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View Full Version : Do I need a new card to fix this problem?


Delvardus
04-10-2007, 09:44 AM
In the last week or so I have had five lines, around 3cm wide, running down my screen. They look like corrupted data. They do not stop my monitor working, but were just a serious nusiance. Upon opening my case, I dicovered that by wiggling the graphics card, the lines would change.

I am now in a situation wherby everytime I turn on the computer, I have to wiggle the graphics card until the lines disappear, and then change my display settings to have no hardware acceleration. This is fine for email and word processing, but games have no chance!!

Will changing the graphics card solve this problem? I have a AGP Motherboard, so am limited to what i can choose. I was thinking of buying a new system anyway, is this a good reason to do so? or should I just get a new card?
Ben
04-10-2007, 10:48 AM
It does sound like you GFX is shot. But I'm suprised wiggling it works. This could potentially short your motherboard.

One thing to try. Lay the case on its side, (assuming it's a tower), remove the graphics card and then reseat it, making sure you get a firm fit.

As to buying a new system. That's really a personal choice for you. There's plenty of people that will spend your money for you. :)
Delvardus
04-10-2007, 02:11 PM
thanks for the advice, I tried your suggestion of reseating the card, but to be honest I think this may have made it worse (although I reckon that was probably down to me with the wiggling!) I hope its just the card thats gone, its so ancient that most of the budget cards today would wipe the floor with it!

Is there any easy way to tell which cards would be compatible with my motherboard?
Ben
04-10-2007, 02:30 PM
Can you post the Make / Model of your board ?

If it's AGP 8x compatible, most AGP cards should work.
Delvardus
04-10-2007, 02:32 PM
Its a Gigabyte GA 7VT600 and its got AGP8X written on it.
I've also got a 400W power supply
Ben
04-10-2007, 02:45 PM
One of the Nvidia 7600 GT /GS (http://www.novatech.co.uk/novatech/products/a850x1y0z1p0s0n0m0) Cards should be ok. Depending on your budget.
I don't know which ATi card is equivalent.
JDowdall
04-10-2007, 03:32 PM
x1650 pro is pretty decent for the money from ati