Graphics card Problem

[Jinxter]

Hi,

I've just bought a new graphics card - MSI 4830 OC 1gb and have been experiencing a problem whereby the screen will randomly flicker on and off black (the same effect as if changing the resolution in Windows) This happens randomly in both 2d and 3d and sometimes there is a a set rhythm of on and off when it occurs - often to the point where the screen predominantly remains black requiring a reboot. Sometimes it does not occur and everything appears fine.

I was previously using catalyst for my onboad ati hd3200 but followed the correct procedure of uninstalling with driver sweeper and uninstalling the card from control panel, rebooting and then reinstalling the latest drivers having selected the correct option off the ati site- I've also tried older drivers incase there was some sort of incompatibility.

I've also noticed this is generally occuring at 1280x1024 which is the native res for my monitor. The PC does not appear to lock up while this flickering occurs and I have checked all connections (it runs via DVI to Dsub convertor) which I've repeatedly tried to ensure is clean of dust and reinserting.)

The 3d itself appart from this problem is fine with no artefacts or discolouring and the frame rates are perfect for the card/games I test.

I'm running (everthing at stock levels at mo but problem occurs stock or oc'd)
2.7ghz 7750BE
4gb OCZ 1066mhz ddr2 reaper
asus M3A78 pro mobo
460w coolermaster psu
1xhd
1xdvdrw
2x 12cm case fans.

I'm hoping the card isn't borked but before I decide to RMA.

I want to see what you guys think...

Thanks!

 

[95thrifles]

I know you say you've checked your connections, but thats really what it sounds like, have you got a different lead/adapter you can try maybe?

 

[Jinxter]

Unfortunately I don't have another dvi to dsub connector to try but the lead I assume is fine as had it going direct dsub to my onboard card. When this problem has occured though I've been able to select a lower res (1024x768) and the problem has stopped. In fact the strange thing is it happened first thing this morning, I rebooted and am currently at 1280x1024 without probs so far....

 

[philip j fry]

it sounds as though the gfx card does have a fault but to be sure do you have or have a friend that has another pc you could try the card in to see if the same thing happens on that one .
obviously if it does then rma

 

[Jinxter]

Thanks for your advice so far - it's been ok today and ever since I disabled spread spectrum in the bios - whether this is just coincidence only time will tell...

 

[Jinxter]

..ok that was short lived - went a whole day without any glitches playing COD5 all day at 1280x1024 all settings maxed and no probs. And now the trouble has started again. Do you think it's worth me reinstalling Windows as a last resort before RMA'ing it or does anyone have any other suggestions as to what it could be/what I might try? Thanks again.

 

[mmj_uk]

There was a bug on 4870's which caused similar to this it was due to the memory being clocked past reference speeds, I'm guessing since you have an MSI "OC" that you have a non-reference card too so maybe try reducing the memory to reference levels and see if that helps.

 

[Jinxter]

Thanks but having done some research, the memory chips which I believe are samsung are rated to 1000mhz and are only running at 900mhz - also this card is a very good overclocker according to many different reviews so I don't understand how this could be a problem. I don't really want to underclock as I had hoped to be actually oc'ing it instead lol!

 

[95thrifles]

you dont have to run with the UC, set it to standard speeds and see if it fixes the problem, if it does then RMA the card as faulty OC

 

[Jinxter]

yes the symptoms happen with or without oc'ing.

 

[Jinxter]

Ok peeps time to swallow my pride here, it appears I was overlooking the obvious and have found the source of my woes - the VGA lead! Bought a quality one today and so far have not had further issues - think it must have been deteriorating and hence why it couldnt cope with anything above 1024 768. Just thought it would be beneficial to anyone who searches this problem in future, check your cables first ! -as 95 rifles quite rightly pointed out in the first reply - thank you