Kristin wrote:
> Hi...
>
> I am using an ATI 9800 Pro 128 mb video ram. I have had the card for
> about 6 months. I am using it with dual displays: an Apple Cinema
> and as the secondary a SyncMaster 1200NF. Drivers: Catalyst 4.1.
> Windows XP Home, Intel 2.? ghz chip, 512 mb main ram.
>
> This morning I turned on the computer, opened a program and saw 1
> pixel vertical stripes down BOTH SCREENS. Stripes worsen if I move
> program windows around. If I move a window over to the secondary
> monitor, stripes (pixel lines) follow along an reside on both
> monitors.
>
> Is this vid card fried?
>
> Would appreciate any experience, thoughts on this!
>
> Thanks,
>
> kristin
>
> ps: using surge protector, units turned off during periods of
> non-use...ie overnight.
Here's a good hardware test. Shut the system down, unplug the power
cable and monitor cables. Remove the video card, check the fan visually
looking for dust packing the fanblades and heat sink vanes. Move the
fan with your finger, it should move very easily with a little
bounceback as it is a DC motor with permanent magnets. If there is dirt
packing things up, then clean it all with Q-Tips. I also use plain
alcohol to dampen the swabs. I don't soak the swabs, you don't want
liquid in the chips. Re-insert the video card in the AGP slot, ensuring
it does go all the way into the slot. Plug the drive power cable back
into the card, and then the video cables, finally the power cable.
Leave the case cover off if possible. Start the system, and see if the
corruption exists in the DOS type mode before windows loads. Note that
you've also reseated the card in the slot.
I've had problems with heat and dust in my system. It sits on my desk,
so I just leave the side off. I have also noted that with these later
AGP 4X only (1.5v) motherboards, the AGP card seems to slip in easier
than with older motherboards. Loose contact in the slot mean problems,
and this could be part of your problem.
HIH, McG.
|