Should I RMA?

[Soulsink]

I've been having some difficulties with my system which go beyond the scope of the GPU board so I'll try to keep things relevant. While I've been troubleshooting I've run Prime on the CPU for 13 hours with no errors, run memtest86 with no errors, and run several 3DMark 06 and 3DMark Vantage tests. It's the latter that concerns me. Here are the results:

Test 1:

System Info:

Motherboard: Abit IP35 Pro - BIOS 17 (latest)
CPU: Intel Q6600 Quad 2.4GHz (running at stock)
RAM: OCZ PC2-8500C5 1066MHz x 2GB
GPU: Gainward NVidia 7800 GT 512MB Goes like Hell Edition
HD: WDC 3200AAKS
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 750W
Optical Drive: SONY DVD RW DW-D22A
Peripherals: Razer Tarantula KB + Razer Lachesis Mouse

3dMark Vantage (setting = performance):

N/A (GPU not DX10 compliant)

3dMark06:

4530 3DMarks
SM2.0 Score = 1653
HDR/SM3.0 Score = 1685
CPU Score = 3521

Test 2:

System Info:


Motherboard: Abit IP35 Pro - BIOS 17 (latest)
CPU: Intel Q6600 Quad 2.4GHz (running at stock)
RAM: OCZ PC2-8500C5 1066MHz x 2GB
GPU: BFG Nvidia 8800 GTS 512MB OC
HD: WDC 3200AAKS
PSU: Thermaltake Toughpower 750W
Optical Drive: SONY DVD RW DW-D22A
Peripherals: Razer Tarantula KB + Razer Lachesis Mouse

3dMark Vantage (setting = performance):

P6947 3DMarks
GPU Score = 5547 (16FPS in both GPU Tests)
CPU Score = 28654

3dMark06:

11980 3DMarks
SM2.0 Score = 4969
HDR/SM3.0 Score = 5301
CPU Score = 3476

Test 3:

System Info:


Motherboard: Abit Fatal1ty AA8XE
CPU: Intel Pentium 4 3.2GHz
RAM: OCZ PC2-8500C5 1066MHz x 2GB
GPU: BFG Nvidia 8800 GTS 512MB OC
HD: WDC 3200AAKS
PSU: 450W
Optical Drive: Sony
Peripherals: Razer Tarantula KB + Razer Lachesis Mouse

3dMark Vantage (setting = performance):

3DMark Score = P6516 3DMarks
GPU Score = 5439 (16FPS in both GPU Tests)
CPU Score = 16050

3dMark06:

5094 3DMarks
SM2.0 Score = 2165
HDR/SM3.0 Score = 2962
CPU Score = 942

In short, my GPU seems to be scoring around half of what it should be when I compare it to other scores for the same GPU on Orb. I'm getting 16 FPS max in Vantage graphics tests and I'm getting around 15 FPS in WoW (yes, World of Warcraft!), forget about even trying anything more demanding.

I've asked BFG for an RMA and they've opened one, but before I send this card off, could there be another underlying cause i.e. faulty CPU/memory or the motherboard - I've had huge issues with overclocking since BIOS 14 update on the IP35 Pro. I'm getting BSOD's, random shut-downs and system lock-ups when running 4 RAM modules (all identical modules as specified above) even at factory settings.

I should also point out I just bought a brand new IP35 Pro and 2 memory modules and I've tested on both my new board and my old (with the same CPU) and get the errors on both.

 

[Eggman]

I found that my memory wouldnt error in memtest but errored in prime95 blend test. Have you tried this?

As you say, its unlikely to be your mobo and memory though as youve swapped them round and still the error continues. If i was in your shoes I'd be doing the same thing.

 

[Soulsink]

I ran Prime blend test for 13 hours last night and it came back with no errors. The only other thing I can imagine is a power issue but since I tried the card in two different rigs and it scored pretty evenly I don't know.

I'm putting together another rig atm with my other IP35 Pro, the P4 3.2GHz and some more OCZ memory. I'll run some tests on that with the 8800 and see what comes back.

 

[Eggman]

just make sure you have all your drivers up to date, esp your bus drivers and gfx drivers.