Image Problem--lack of bandwidth/power to video card?

[Unkno]

The image defect i'm talking about appears only on an LCD monitor connected with DVI (I only tested using 1680x1050). The left side of the monitor shows line shimmering (scrolling horizontal lines). You can see it more clearly in backgrounds such as dark green.

I have already checked if it's a problem with the monitor (Dell 2005FPW) or a problem with the video card by:
1. Tried monitor on another computer with a nvidia card (using both dvi and vga)
2. VGA cable works perfectly on this computer (the one that's showing the problem)
3. I have RMAed the X800GTO2 and the one I got back (a newer version with the bios already unlocked 16 pipes
4. I have tried the video card on a CRT monitor

I have tried ATI drivers from 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 6.1, and 6.2 (currently using) and there still appears to be a problem. You can't see the line shimmering during boot-up, in safe mode, or when there's no ATI drivers installed. Thus, I have concluded that it's something (a setting maybe?) to do with the drivers/software.

I have tried with and without the CCC and tried turning on "Reduce DVI frequency on high-resolution displays" but nothing. All settings in the monitor and drivers are default and nothing is overclocked.

So, I'm typing this thread in hopes of someone would know the problem...tried almost every possible solution.



UPDATE!!!!
I have concluded that this is not a problem of the driver, video card, OR monitor. It appears that it may be a BIOS, power supply, or a motherboard problem. The reason for this conclusion is that it seems the line shimmering effect gets better the LOWER the resolution is (this will explain why there is virtually ALMOST no line shimmering during boot-up, safemode, or when there's no drivers installed).

By default (since i'm using a 2005FPW), the res is 1680x1050. I have tried all available resolution settings, and the ones that are 1024x768 or lower (800x600) only has a little line shimmering problem.

I'm thinking this isn't a power supply issue because there is virtually no voltage drops reported by software and this psu should be able to handle it (Note: I have tried 2 PSU of the same model to test it).

This might be a motherboard problem since this board was REALLY picky when I first built the system (BSOD.....)

Would setting the PCI-Express Bus with a higher clock help? It's set to 100 by default, and I have tried increasing it to 101 and 102 but no difference...

Asus A8N-E (BIOS 1010 Final)
X2 3800+ 2600Mhz 1.4V
2x1024mb OCZ Platnium EL
Sapphire X800GTO2 (Newer Version with unlocked pipes)
Antec Sonata II With Antec SmartPower2.0 450W

Thanks!

 

[jiffylube1024]

Sounds like a problem with the monitor's DVI port perhaps. No problems on a 2005fpw on DVI for me using an X850XT PE, a 7800GT, a 6800GT, a 6800nu, a 9600 Pro or a 9500 pro. VGA also works perfectly.

 

[xtknight]

Probably inadequate graphics card TMDS transmitter (not putting out enough bandwidth).

 

[Unkno]

Originally posted by: jiffylube1024
Sounds like a problem with the monitor's DVI port perhaps. No problems on a 2005fpw on DVI for me using an X850XT PE, a 7800GT, a 6800GT, a 6800nu, a 9600 Pro or a 9500 pro. VGA also works perfectly.

yea, that's what i thought first....so i have tried dvi on another computer (with an nvidia card) and it's fine.....also no line shimmering during bootup, safemode, and when no ati drivers are installed

Probably inadequate graphics card TMDS transmitter (not putting out enough bandwidth).

hmmm......anyway to solve this? I have tried two X800GTO2 cards already, I have an NF4 motherboard, Asus A8N-E, PCIe x16

 

[Unkno]

bump.....

 

[Unkno]

btw, it's running off a ups (cyberpower 825AVR)...so i doubt it's a clean power issue

 

[kmmatney]

Although a big pain, you should test the video card in another system if you can.

 

[imported_Crusader]

honestly, sounds like a crap video card.. either drivers or the card.
you said you tested it on an NV and it worked, so why not just use the Nvidia?

Obviously trying the video card+ monitor on another PC will be elimating alot of variables too.. but it sounds like you wont find anything out that way honestly.

The only other solution I'd suggest is if there is two DVI ports on your X800 to try the other one.

If that doesnt work.. time to just use what does work.
Ebay and then get yourself a good cheap 7800GT :thumbsup:

 

[Unkno]

Originally posted by: kmmatney
Although a big pain, you should test the video card in another system if you can.

my other system uses AGP....

Originally posted by: Crusader
honestly, sounds like a crap video card.. either drivers or the card.
you said you tested it on an NV and it worked, so why not just use the Nvidia?

Obviously trying the video card+ monitor on another PC will be elimating alot of variables too.. but it sounds like you wont find anything out that way honestly.

The only other solution I'd suggest is if there is two DVI ports on your X800 to try the other one.

If that doesnt work.. time to just use what does work.
Ebay and then get yourself a good cheap 7800GT :thumbsup:

well, this is my second video card after RMAing the first one....same problem. I have also tried both dvi ports and both of them have the same issues

tried the monitor on another system (tried both dvi and vga), no problems

i have tried like EVERYTHING nd i'm guessing it's a driver/setting....could it be something with the motherboard? (Asus A8N-E Bios 1010 Final)

 

[edblor]

Sounds more like it is a compatibility issue with the X800 and your nForce mobo.

I have an X850 SLI rig on a DFI mobo with the 2005fpw and have not had any issues.

Edblor

 

[kmmatney]

Did you use the same DVI cable when you tested on the NVidia card?

 

[imported_Crusader]

You've got to try the video card and monitor on another machine.

Otherwise, try the optimized defaults and fail safe default bios settings on your Asus.

 

[Unkno]

Originally posted by: kmmatney
Did you use the same DVI cable when you tested on the NVidia card?

Yes

Originally posted by: Crusader
You've got to try the video card and monitor on another machine.

I have already tried the monitor on another machine and as i said before, there are no image defects during any time when the drivers are not loaded (safe mode, bootup....etc).....The first GTO2 i got came with this image defect....so i exchanged it for a newer version (with the unlocked bios) and there are still image defects....i kinda doubt it's hardware issue (maybe motherboard, but pretty sure it's not the video card)

 

[Unkno]

bump.....c'mon

 

[Wreckage]

I had a similar problem with my 6800 and a change in video timing in the drivers fixed it. I will look for the article about it, maybe it will work for you as well.

EDIT:
http://forums.us.dell.com/supportforums...essage.id=49804&query.id=277264#M49804

This worked for me. Not sure how to do it in the ATI drivers though.

Problem: horizontal lines cascading down the monitor are visible given the right background. It could effect the entire monitor or just one side (as it did for me).

Solution: use powerstrip or if you have an Nvidia card, goto the video card settings and change the Advanced Timings for the monitor. I've read that some have achieved success by changing the Front Porch value in the vertical line section from 3 to 6. For me, setting it to 0 fixed the problem. It may be different depending on your monitor, I would suggest playing with the values.

 

[L00PY]

Running at 60 Hz?

 

[SolMiester]

Wouldnt be an issue after the pipes had been unlocked?! Are they disabled due to yeild issues?

Ignore this, just read your post properly!

 

[5150Joker]

Originally posted by: Unkno
The image defect i'm talking about appears only on an LCD monitor connected with DVI (I only tested using 1680x1050). The left side of the monitor shows line shimmering (scrolling horizontal lines). You can see it more clearly in backgrounds such as dark green.

I have already checked if it's a problem with the monitor (Dell 2005FPW) or a problem with the video card by:
1. Tried monitor on another computer with a nvidia card (using both dvi and vga)
2. VGA cable works perfectly on this computer (the one that's showing the problem)
3. I have RMAed the X800GTO2 and the one I got back (a newer version with the bios already unlocked 16 pipes
4. I have tried the video card on a CRT monitor

I have tried ATI drivers from 5.9, 5.10, 5.11, 5.12, 5.13, 6.1, and 6.2 (currently using) and there still appears to be a problem. You can't see the line shimmering during boot-up, in safe mode, or when there's no ATI drivers installed. Thus, I have concluded that it's something (a setting maybe?) to do with the drivers/software.

I have tried with and without the CCC and tried turning on "Reduce DVI frequency on high-resolution displays" but nothing. All settings in the monitor and drivers are default and nothing is overclocked.

So, I'm typing this thread in hopes of someone would know the problem...tried almost every possible solution.

Thanks.

Well it can't be a driver issue since I'm using a 2005 FPW with an X1900 and don't have any problems with DVI. Try what Wreckage suggested.

 

[Unkno]

Ok, I probably should have mentioned this before.....but I have tried (before RMA of video card) powerstrip and setting the Front Porch values.....that has not work. Only the area on the left with the line shimmering (all at default; before tweaking with powerstrip) shows a slight sign of burn in (only this area) when a static image is left on it for a while (5-10mins). The only possible solution for fixing the line shimmering problem I have found was altering the Vertical/Horizontal refresh rate/scan rate. BUT, the problem with that is when i alter these settings, the burn-in effect happens like after 5 seconds of a static image.

Note: I have tried powerstrip again (on new X800GTO2) and the exact same thing is shown.

 

[NucEm]

I had issues with the cables Dell provides with their LCD montors. I would get pixels that would flicker along a line or in an area on the display. I swapped out some of the monitors with Dell thinking they were bad. When the replacement had the same issues I looked at video cards and eventually to the interface cable. The cables provided looked good but when I replaced Dell's with another brand the problems I had stopped. I have 4 Dell LCD monitors, 2 KDS, and 1 Sony. I found that not all the cables that came with the Dells were 'bad' but more than half of them were.

So if you haven't tried a non-Dell supplied cable you may want to.

 

[Unkno]

firstly, i would like to thank everyone who has replied.....


the DVI cable i am currently using came with the dell monitor....do you think i should purchase another one, even though this cable works perfectly when i connect it to an older computer that is using an nvidia card....btw, the VGA cable also works perfectly on both computers.

 

[Unkno]

bump....seriously, i don't get how could there be a problem...i have tested EVERYTHING but the motherboard....could that be the problem?

 

[Unkno]

to whoever finds the problem! (or at least replies!)

 

[Unkno]

bump....this problem is really troubling me

 

[Unkno]

UPDATE!!!![/u]
I have concluded that this is not a problem of the driver, video card, OR monitor. It appears that it may be a BIOS, power supply, or a motherboard problem. The reason for this conclusion is that it seems the line shimmering effect gets better the LOWER the resolution is (this will explain why there is virtually ALMOST no line shimmering during boot-up, safemode, or when there's no drivers installed).

By default (since i'm using a 2005FPW), the res is 1680x1050. I have tried all available resolution settings, and the ones that are 1024x768 or lower (800x600) only has a little line shimmering problem.

I'm thinking this isn't a power supply issue because there is virtually no voltage drops reported by software and this psu should be able to handle it (Note: I have tried 2 PSU of the same model to test it).

This might be a motherboard problem since this board was REALLY picky when I first built the system (BSOD.....)

Would setting the PCI-Express Bus with a higher clock help? It's set to 100 by default, and I have tried increasing it to 101 and 102 but no difference...