HD 4850 woes

[bijeshn]

When I switch on my computer, there's a delay in initializing the display controller. What I have noticed is that just after powering the computer, the 4850 fan spins up fast for a greater duration than what is normal . When this happens; after the boot process (after the windows xp slider screen), the display goes blank, a black screen not showing anything. I know the CRT is still on because the light next to the power switch doesn't blink. I know that the computer has booted to the desktop because I can hear the XP welcome music. When this happens, I have to restart the computer.

The key factor here is the fast spin-up of the 4850 fan than is normal. When the 4850 spins up and then settles to its normal spinning speed in the normal time frame, my computer boots to desktop normally.

I have no problems while playing games (any game), so I know that the 4850 hasn't gone kaput. What could be the problem/issue here?

 

[Tempered81]

flash cmos, try different video cards, reinstall video drivers, clean dust out of 4850's cooler, make sure all power cords are firmly connected and parts securely seated.

How are you playing games when booting to a blank screen?

welcome to AT!

 

[bijeshn]

No, I dont always get a blank screen. Its only when the card fan spin-up time is more than that is normal I get this problem. Its a bit hard to notice that but I keep my case open (its terribly hot here in India)

 

[Modular]

Hmm, are you sure you're not having some issues with the PSU? It sounds like it may not be able to supply enough power at cold boot from time to time.

What are the rest of your computer's specs including the make and model of PSU?

 

[bijeshn]

I would rather not tell the PSU make (its embarassing). its a no-name generic 450W PSU. Mobo is a micro-atx G31 Gigabyte with an Intel E6550 and 3 gigs of RAM. there is also a dvd-writer attached.

 

[bijeshn]

If your theory of the PSU not being able to supply enough power is correct, does it pose any danger to the life of the gfx card?

 

[bijeshn]

BTW, there is another problem that I've noticed. gpu-z (and ati catalyst) reports my gfx card fan speed as 1 rpm. I am quite sure its a lot more than that coz 1. the fan's whoosh's audible enough and 2. gpu-z reports the temp. as 45-50 Celsius at idle. it goes to no more than 60 Celsius at load.

 

[Modular]

Originally posted by: bijeshn
If your theory of the PSU not being able to supply enough power is correct, does it pose any danger to the life of the gfx card?

Absolutely, and the system as a whole. I would start there. You can find very good PSU's for $50 these days. This is the lifeblood of your system and if it's not up to snuff, it can literally kill every component you have.

I use Antec Earthwatts PSU's in both my systems and they are flawless.

 

[lyssword]

Could also be a driver problem, try clean installing ati drivers. Also make sure memory/speed is running at normal speeds.

 

[bijeshn]

sorry, i couldn't reply earlier. the problem's been fixed..

the culprit was a loose +12V wire in one of the molex to pci-e adaptors....

thanks for all your suggestions... take care!!