9800GTX+ Crashing

[2dt Drifter]

Hello all, I have an evga 9800gtx+ (2nd revision = 1 6-pin) that crashes the desktop to those awesome pink pixels. It never happens in game and has only happened a few times since january. My question is what could be the determining factor? I've read in the evga forums that the PSU can be at fault, I've read that the drivers are to blame, I've also read that it is the card itself.

I'm running win-7(x64) as my main OS and am using the recommended drivers. Would it be worth trying the Vista 64 drivers from nvidia?
My PSU is the one in my sig; PC&P silencer 750w which is more than enough power.

Should I start the RMA or mess with the drivers? Kind of at a loss here.

 

[error8]

Windows 7 might be the problem, or the drivers for it. It's a beta os and it could have issues at this stage. I don't think that you can install Vista 64 drivers for your Windows 7, but you could try installing Vista and see if the problem persists.

But, are you 100% sure that your card has no issues in games? It never crashed when gaming?

 

[2dt Drifter]

It's never crashed while gaming. CSS, TF2, L4D, and long games of CoH it runs fine. Any other Win7 guys experiencing graphic issues?

 

[error8]

Maybe there is an issue with the card downcloking itself while idle. Try using Riva Tuner to set clocks so they won't bounce up and down between idle and 3d. It's just an idea, not something that I'm sure of, but it worth to try it.

 

[GZFant]

It sounds like your computer is the problem.. Probably that Core i7 and some bullying going on...

Just ground the i7 for 2 weeks and monitor temps during that period.

Oh! You can monitor temperatures with software such as Speedfan. It has been recommended by other Anandtechers in the past to me.

If nothing else, you can just Fedex me the computer, a 2 month surgical diagnostic will take place from there.

=D

 

[error8]

Originally posted by: GZFant
It sounds like your computer is the problem.. Probably that Core i7 and some bullying going on...

Just ground the i7 for 2 weeks and monitor temps during that period.

Why would his i7 cause this issue? It's only happening in idle where neither his card or cpu is stressed. So why would any overheating should even be considered as the problem for his situation?

 

[GZFant]

lol...it was a joke...

Anyhoo, Drifter, let me know if ya need some helper helpersons... In the long run I have a feeling ya might be needin' an RMA. You do have lifetime warranty and you know the kind of volcanoes I had to walk through to get my 7900GT turned into a 9800GT..

Oh, tell your i7 my Opty 170 thinks its HAWT! For the realz.

 

[2dt Drifter]

Error8, it's been a while since using Riva tuner. I'll definitely get it and see whats going on with the clocks. Also: Vista 64 drivers will work in win7 AFAIK. As for hardware monitoring ill post the voltages / temps and such when i get home.

Fant I'll try out the SpeedFan also. As much as I don't want to go through an RMA i'd rather have the issue fixed than having to keep modifying clocks / etc.
Damn all these monitoring programs...

 

[josh6079]

This is one of the reasons why I purchased an MSI version with dual 6-pin connectors. I've heard various fixes, ranging from registry tweaks to buying a new PSU. Updating drivers seemed to be the best fix for a the most of what I remember reading, but I'm not sure about their Windows 7 driver quality with that particular card.