I think my 8800GT is dying

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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Hey guys, just started having some issues with my EVGA 8800GT. During use the screen would all of a sudden become lined and garbled requiring a reboot to clear. The problem just got worse and worse and now on every reboot the screen has lines (when displaying graphics) on the text screens funky characters are all over the place. Computer responds normally, I can get into the BIOS.... oh yeah, if I do let it boot into windows the display is not correct, think its something like 600x256 with 8 colors. Not sure if that's exact but it definatly didn't use my resolution. Any troublehsooting steps or is it look at a new video card time?
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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That I have not done, I'll try that but it is very tough to see. So I should do an uninstall/re-install? If doing that does not work what are the next steps?
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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The other thing, the lines are present upon initial boot motherboard splash screen, even before getting into Windows.
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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I have an older CRT monitor, can't change the cable. Have tried a couple of other computers on that monitor and the monitor is fine.
 

alizee

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Aug 11, 2005
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Originally posted by: WavingBlue75
I have an older CRT monitor, can't change the cable. Have tried a couple of other computers on that monitor and the monitor is fine.

That's decent component isolation. I would expect that it's the video card, but there's a small (very small) chance it's RAM, CPU or motherboard (probably not, but I've seen it more than once). I would see if you could pull the video card from one of the other computers and put it in the faulty one. Make sure it's all PCIe. See if the issue continues to occur. If it doesn't (the expected outcome), open a ticket with your manufacturer. Otherwise, if the video is still garbled, I'd swap out the RAM first, then CPU, and see if it still happens.

Hope that helps, but I think you're on the right track, especially if video distortion occurs on the splash screen.

Is there any difference if you boot into safe mode? If it works fine, it may be the video driver, though it could still be the video card.
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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Unfortunetly I don't have a PCI card to swap it out with. Tried opening a ticket with EVGA but that was impossible since I don't have the serial number for the card, can't find the box plus it's not on the card. Can't register, no help from them... asshats. What is a comprable card these days..... preferably below 100 dollars?
 

mpilchfamily

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Jun 11, 2007
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Sounds like the video card is on its way out. Typicly that sort of problems indicates the VRAM is having problems.
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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Thanks for the tip on the 4850, looking around I can't see a way to compare the 8800GT vs 4850, anyone happen to know an easy way? Also how much difference between 512MB vs 1GB?
 

mpilchfamily

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Jun 11, 2007
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The more VRAM there is the better it supports the higher resolutions. As far as the 8800GT compairing with the 4850... the 4850 blows the 8800GT out of the water.
 

Zensal

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Jan 18, 2005
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512MB will usually take you up to 1680x1050. After that, the 1 GB starts becoming more useful.
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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Thanks for the tip Zensal, that's perfect for what I need. I suppose when this monitor dies I may need a 1GB but even then 1680x1050 is pretty good.. and is 90 bucks well spent. Appreciate the help guys.
 

WavingBlue75

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Feb 4, 2008
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OK guys, verdict is the 8800GT was giving up the ghost as I suspected, thanks for the information and tips. 4850 is in, played for about an hour last night, no issues, everything is looking smooth. Hopefully this will be the last upgrade until the next Elder Scrolls comes out.