BIOSTAR/VIA Chipset issue with 6800 GT??

[strapp31]

I built my system about two years ago, and it looks like this:

AMD Athlon 2500+ (Windows sees it as 1.833 GHz)
Gigabyte Nvidia Geforce 6800 GT (Just purchased)
1 GB PC3200 DDR RAM
Biostar M7VIT Pro Motherboard, with VIA 4in1 Chipset Drivers
400 W PSU (Generic, came with case)
Philips PSC 706 Sound Card
DVD/CDRW Drive (LG Electronics)
2 hard drives

When I first installed my 6800 GT it ran alright (no errors or artifacts), but I was not getting the fps that I expected. My BIOS was up-to-date but my chipset was not, so I updated the chipset. The card now gives me much better 3DMark05 scores, but I get artifacts while it is running as well as artifacts in Half Life 2.

I've tried numerous driver releases, both unofficial and official (71.24, 70.90, 67.02, 66.93), and none of them solve the problem. My PSU might be an issue, but I don't understand why the card would not give me any artifacts before the chipset was updated.

Is there an issue with this card and Biostar motherboards? Or with the card and the VIA chipset?

Any input is appreciated, Thanks!!

 

[Budmantom]

ttt

 

[FNC Jon]

your getting artifacts eh, the only time i got artifacts was when my video card got way to hot (defective) and they only hapened when i was playing games as that is when the card gets the hottest. Run the game again and see how hot it gets touch the heatsink on the video card. It could be it is over heating as there is not enouh circleation in your case or it was shipped to you defective which requires an RMA.

let me know

FNC JON

 

[strapp31]

I actually thought about the heat issue also, so to test that I played a game for a couple of hours and immediately after quitting I opened the Vtuner software that comes with the card. The temperature of the card was barely above 50 degrees C, so I'm pretty sure it's not a heat issue.

I have a feeling it is an issue with the chipset for some reason, I might just have to live with it until I can afford to upgrade the motherboard and processor. Oh well!

Thanks for the input!

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I ran my 6800Gt in a VIA K8T800 board with no issues. Try underclocking it and if the artifacts go away then either the core or ram is damaged and can't run full speed anymore, which would mean RMA time.

 

[LTC8K6]

I would unplug everything that wasn't necessary. The optical drives and one of the hd's and see if that helps. If it does, then I'd suspect the PS is laying down on the job. 😀

 

[Zepper]

Could be your PSU...
.bh.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Zepper
Could be your PSU...
.bh.

Along that line of thought, you do have a dedicated power connector for the GT correct/ If not many have experienced issues from sharing 1. You should check your power rails and see if the +12v is dipping low too.

 

[strapp31]

Thanks for all of the responses guys!

I tried underclocking it and still saw artifacts, so *hopefully* that rules out a defective card.

I'm running it on a dedicated connector from the PSU that is not being used on any other device.

I haven't tried unplugging any of the other devices yet, but I think I am going to try another PSU. If that doesn't work it just gives me an excuse to upgrade to a 64-bit processor a little sooner than I had planned. Who needs books for college anyway?? 😀

Thanks again!

 

[Zepper]

And if your BIOS allows it, try adjusting your AGP voltage upwards a bit at a time.
.bh.

:moon: