Graphics Card issues...

Question

I have a Dell Dimension 3000, and upgraded the Graphics card the first time from the onboard integrated graphics to a 128MB PCI GeForceFX 5500, then I upgraded to the 256MB version of the card and initially had no issues. However,lately my display has been giving me problems, I used to be able to hit the Windows key on my keyboard and minimize the window, but now the display blinks several times before returning me to the desktop, with mangled graphics. At first I Thought it was a monitor issue, because I would sometimes get the message "Make sure cable is connected to the PC"...so I bought a used monitor today (which is Dell) and brought it home, started playing a game and now my computer is giving me the same issues. Is it possible that my graphics card is fried? And if so, should I go back to the 128mb pci? Could it be possible that my card is too much for this computer to handle?

Anyway, just wanted to say this...and see what it could be.

Dale Nihiser · Answer

No the card is not too much for your computer or the other way around.

Fried card? Possible.

So lets look for some solutions.

1st make sure the video card is firmly seated in the pci slot.

Next leave the case open, and power up the computer, inspect the heat-sink fan on the video card. Is it spinning?

Hardware wise that is about all you can do other than try using the other fx5500 and see if that clears up the problem or try the newer card in a different machine and try to duplicate the problems you are experiencing.

Finally I would uninstall my video drivers and reinstall them.

Good Luck

Dale

Cool Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05 Mid tower case
AMD Athlon 64 3700+--->AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego
MSI K8N Neo4-F Socket 939 ATX motherboard
1GB Cosair ValueSelect PC 3200 DDR 400 SDRAM
EVGA GeForce 6800GS 256Mb GDDR3 PCI Express
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200Gb 7200rpm SATA 150 HD
Plextor 708A 8x burner
OCz GameXstream 700 watt psu
Logitech Optical Mouse MX310
Logitech Wingman Rumblepad
Altec-Lansing headphones w/mic
Viewsonic G90fb-2 19"
Windows XP Home Sp2(all updates)
D-Link 524 Wireless Ethernet Broadband Router

Message Edited by Dale Nihiser on 11-28-200606:15 PM

LadyAimee · Answer

I did everything you suggested. I purchased the card off of Ebay, which according to some of the other posts, was a dud purchase anyway. I am leary of purchasing anything more on Ebay. I have the GeForce FX5500, 256MB PCI.....any other suggestions on any other video cards that I could use for my Dimension 3000? I don't necessarily have to get another Nvidia card. I am open to suggestions. :)

Dale Nihiser · Answer

Honestly there really isn't anything wrong with your first fx5500. The amount of memory on the card 128MB vs 256MB won't amount to any difference in actual performance.

The visiontek x1300 pci card is probably the best and most expensive of the pci cards that will work in your Dimension 3000. A good alternative might be the x1300 from Diamond for under $90.00 after rebate.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.asp?Item=N82E16814103016

You may be able to use a geforce 6200 pci in your computer. I'd run a search on this forum and see if other users have this card installed in their 3000.

Just bear in mind, these are pci cards and cannot keep pace with their agp or pci-e x16 big brothers.

Avoid cards like the fx5200, mx4000, geforce2 mx400, geforce4 mx440, radeon 9250 & 9250se, radeon 7000.

If you're upgrading with the thought of intense gaming, these pci cards will be sorely lacking.

Good Luck

Dale

Cool Master Centurion 5 CAC-T05 Mid tower case
AMD Athlon 64 3700+--->AMD Athlon 64 4000+ San Diego
MSI K8N Neo4-F Socket 939 ATX motherboard
1GB Cosair ValueSelect PC 3200 DDR 400 SDRAM
EVGA GeForce 6800GS 256Mb GDDR3 PCI Express
Maxtor DiamondMax 10 200Gb 7200rpm SATA 150 HD
Plextor 708A 8x burner
OCz GameXstream 700 watt psu
Logitech Optical Mouse MX310
Logitech Wingman Rumblepad
Altec-Lansing headphones w/mic
Viewsonic G90fb-2 19"
Windows XP Home Sp2(all updates)
D-Link 524 Wireless Ethernet Broadband Router

Message Edited by Dale Nihiser on 11-28-200610:26 PM

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Graphics Card issues...

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