blubs

Hi All,

If my PC is used for over 2 hours I start to get graphic artifacting and eventually the unit freezes and has to be powered off and on. The artifacting usually starts with the pixels flashing and can happen at any time (I don't need to be playing a game).

I have had problems with the GC (9800 pro), overheating - the fan was coming on regularly. I have since fitted one of those case exhaust fans but it has made no difference. The only way I can stop the GC fan from kicking in is to run the unit with the side off.

I think this is generally an overheating issue and I'm looking at a new case. The current one is very small and only has one rear fan. Anyone agree with this (or disagree!).

Any tips on cases? Aluminium or bespoke gaming case etc?

Many Thanks

blubs

Scooby-Doo

Artifacts is usually a memory issue and should overheat very quickly if you run a 3d stress test. If your getting a new case just upgrade the card while you at it. I assume you have an AGP slot and there are some good deals around at the moment on Nvidia 6800 or the slightly more expensive 7800's.

As for cases this is my model and it is beautiful although expensive

http://www.overclock.co.uk/product.p...t=423&view=rel

blubs

Thanks, (nice case BTW!)

Couple of dumb questions!

Are you talking about the graphics card memory?

Any idea where I can do a stress test. I've got the free download version of 3D Mark 2006, or is there a better way?

Cheers

D16GER

If you are having problems with the 9800 overheating, then it is likely the fan is on it's last legs.

I would suggest you get a Arctic Cooling Silencer (Rev 2 ATi) and install that. It will keep the card cooler, run quieter and exhaust the heat out the rear! The only downside is it blocks the 1st PCI slot. I have one fitted to my old 9800Pro and also a newer version fitted to my X800XT PE. They have both been superb!

Also, to properly stress test the card, might I suggest ATiTool.

You can use it to scan for artifacts which really stresses out the card! It is also a very nice little program for overclocking etc too.

blubs

Cheers,

I have since discovered that my rear case fan bearing is bolloxed, so I think it is not rotating at max speed.

This is also my 2nd 9800 pro as the first melted itself when the fan stem actually snapped! (got it replaced as was only 6 months old).

I think I'm overdue for a general upgrade so I might get a X800 card and go for the Arctic Cooling Silencer aswell.

Many Thanks

jpor

iTrader: (1)

I was thinking of upgrading my ATi 9800 XT to a Nvidia 7800GS. Looking at the benchmarks it beats the X800:

http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/2006/0...better_buy_uk/

lightning101

Just get the X800GTO2 the one with the 16 piples and the 480 memory and with the included software it can be clocked past an X850XT PE no problem.

BedHog

Or 2 x 7800 GTX's

I get artifacting when overclocking too much on the nVidia. I did buy a couple of zalman coolers but have never needed to fit them. Can you get them for ATI's? They are superb, have on on my CPU.

I presume you have the latest drivers?

lightning101

But the X800gto2 is only £105