BIOS & XP video artifacting

[leegroves86]

So this afternoon I ordered some new Cathode lights, put them in and rearrange some wires. Upon turning computer on, the BIOS and Windows artifacts. The "artifacting" looks like static. A bunch of thin lines (usually black) that make some type of pattern. I pulled video card & it reinserted, nothing changed. I cleared CMOS and it booted fine but after a couple minutes in windows it started doing it again.

The only thing I can think of is this: I had my video card laying on top of the case and I tipped the case backwards and the video card slid off to the floor three feet below (accidents do happen).

UPADATE:
I reinserted video card again and it worked fine for about an hour. As soon as I touched the video card and wiggled it 1/1000 of an inch it starts doing it again. If I literally smack the desk enough to wiggle the computer the screen will artifact when the computer vibrates. However, the Video card is NOT loose & the temps are fine! I must have some kind of bad connection??? I already switched cables (dvi to VGA) and it didn't do anything.

Thanks guys...



A8n-E
Enermax 500 W PSU
3000+ venice
eVGA 7800GT
1 gig value ram
Raptor 150

 

[AlgaeEater]

I'm curious, is the power line connected to your video card also connected to the cold cathode lights? If that's the case, the rail may be sucking up too much energy on line.

Also it seems the video contact is loose. Make sure you secure it properly on the motherboard. This happens a lot to me to since Video Cards are so dang heavy and the fact that they're stuck into a slot suspended into mid-air doesn't bode well in the long run. I usually have to make sure the one screw securing the video card into place is really well bolted in, or otherwise I get something similar to yours. But I haven't had this problem in a while so...

Anyway good luck with it.

 

[leegroves86]

The Enermax powersupply is modular so the video card has its own pci-e cable end. nothing else could even be plugged into it. I unplugged extra peripherals & nothing changed so I know its not the extra 2 lights taking too much power.

The video card is secured tight as possible... trust me. it won't budge a millimeter any which way. I guess i'll have to rma it.....

 

[leegroves86]

bump

 

[Bozo Galora]

at first glance "static" artifacting after installing cathodes would suggest "electronic noise" due to some kind of grounding prob.

So the next step is to remove cathodes to see what happens.

The second thing that comes to mind is that you dropped card. The bga contacts (or soldered wires) on the vidcard ram modules are quite sensitive. You may have created a cold solder joint or bad contact situation. With card in slot and on, try "warping" the card with your hand to see if it artifacts

edit.........
And, of course, anytime you do major stuff in a case you have to make sure you didnt disturb any cables..

 

[leegroves86]

I know the problem is physical because when i wiggle the video card up or down a slight bit the static corresponds to the wiggleing. I have not removed the cathodes yet but I do have them shut off. even wiggleing the dvi cable end on while connect ot the video card makes it artifact. this morning i got it to work perfectly for 30 mins until i moved the computer an inch and it started staticing again...

p.s. cables are fine

 

[Bozo Galora]

I still think dropping the card has prob hit the big HSF assembly and ruined contac(s) on one or more ram modules. If you want to go that far, you can undo 4 screws at underside of card and remove and use a magnifying glass to see how RAM contacts look. Actually, removing and reinstalling might help things.

and.......
since you dropped card you will have to test with another vidcard somehow to make sure card as problem. I have heard EVGA has a great RMA reputation. Evga has had probs before with these cards (they sent out some with bad bios that wouldnt boot, and others that pixellated), but your particular situation does not seem to apply

Edit: After re-reading your post above, I really think you need ALSO to try a new DVI cable at the cery least, even tho it prob isnt cause - just for peace of mind.

 

[leegroves86]

I applied Artic silver 5 to the gpu but not the ram. Temps stayed about the same. I haven't had the time to look with a magnifying glass but I will. I have already started the steps to rma it. next time i'll be more careful

 

[leegroves86]

ps. I tried a diiffernt dvi cable, nothing changed...

 

[Bozo Galora]

as a last suggestion - you could remove the vidcard mounting L-bracket and try the card.
This would insure4 card is fully down in slot.