Hi

Just after any ideas on this conundrum. I think I know the answer, but any differing or similar views appreciated.

1. Friend bought new computer under my advice.
2. It keeps crashing.
3. It's a Spahire Radeon X800XL PCI Express card.

4. The problem is crashing and this starts with a kind of snowstorm effect that you might get on a bad TV reception. Sometimes its a bit which gets progressively worse and then others its a full snowstorm.

5. Obviously its either hardware or software.

6. Device manager says no conflict and it recognises the card.

7. The drivers are on fresh and I have ensured I have fully uninstalled previous drivers by using the ati uninstall tool. The drivers are the latest version 5.8 catalyst.

8. I have ensured windows is up to date and the MSN network package is on as suggested by ATI.

9. I have checked for viruses.

10. I have checked the card is slotted properly into its slot.

My belief all along has been the problem is hardware related and that he's been stuck with a faulty card that needs returning.
Any more ideas before he has to return the card?

Many thanks.

Hi,

What happens if you disconnect the monitor then reconnect it while it's going funny?

HI ive had the same problem and it is a faulty card, nothing i know of can mke it better, sorry!

It could be a faulty card, or it could be a faulty/cheapo power supply thats causing it. Or it could be caused by inadequate cooling. Only real way to tell is try a different one and see if it makes a difference.

More than likely video card overheating - check any fans on the card etc. Could possibly be video RAM but doubt it as it gets progressively worse.

Thanks for replies.
1. Not power supply brand new, plus he doesnt have lots of stuff to drain power. Antecs are normally quite good.

2. The reconnect is a good thing.I will get him to do it, but 99% certain the problems still there and its not monitor or cable.

3. Liking idea of card being faulty or overheating. Either way it can go back. His computer is made from brand new components.

I told him the problem about three weeks back, but he doesnt want the disruption. Tiem to get it sorted methinks.

Will try my video card and if it works then we know the problem.

Thanks for your ideas. I just didnt want to miss something blindingly obvious.