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Big Graphical Issue - Please Help

off-hand, it looks like the card's not capable. I get these kind of artefacts when I o/c my gfx card too much and run 3dmark.
You can probably confirm it if you reduce the eye-candy. Drop resolution, aa, af, etc, and they should clear up or at least reduce.
 
You normally get these type of artefacts when the card is overheating and/or clocked too highly. Dropping resolution etc. would make little to no difference.
 
Raikiri said:
You normally get these type of artefacts when the card is overheating and/or clocked too highly. Dropping resolution etc. would make little to no difference.
Click to expand...

Yeh that did cross my mind but card hasn't been overclocked - it's a standard 6600GT 256MB (500mhz core bus, 1000mhz memory bus). It's running at 50 celclius approx idle
 
Anyone got any other ideas what could be causing this?

I used to have a 9600XT and it worked fine, although the bearings on the fan went after 6 months...

If it's any help my motherboard is here :

http://www.ecs.com.tw/ECSWebSite/Pr...=28&DetailName=Specification&MenuID=1&LanID=8

Modifications to system are a 1GB of PC2700 DDR333mhz added (replaced orignal 512MB PC2100 stick) and other changes include a new power supply Antec TP-II 480W BluePGB plus XFI soundcard. I have noticed that motherboard only supports AGP 4x and card is 8x but told this would still work?

p.s I know 7yr old system sucks!
 
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Gulioth said:
No-one? :(
Click to expand...

Come on brainiacs - gotta help me out, at wits end here!

I've tried -

1) Re-installing latest graphics drivers (over-write & clean install using Driver Cleaner & Safe Mode
2) Re-installing Direct X
3) Changing the AGP Aperature sizes in BIOS from 64 to 256
4) Checking Temps - GPU idles at 40-42c, Load 55/60c
5) Re-inserted Card in AGP slot
6) Underclocked card from factory default (default 500mhz core, 1000mhz memory)
7) Defragged
8) Even dusted fans and whole machine!!

The only thing I haven't done is re-formatted Windows as I don't really want to as have 60GB of data I can't afford to lose and have no back up option.

Could it be that the graphics card doesn't work well with the mobo? I'm wondering maybe because the MOBO only supports AGP is 4x? But then at the same time I thought the cards were backwards compatible- argh I just don't know!

Failing that I'm guessing it's a hardware issue with the card.

Anyhelp or advice would be greatly appreciated!

G

EDIT: I've tried rolling back to drivers from CD (clean install i.e. uninstalled latest, ran driver cleaner etc beforehand) and also tried the latest from the XFX site (which differs from Nvidia site) but same outcome. Not too sure on CPU temp but can't really see this as the problem? Yes I've done a thorough clean of computer, dusting out, cleaning fans. It actually brought my case temp down after doing that but you guessed it - still get these artifacts. I've tried underclocking my card (default was 500mhz core, 1000mhz memory - it's a 256MB GeForce 6600GT)

My questions to you....

1) Do you think having a newer card in a 6 year old system would cause it problems like these?
2) Do you think the reason for the artifacts is down to my Mobo supporting only 4x AGP speed?
3) If my card has 'gone to heaven', that would mean it never worked from the start of purchase... What is my situation with warranty with XFX?

Cheers,

G
 
Hi bud.
OK, for a start - what game is that screenshot from and what GPU hardware requirements does it ask for? I'd try running a game for the era of yuor graphics card and see if it does the same things as something a bit more modern.
My theory will go bang if you say the screenshot is of an old game. lol
 
I would check the fan is working for one and give the card a bit of a clean, check theres good airflow in the case.

If the cards faulty it wouldn't cost much to replace.

Not sure but could this be a psu problem?
 
OK, for a start - what game is that screenshot from and what GPU hardware requirements does it ask for? I'd try running a game for the era of your graphics card and see if it does the same things as something a bit more modern.
My theory will go bang if you say the screenshot is of an old game. lol
Click to expand...

Game is HL2 - I know I meet the game requirements fairly comfortably. To be fair, i thought this game was the era of the graphics card esp as some cards sold the game with it!!!

Reinstall xp. It's HL2 i think.
Click to expand...

Can't do a reinstall of XP at this stage as can't afford to lose 60GB of data (I only have one HD and no means to back up). Would re-installing XP really help when I've done clean installs/re-installs of the graphics drivers?

I would check the fan is working for one and give the card a bit of a clean, check theres good airflow in the case.

If the cards faulty it wouldn't cost much to replace.

Not sure but could this be a psu problem?
Click to expand...

Fan is working, not sure how well/strong as can't compare it with anything but the gx card temp is 40c idle. I've cleaned the fan of dust with an air canistor thingy! Air Flow in case is fine with case temps in the low 20's. Don't want to have to replace the card - I'm sure it's under warranty still (bought in Jan '06) via XFX so could RMA it? Pretty certain not a PSU prob, I have a Antec 480W Tru Blu II Power Supply with 32A on the 12V rail, enough to support 1HD, 2 Optical Drives & an XFI Elite Pro card.

Can anyone address my previous questions regarding AGP and aperature size?

Any other ideas?
 
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Given the nature of the distortions, I'd say the core was in trouble. Try underclocking the core, but it looks like it's given up the ghost and it's new graphics card time.

I had a 6600 GT that died quite easily...
 
smsmasters said:
How do the artifacts look in the screenshot btw?
Click to expand...

Not quite sure what you mean by this? They appear as my screen shot shows, with big dark triangles etc on the fences etc. Also the characters in game notably have black triangles on face or it looks like small pieces of their face/body are missing!!!

melbourne720 said:
Given the nature of the distortions, I'd say the core was in trouble. Try underclocking the core, but it looks like it's given up the ghost and it's new graphics card time.

I had a 6600 GT that died quite easily...
Click to expand...

Fair point, but I've tried underclocking. The default clock which the card comes with should work straight outta the box though!!
 
Garyj881 said:
I did here that "XFX" pushed there card over the limits, not sure if this is true.
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Gary, I've heard that too...

I've read so many threads this morning about 6600GT's and hadn't appreciated how many are actually faulty! Mind you, the ratio of faulty cards to good cards are unclear as you're bound to hear people moaning on the sites rather than hearing about how happy ppl are!!

I hate to ask this, as it seems to be an unanswered question (lots of contradiction in research), but what should my BIOS AGP Aperature Size be? Bearing in mind I technically have a 256MB GX card. (Don't forget have a cr*p mobo which only supports 4x AGP).

I've also noticed in BIOS, I can't find a AGP Fast Write box/field? Anyway to change that? Pretty sure have latest BIOS version for MOBO (1.0d)
 
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Sorry to bump, just wanted to know if anyone could advise on:

but what should my BIOS AGP Aperature Size be? Bearing in mind I technically have a 256MB GX card. (Don't forget have a cr*p mobo which only supports 4x AGP)
Click to expand...
 
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