NationStates Jolt Archive

Ok, so here goes.

I bought me a new computer with some stimulus money I got my hands on (small business) nothing fancy just a 4 GB RAM and 500 GB hard drive space with a new computer desk and monitor.. only came to ~ $800. I think I have had it for.. 3 weeks now. It runs just fine until I try to play a game; the screen goes black and while I have sound there is no video, at all. The computer works fine when I go into the task manager, and works fine when I close out the game (via task manager for anyone who is going to be asinine).

The graphics card is a NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE nForce 430 (why the fuck it needs so many characters in the name goes beyond me)

Yes I installed the graphics card drivers, I have even tried uninstalling them an reinstalling them again. This solves the problem for 24 hours.

Operating system is Windows Vista (:() Home Pro, set for 64 bit.

Should be all anyone needs to know; so does anybody have an opinion on what could cause this? Input would be appreciated greatly. Should I re-seat the graphic card? Should I sue Nvidia for making shitty products? Should I suffer this indignity in silence?

Make sure you have the latest motherboard drivers.

Make sure you have the latest motherboard drivers.

Right... where the hell does Vista allow me to check the status on that.

Its an inbuilt mechanism to stop you using the goods bought with stimulus money for recreational rather than work purposes.

Its an inbuilt mechanism to stop you using the goods bought with stimulus money for recreational rather than work purposes.

its fucking with my work too. As much as I appreciate your humor DI I just want to get this problem solved before I lose some really valuable contracts.

Right... where the hell does Vista allow me to check the status on that.

I wouldn't waste the time checking the status I'd just download the latest drivers form the manufacturer. If what you have is current then the installer won't overwrite it.

Buy a Mac.

I wouldn't waste the time checking the status I'd just download the latest drivers form the manufacturer. If what you have is current then the installer won't overwrite it.

No NB, I mean where can I do that, I can't look at the status or manufacturer of the motherboard, I do not know where to look and cannot locate it under device manager.

Buy a Mac.

I'd love too but I don't have $6,000.

No NB, I mean where can I do that, I can't look at the status or manufacturer of the motherboard, I do not know where to look and cannot locate it under device manager.

Open the computer lid and check, it normally is printed somewhere on the motherboard. Could be an idea to check if the motherboard and computer card is known to have problem with each other.

might be a bad video card (or one that's going bad). take it back to the vendor show them the problem. If it is as soon as you say they should replace the video card no charge. that failing the manufacturer should.

Open the computer lid and check, it normally is printed somewhere on the motherboard. Could be an idea to check if the motherboard and computer card is known to have problem with each other.

That's effort I was hoping to avoid by asking.

might be a bad video card (or one that's going bad). take it back to the vendor show them the problem. If it is as soon as you say they should replace the video card no charge. that failing the manufacturer should.

I'll end up loosing my contracts... I won't be able to go back to the vendor until the weekend because its 60 miles away (yeah I live in such a shitty place I have to drive for an hours and more to find a computer store)

No NB, I mean where can I do that, I can't look at the status or manufacturer of the motherboard, I do not know where to look and cannot locate it under device manager.

I'm assuming this is a brand name system like a Dell or HP or whatever, in which case you can usually go to the manufacturer's website, put in the model of your computer, and you can download the set of drivers specifically for it.

If it's a custom job, then the owner's manual for the mainboard should have been provided. At worst, do what Urghu said and look for the model which is generally printed somewhere on the board itself.

I can't imagine why a bad video card would have any effect on your sound whatsoever unless something bizarre was happening with the mainboard. Getting the latest drivers is always step#1, but the board itself might be damaged.

Either that or it's some weird Vista bug. But we all know THAT can't happen. *cough cough*

I'd love too but I don't have $6,000.
Mac Minis apple.com



2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
320GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$799.00

I'll end up loosing my contracts... I won't be able to go back to the vendor until the weekend because its 60 miles away (yeah I live in such a shitty place I have to drive for an hours and more to find a computer store)

you don't have another computer you can transfer them too?
I normally advise removing confidential information before turning in a computer for service as well. get on the phone see if you can work out something with them where you drop it off Friday and its ready for pick up by Sunday.
that failing just buy a new graphics card. though hate to see someone pay for something they should get for free. (especially if it turns out to be the mother board).

i'd reseat it, but also check some benchmarking apps (like, say, 3DMark) to see if there's a difference between DirectX and OpenGL.

Mac Minis apple.com



2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
320GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$799.00

Never mind the fact that you do not get a monitor with that, and any PC for 800 dollars will absolutely destroy that mac mini in every way possible.

And you can't upgrade them :D

Kuz Apples are shite :D

i'd reseat it, but also check some benchmarking apps (like, say, 3DMark) to see if there's a difference between DirectX and OpenGL.

He is talking about one of those on motherboard graphics chips. I"m pretty sure, which means there is just some kind of driver conflict going on.

Check out a program called Everest.
It tells you all (and more than) you need to know about your computer.

Spend the money on your girlfriend...

Spend the money on your girlfriend...
Modern graphics cards come with girlfriends supplied. They may be a bit digital, but they're some hotties.


I bought me a new computer with some stimulus money I got my hands on (small business) Do you want to talk about it?
You do, otherwise there's no reason to mention it. So...


The graphics card is a NVIDIA GeForce 6150 SE nForce 430
It's not a graphics card, it's a soldered-in chip on the motherboard. Non-removable, non-replaceable, non-repairable.

But you can install a separate graphics card, it will also have enough power for some old games, unlike the 6150 chip.


Operating system is Windows Vista (:() Home Pro, set for 64 bit.
Oh my. As if Vista wasn't horrible enough, but you (or the vendor) had to make it 64-bit.

Try to install Windows XP 32-bit (or 2000, or whatever you had before) on a separate partition (4 gigs is enough) and see how it works.

Modern graphics cards come with girlfriends supplied. They may be a bit digital, but they're some hotties.


That's your "hand", not some hottie.

That's your "hand", not some hottie.
Beats your situation.

Also, you can print them out and glue to a fleshlight. They even got videos and names. Perhaps even different for NV and ATI.

Beats your situation.

Also, you can print them out and glue to a fleshlight. They even got videos and names. Perhaps even different for NV and ATI.

I think the best option for him is over nighting some piece of crap from tiger direct if he cannot fix the driver issues.

Mac Minis apple.com



2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
320GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$799.00

Oh man mine is obsolete now. And they lowered the price too... I have the one with intel graphics :(

Mac Minis apple.com



2.0GHz Intel Core 2 Duo
2GB memory
320GB hard drive1
8x double-layer SuperDrive
NVIDIA GeForce 9400M graphics
Ships: Within 24hrs
Free Shipping
$799.00

I got everything there minus the graphics card, and a 2.7 GHz processor for only 230$.
http://www.bargainofday.com/deal/hotdeal_4368.htmLink in case you doubt that I got such a great computer
That, and Vista rocks once you get used to it.

..



It's not a graphics card, it's a soldered-in chip on the motherboard. Non-removable, non-replaceable, non-repairable.
.

ahh crap its on board... yeah take it in to the shop they will likely replace the entire computer.

ahh crap its on board... yeah take it in to the shop they will likely replace the entire computer.
Most likely no unless it's a particularly high-end shop with a particular care for its reputation.

80% chance it's a software problem, and 95% with the buggy 64-bit Vista. Software compatibility issues aren't covered by warranty.

Most likely no unless it's a particularly high-end shop with a particular care for its reputation.

80% chance it's a software problem, and 95% with the buggy 64-bit Vista. Software compatibility issues aren't covered by warranty.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4471396&CatId=319

Overnight that, works with pretty much any computer.

IRQ conflict?

Most likely no unless it's a particularly high-end shop with a particular care for its reputation.

80% chance it's a software problem, and 95% with the buggy 64-bit Vista. Software compatibility issues aren't covered by warranty.

yeah i was assuming he tried to reinstall windows.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4471396&CatId=319

Overnight that, works with pretty much any computer.
probably a good idea, get a proper graphics card and that might well work in the duff onboard one's place. or cannibalise one out of an older machine

I got everything there minus the graphics card, and a 2.7 GHz processor for only 230$.

That, and Vista rocks once you get used to it.
QFT

I got everything there minus the graphics card, and a 2.7 GHz processor for only 230$.
http://www.bargainofday.com/deal/hotdeal_4368.htmLink in case you doubt that I got such a great computer
That, and Vista rocks once you get used to it.

So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.

Most x86 programs don't work with an x64 operating system. You should have gotten a regular x86 OS.

So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.

maybe y'all should have installed linux on the Dell. viruses not a problem there either, and cheaper than a mac. plus i'm sure you can get distros designed for kids

Ubuntu is good and relatively easy to install

So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.

meh if you know anything about computers you can get past practically any virus especially with the Aid of something like Hijack This.

Ubuntu is good and relatively easy to install

...except it doesn't have as many programs designed for it.

http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4471396&CatId=319
Overnight that, works with pretty much any computer.
This piece of junk is barely worth $3.99, much less $39.99. Not only is it the lowest-end model of the least successful generation, it also has been considered deficient 5 years ago already. It's like buying a 300 MHz Pentium II processor today. It's got less performance than even the 6150 chip. You're not going to be able to play a 3d game with it, unless you're into Duke Nukem 3D.

The only reason they make these things is for servers with no integrated video and no AGP or PCI-E slot, which need something, anything, to plug the monitor into. Although cheaper alternatives are worth a few bucks on the flea market.

If buying a video card for a remotely modern computer (less than 10 years old), one should buy a proper card, like Radeon 3650. It's about 50 times faster for about the same money.


So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.
That's like scrapping the car and buying a new one because it ran out of gas and the ashtray is full. Viruses that go any deeper than OS files are extremely rare today, and even then only take half an hour to fix.

Either you are rich enough to replace the car instead of refilling it, or you don't know how to insert a CD into the drive and reinstall Windows, or you've been very inconsiderate not to help her.

A strong argument for cars with bigger fuel tanks and ashtrays, however.

snip

I do not think he is very interested in playing any kind of games, I know its a piece of crap, but its a cheapass fix, esp if he does not know what he is doing. He could get a a nice 9800GTX, which is what I have, and it was dirt fucking cheap.

So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.

Macs= Overpriced, over rated, out dated shit. Its simple as that.

I guess PC's are only for people with enough sense ( nothing personal against you ) to know the basics of a computer. A Mac can walk you through everything while holding your hand.

I've been running XP/Vista/Ubuntu on several different machines, all built for less than half the price of a Mac. And I have NEVER had a virus, or any spyware problem.

I do not think he is very interested in playing any kind of games, It runs just fine until I try to play a game;


I know its a piece of crap, but its a cheapass fix, esp if he does not know what he is doing. He could get a a nice 9800GTX, which is what I have, and it was dirt fucking cheap.
It's not cheap at all, you can get a used PCI-E or AGP (only old PCs) card for a few bucks. And you don't exactly need new. Either way, there's no reason to get a PCI card apart from not having a PCI-E or AGP slot. PCI cards cost 2x-3x times more, just because there's no choice. But all home PCs have a proper slot.

Also, 9800GTX is only cheap because it's a 8800GT, i.e. sort of old.

...except it doesn't have as many programs designed for it.

I would disagree. I tend to miss my Linux programs when stuck on my parents' Windows system. Yes, very few programs are Ubuntu specific but Linux has lots of software, even though it's other software than you might use now. While I am the person who said that you can leave behind parents, friends and homeland but not the favorite text editor, it might be worth a try if you are not that fanatic about a program.

Buy a Mac.

Hahahahaha.

You beat me to the joke post.

So you bought a calculator for $230? My gf bought a $500 Dell for her kid and as kids are kids it got a virus(after 4 months) so bad that she couldnt fix it and Best Buy would charge $250 just to look at it so she went and had to buy a whole new computer. That doesnt happen with Macs.

You're right, there are very few viruses for Macs. Know why? Because ten people ever own Macs... whats a hacker gonna have more fun making a virus for: Windows where it could affect 95% of the digital population, or Macs, where it could affect up to said ten people?

I'm using hyperbole, so don't bother to point out that my figures aren't accurate, or asking me for citation.

Does that graphics card actually meet the minimum requirements of the game you're trying to run? If it does, have you installed the latest nVidia graphics drivers? And are you sure that you have the correct version of DirectX (I think Vista needs it to run anyway, unless you're on the Basic theme)?

It could also be that the game you're trying to run just... doesn't like 64-bit Vista. Heck, a lot of games designed to run on XP have enough problems with 32-bit Vista.

It's not cheap at all, you can get a used PCI-E or AGP (only old PCs) card for a few bucks. And you don't exactly need new. Either way, there's no reason to get a PCI card apart from not having a PCI-E or AGP slot. PCI cards cost 2x-3x times more, just because there's no choice. But all home PCs have a proper slot.

Also, 9800GTX is only cheap because it's a 8800GT, i.e. sort of old.

I never even consider buying used parts, unless its a car.

I wish I had this, http://www.tigerdirect.com/applications/SearchTools/item-details.asp?EdpNo=4471391&CatId=28

That comes after I get my tax return, kuz it costs as much as a car payment O_O

Buy a Mac.

He did say he wanted to play a game on it. He probably means a game he wants to play before it's obsolete.

I never even consider buying used parts, unless its a car.
And this is extraordinarily irrational on your part (normally, IRL, I'd use the world "stupid", but I'm being courteous as I don't know you). Because cars are very nearly the only consumer item that substantially degrades with prolonged use. A car that has been driven for 10,000 hours will have mechanical troubles, heavily reduced power, worn out parts - while a piece of electronics that has been working for 10,000 hours is as good as new.

There are no rational reasons for such a personal policy, although I can understand it psychologically.

On a sidenote, some years ago I got a projector with an original price of at least $60,000, if not a full 100, with perfect chassis and rebuilt tubes, for less than a dozen. Electromagnetic focus, digital convergence, liquid cooled and coupled tubes, over twice more resolution than a Blu-ray disc has. Good thing I don't have this Japanese phobia against used things.

Spend the money on your girlfriend...

Are you volunteering for the position since its vacant?
I specifically got the money for a small business grant from the federal stimulus plan I used it to buy a new office set up and pay some of my college loan balance, expressly what I was getting the money for, any girlfriend I might get has to deal with my regular income.

Does that graphics card actually meet the minimum requirements of the game you're trying to run? If it does, have you installed the latest nVidia graphics drivers? And are you sure that you have the correct version of DirectX (I think Vista needs it to run anyway, unless you're on the Basic theme)?

It could also be that the game you're trying to run just... doesn't like 64-bit Vista. Heck, a lot of games designed to run on XP have enough problems with 32-bit Vista.

Yes I installed the drivers did you not read the OP? The problem was (is?) not just games it also vector based graphic rendering programs like Adobe Illustrator. It seems to be working fine now after I uninstalled and reinstalled the drivers for both the motherboard and graphics card.

You're right, there are very few viruses for Macs. Know why? Because ten people ever own Macs... whats a hacker gonna have more fun making a virus for: Windows where it could affect 95% of the digital population, or Macs, where it could affect up to said ten people?


I think this was maybe true 7 or 8 years ago but no more. Mac is 8% of the market. Thats tens of millions of computers that other then their OS have absolutely no other virus protection. Are you going to tell me that creating a virus that could hit tens of millions of completely unprotected virgin machines wouldn't be worth SOMETHING? I mean even for the street cred alone it would have been done already if it was so easy. But now there are tens of millions of computers just ripe for the picking. Im still happily waiting......

You're right, there are very few viruses for Macs. Know why? Because ten people ever own Macs... whats a hacker gonna have more fun making a virus for: Windows where it could affect 95% of the digital population, or Macs, where it could affect up to said ten people?

I'm using hyperbole, so don't bother to point out that my figures aren't accurate, or asking me for citation.

If I were a hacker, I'd choose a Mac. Then, people would know that Macs aren't virus-proof.