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8800GTX Problem.

InKursion

InKursion

InKursion

Associate
Joined
20 Oct 2005
Posts
1,921
Location
Cheltenham/London.
Hi there,

I've just got a new 8800GTX here, but I have a problem...

Whenever I install the Nvidia drivers for the thing, the computer reboots, but then my monitor doesn't pick up a signal. The monitor runs fine with the system in safe mode, but as soon as I try to run through the Nvidia drivers- it stays blank and turned off. It is not a 'black screen', the screen just doesn't turn on altogether (as in, stays in standby).

I'm completely stuck here. I've tried different Nvidia drivers, of all different ages, but I'm getting the same problem. I've noted the 8800GTX as 'NVIDIA 8800 GTX 768MB GDDR3 VIVO HDTV/Dual DVI (PCI-Express) DirectX 10 Graphics Card'. I'm thinking perhaps my problem is that it is Dual-DVI. I'm currently running the card to the monitor through an adapter on my PC that fits into a DVI slot, then into the D-Sub port on my monitor. Is the reason that the screen won't initialise with Nvidia drivers installed due to me not having a DVI -> DVI lead?

Thanks,
 
Does you monitor have an input source button? Worth a try, even if it fails it rules out that possibility :S tried the monitor cable on the different outputs on the card? Plugged in the power cable to the card, and is the PSU up to the job?

- Pea0n
 
I assume the PSU is up to the job, as it's an OCUk-prebuild, and it displays fine without the Nvidia drivers installed. The card only has 2 DVI outputs, so therefore it cannot be faulted at the cards end... whereas my monitor has a D-Sub and a DVI input. My problem is that I do not have a DVI-DVI cable, so I'm running a DVI-adapter on my graphics card end and running an ordinary D-Sub cable to into my D-Sub monitor port. If I could get my hands on a DVI-DVI cable I guess I could try... but wouldn't know where to come by one of those.

My Dxdiag and Device Manager doesn't pick up any VGA device, because whenever I try to install the drivers I run into this damned problem :S. Not what you'd expect from a pre-build!
 
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Can I please just get some clarification:

For an 8800GTX and LCD monitor, would I need a DVI->DVI cable? I'm about to go buy one right now, because frankly the pain of having a 1500 quid computer sat useless with a black screen is making me want to scream.
 
DVI cable is fine.

Make sure you have the DVI plugged into output 1 (left hand side as you look at it from the PC).

What monitor are you using it on?
 
It's not 'a' DVI cable that I'm using. I've tried both DVI outputs on the 8800GTX- same result. The cable that I'm actually using is an old cable that fits D-Sub ports. I simply have a D-Sub / DVI adapter at the 8800GTX end so that it fits into the card properly.

I'm just wondering whether its the cables fault... perhaps I need a new DVI->DVI cable? Instead of my old D-Sub cable with a DVI adapter.

The monitor I'm using is a 19" Hyundai ImageQuest. It has a fixed refresh rate, and native resolution of 1280x960. I can't really see the graphics drivers trying to change this 'out of range' though, I am really either suspecting an RMA-worthy graphics card or a problem with the cables not being able to carry the digital signal. The monitor simply goes into standby as if there's no signal from the graphics card at all, even though I can still hear Windows and navigate around blindly :P.

I used the cable previously on the same monitor with an ATI x800XT. This card gave me no problems with it, but I'm thinking perhaps the beefiness or spec on the 8800GTX causes differently.

Thanks for the response,
 
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Use a DVI to DVI cable for starters.

If that doesn't sort it out then you could be looking at a compatability issue with the monitor (HDCP compatability, UDID etc) but I'd be surprised.

Does your monitor show its full description in the "Display Settings" or just "Generic Dispaly" or similar? Have installed the software that was supplied with your monitor?

Check the cable first then take it from there.
 
I've installed the monitor software yes, and I'm getting onto the DVI -> DVI cable dilemma :P. Thanks for the advice matey.

I myself too would be quite surprised if it was a hardware problem with my monitor. I only bought it last year, and it was mid-range in price, so definitely not a budget item. Also, from looking around on Google, it seems quite a lot of people have had this problem... although no clear fix. But at least it makes the chances of it being monitor-specific very low! Which is a relief on my wallet.

Thanks again,
 
Yeah, I had similar issues when I originally hooked up my 226BW to my 7800GTX. It would only work with old drivers.

Let us know how you get on with the cable.
 
Aye, PC World wanted 30 quid for a DVI to DVI cable :S. They also said something about how OCuK should have an obligation to send cabling such as that... something about a commercial law called 'fit for purpose'. Didn't listen to them much, I was too busy walking out. 30 quid for a cable, which may not even fix the issue! Don't think so!
 
An update:

Managed to pass through driver installation without the screen going into standby, by using a rather old version of ForceWare (although new enough to support 8-series, might I add).

Now upon system start-up, Device Manager gives me an '!' next to the 8800GTX, and tells me that the device has 'Failed to Start'. This is becoming a bit of a nightmare, considering this is an OCuk pre-build. How does the best graphics card on the market fail to start?
 
OK. The more you talk about this the more I think it's a D-sub issue. I can't give you a technical reason why but it sounds as if there may be an issue with latest drivers, incompatability or a problem with the adaptor.

However, you've got it up and running now with old Forceware and using the D-sub adaptor? The "!" is probably due to the drivers. Have you re-booted again? Does the GTX still not start?

Can you borrow a DVI cable and try with latest Forceware?
 
Indeed Hummuh, you're spot on mate. It is a D-Sub issue.The 2x-DVI 8800GTX apparently doesn't get along with the analogue signal on my monitor. When I borrowed a mates' DVI Male -> DVI Male cable, and switched my LCD to Digital, everything was crystal clear.

Whereas normally the monitor would go into standby immediately after installation finishes, with the DVI cable in I can carry on seamlessly and browse around my new snazzy Nvidia Control Panel etc. After completely rebooting and cutting all the power, these settings stay, and so I'm guessing it probably is exactly down to the D-Sub cable. I could try and cheap out and buy another DVI adapter for the OTHER end (monitor), but I guess I'll just have to bite the bullet and get the DVI-DVI lead :p

Thanks very much for your help tonight, within a few hours I've managed to go from clutching at straws (GPU overclock, PSU problems etc.) to knowing exactly what I need to buy to right the problem. You've probably saved me the nightmare of pointless RMA'ing :).
 
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