Weird graphics problem

Question

Hi,

I've been having problems with my graphics for a couple days now. Sometimes after coming back from Standby or starting up my PC the screen will look like this

When I started my PC today, I got these screens, followed by a blank screen. Is this a virus, a problem with my graphics card, or a problem with my monitor?

My specs:

Dell Dimension 8300

Pentium IV, 3 ghz

1024MB DDR SDRAM at 400mhz

128MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro

160 GB HD

Thanks,

Steve

Message Edited by joydivision85 on 12-27-200601:08 PM

Message Edited by joydivision85 on 12-27-200603:20 PM

ryannel2001 · Answer

That definetly looks like a graphics card problem. If you can, find another graphics card and put it in your system and see how that works. I'm pretty sure there are other solutions out there and someone else on the boards can help you. Anyway, good luck.

joydivision85 · Answer

If it is the graphics card, what should I replace it with?  I currently have a 128 MB ATI Radeon 9800 Pro.

ryannel2001 · Answer

I've been hearing alot of good things about the nVidia GeForce 7600GT. You can purchase them through NewEgg for about $110. If you don't want to spend that much money, the ATI Radeon X1650Pro can be had for about $90. Either way, you'll end up with a better graphics card than you currently have.

delta7000 · Answer

It does look like you video card needs to be replaced. What is important is your replacement needs to be an AGP card and not PCI or PCI-E. I'm not really sure those prices quoted above are accurate. I just recently replaced my 9700 PRO with a Radeon X 1650 PRO and paid a lot more then $90. It was $219 minus a $50 rebate. I would definitely take Ryannel2001's advice and try to check it out before purchasing the card. Can you check out the monitor on another system? Message Edited by delta7000 on 12-27-200607:42 PM

joydivision85 · Answer

I tested the monitor out, and it's working fine, so it must be the video card.   Are there any other video cards that you guys would recommend that are compatible with my PC? Message Edited by joydivision85 on 12-27-200611:13 PM

ryannel2001 · Answer

Oops, I just remembered we are talking about an AGP slot here! Sorry bout that. But anyway, NewEgg is selling an ATI Radeon X1650Pro for $149 after a $30 rebate. Seems like a good deal compared to other AGP cards.

joydivision85 · Answer

Today I purchased a Radeon X1650 Pro as a replacement, but the instructions tell me that I have to uninstall the software and drivers for the original card first, with the original card still in the PC.   However, I can't see anything because the graphics are so distorted, and there's no way for me to do anything on the desktop.  What should I do here?

ryannel2001 · Answer

I was hoping you wouldn't run into this problem, but I guess you did. The only thing I can say is install the new card and then uninstall the drivers once you boot up Windows. Don't take my word for that though, cause i'm not sure it will work.

delta7000 · Answer

What I would do is install the card first. Since you have a ATI Radeon card now you have Radeon drivers. I would then download the current drivers to my desktop. Go through the procedure to un-install the old drivers and then install the new drivers.   http://ati.amd.com/support/drivers/xp/radeonx-xp.html

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Weird graphics problem

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