My PC is dying - or at least the graphics card is more dead than alive - by gnartsch
gnartsch on 14/3/2015 at 23:46
Trouble started a week ago when my AntiVirus software popped up with a message that it had installed the latest product update.
And out of a sudden I had crashes all the time that I never used to have before.
Ok, maybe some incompatibility with the AV software and my graphics drivers. Wouldn't be the first time to happen.
But I was out of luck. Reverting AV and drivers did not do the trick either.
Even after making a fresh Win7 install, the same thing happens:
as soon as the NVIDIA drivers are installed (no matter whether I choose the 3 year old ones or the very latest), the system gives me the BSOD (error in nlvddmkm.sys).
And it does not matter either whether I install the graphics drivers before doing the 170+ Windows updates or after.
All I can have are the basic VGA drivers. And even those produce weird artifacts on the screen.
But hey, at least I can browse the internet for some clues or possible replacements.
So, I guess I will need to get a new graphics card, but I am not that deep into hardware & tests and specs and all that for quite a while.What I have right now is the following:
- Windows 7, 64 bit
- AMD Athlon II X4 640 (3GHz)
- GIGABYTE GA-870A-UD3 mainboard, PCI-E 2*2.0
- Enermax Pro82+ II, 525W
- 4GB RAM
- NVIDIA GTX 460 (768 MB, 160 W, PCI-E 2.0x16, 192 bit memory interface) --- probably almost dead ???
Now, since I am not such a heavy gamer, I don't see a need for an entire new system nor do I want to waste money for an overkill graphics card.
But it would be nice to play Thief 2014 or similar newish games with some acceptable performance at reasonable settings.
(My 460 kept constantly overheating even at the lowest possible resolution and level of details.)
However finding a suitable replacement which would be compatible with my current system is mind boggling.
... memory interface 64 vs. 128 vs. whatever number of bits
... PCI-E x8 vs. x16 vs. x32
... also keep in mind the PCI-E versions 2.0 vs 3.0
... and then all those different power pin connectors which are not even mentioned there :p
... whatever else
Just looking for an NVIDIA card on my favorite supplier's site, I keep finding a large number of devices, but have no clue what criterias are really important here.
(sorry, but it's a german page: (
https://www.alternate.de/Grafikkarten/PCIe-Karten-NVIDIA/Alle-anzeigen)),
Any idea on how to find an adequate replacement without having to effectively rebuild the entire system ??? :rolleyes:
gnartsch on 15/3/2015 at 08:22
Ok, after a couple of hours of research, it seems like at least the PCI-e version does not really matter, since v3 works in v2 slots just as well.
If that holds true, then I found a pretty good candidate:
EDIT:
ASUS GeForce STRIX-GTX960-DC2OC-2GD5
That should be a real improvement and doesn't cost a fortune either.
gnartsch on 15/3/2015 at 21:14
I had disassembled the whole thing already and gave it a good cleaning. But it did not help.
In case it was a problem caused by dried heatsink paste, then the damage is done already.
It doesn't make any difference if I start up the machine in the morning or after running for some hours.
The artifacts are visible right after boot as soon as the first real Windows screens are about to be displayed and with proper drivers installed, I will not even see the login screen before it crashes.
I am glad that you agree with my choice, since you seem to have very profound knowledge about hardware and specs!
I lost track of all the hardware quite a few years ago and every decision is a pain accompanied by a good chunk of confusion.
Glad to know that I didn't do anything stupid.
Actually I made my choice this morning already as I found out that I do not need to stick to PCI-E v2 and my powersupply has all neccessary connectors anyway.
My favorite supplier is a german one : (
https://www.alternate.de)
I bought the system there for some dirty cheap (at least I think so) 725€ almost 4 years ago.
Besides selling all sorts of hardware, they also (
http://www.pcgameshardware.de/pcgh-pcs/) distribute PC's in cooperation with the german 'PC Games' magazine.
That's where I picked my system and I trust those guys know what they are doing.
With respaect to the new cards: those are just 5€ apart from each other (220, 225 & 230€), so I don't mind the few extra bucks and enjoy the one that appears to be the most silent one, since I already dropped the order.
Anyway: thanks for the confirmation ! :thumb:
In case I had ordered something stupid, I would have had the chance to cancel it.
gnartsch on 16/3/2015 at 18:52
They shipped already. I am expecting it tomorrow or on wednesday latest.
The EVGA sounds pretty cool, but the name did not sound familiar to me, so I had not even looked at it.
Quote Posted by bikerdude
Right had a look and the
best bang for buck GTX960
Oh boy, I am not much into overclocking either.
So I am rather looking forward to a nice and silent gaming experience than a big bang. :cheeky:
bikerdude on 16/3/2015 at 19:56
Quote Posted by gnartsch
* They shipped already. I am expecting it tomorrow or on wednesday latest.
* The EVGA sounds pretty cool, but the name did not sound familiar to me, so I had not even looked at it.
* Oh boy, I am not much into overclocking either, so I am rather looking forward to a nice and silent gaming experience than a big bang.
* the rules for buying anything online should be the same over there, as long as the item is in the same packaging and cond. you should be able to send tyi back for a refund.
* Its been doing graphics cards a lot longer than MSI and they are known for producing quality card that a tad faster than the competition.
* You dont have, the option is only there if you want to.
gnartsch on 16/3/2015 at 20:33
Quote Posted by bikerdude
* Its been doing graphics cards a lot longer than MSI
Seriously? I must have quitted reading hardware magazines far too long ago.
Oh well, iirc that sort of literature was still called 'SciFi' at that point in time. ;)
bikerdude on 16/3/2015 at 21:36
Quote Posted by gnartsch
Seriously? I must have quitted reading hardware magazines far too long ago.Oh well, iirc that sort of literature was still called 'SciFi' at that point in time. ;)
If my info is correct then -
* EVGA was founded in 1999 and start selling graphics card and motherboards at that point - (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EVGA_Corporation)
* MSI was founded in 1986, but didnt start selling graphics cards untill 2003 - (
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Micro-Star_International)
Either way the EVGA card I mentioned above is better than either the MSI/Gigabyte cards.
bjack on 20/3/2015 at 01:49
gnartsch, I hope you have solved your issue. I really feel for you. Ich bin zimpatische. No, I don't know German too well, just enough to get myself in trouble. I meant that I am sympathetic. I have the same issues with older systems.
In America it is difficult to choose. We have so many choices and so many conflicting opinions. I research what I can, then go to a store where I trust the judgement of the sales people. There is a place near me that does not "up sell" products. They will advise buying the best, but will admit when the lesser product is not all that much "lesser". This sometimes means hundreds of dollars less expensive.
Consider the good older technology as a replacement. I do not have my notes handy, es tut mir leid, but I think the 750 GTX ti is away to go? In the USA it can be had for around $100. The specs are good. Your older CPU and mother board cannot push the newer cards to their limits, so why spend the extra Euros to buy one. Get a great card that was nearly king in 2012 and be happy.
My 1/2 cent advice. :D
