory stick. Had it replaced and my crashing stopped. Try another memory stick perhaps borrow it from your brother's or sister's CPU. 7900GS is quite a powerful card to run SH3. I don't think it's the card. Another thing which may be causing you the distress is that your GPU, that is your graphics card, is failing. Check this with a PC technician. Good luck __________________ My blog: http://exposingsingapore.wordpress.com/

11-28-07, 07:21 PM	#13
Foghladh_mhara Commander Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Kent Posts: 473 Downloads: 1 Uploads: 0	Well I think I've got enough RAM. Theres 4 GB installed and my whole system is about a year old. Running XP Pro with 3.4 Gz Pentium D. Have Googled the problem and got about 10 million hits!! Seems to be a common problem with no specific solution. Some people put it down to software, some to a hardware issue. Something is tying up the video hardware and putting it in a loop waiting for a response. I've run Call of Duty 4 with all the bells and whistles with no probs. I cleaned the card, uninstalled drivers, re-installed and it crashed first time I loaded GWX. I tried again and I've been nervously patrolling the north sea for 3 hours now. It certainly adds a new element to the game. Not only looking out for escorts but also waiting for the BSOD to attack from nowhere __________________ The beauty of not planning is that failure comes as a complete surprise without any of the stress that might normally precede such a venture

11-29-07, 04:50 AM	#14
Fenris_Wolf Sparky Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 155 Downloads: 10 Uploads: 0	There are a few things I'll recommend that you can try if you want to give it a shot. (In no specific order) - Download DXCleaner and Drivercleaner (freeware) and use them. Some times the older nv_disp.dll file is not removed. This thing will remove it. Now install DirectX 9.0c and 9X.XX version of nvidia drivers (version 94.XX to 97.XX are highly recommended for SH3). - Bring up the Nvidia control panel or install the utlities from the GPU's installation disk and monitor the temperature of the GPU while running any 3D game. Any temperatures above 65 degrees celcius are undesirable and require an improved cooling solution. - Make sure the processor is also operating within the desirable temperature limits (around 55 celcius) while running a 3D game. - Sound card drivers are also very important here. Any 3rd party sound drivers used with Creative line of sound cards (Audigy 1/2 models) are known to cause blue screens. If your sound screeches and stutters to a halt before a blue screen, this might be the problem. - Aging windows install. This is another thing looked down upon among computer techs. A windows install over a year old is most likely to cause problems that are too tedious to work with. A clean format of windows, or if that's inconvenient, make a seperate, clean install just for your games. This should take care of most software related problems. - Virtual devices! Having a virtual CD-ROM device to mount images from hard disk -might- cause problems sometimes. It is especially a no-no when running games with Starforce protection (e.g. SH3). - Last but not least. Virtual memory settings. Yes, you have 4GB RAM but some tweaks with the virtual memory settings can sometimes make all the difference. I recommend that you adjust the size of the page file in the system settings and make it fixed and not windows managed. Make the file size 3GB to 4GB. __________________ NO HOOCHIE WOOCHIE - NO LIFE!