Computer Crash - Graphics Card?

Markly Darkly · 26-02-2007, 13:32

Just recently I've been getting occasional crashes - usually the screen just either:

Goes black and monitor says "Entering SLeep Mode"

Lots of weird graphics everywhere, eg screen all grey with moving stripes etc.

Sort of double image/ low resolution effect.

I think that whilst this is all going on the computer is still working. I know this because with the third effect, I can still navigate the mouse/arrow ti close everything down, rather than using the reset button.

Graphics card is a GeForce 3 and I have the very latest driver (have done for some time).

Any ideas - could it be a dodgy graphics card - any other way of testing?

Thanks

Ramrod · 26-02-2007, 13:57

Can you get hold of another graphics card to swop with?

RUSTY · 26-02-2007, 14:06

may be worth checking the standard memory is firmly in place.

Delta Whiskey · 26-02-2007, 15:13

Sounds like the graphics card is failing, it can happen quickly. My X800XL is back with ATI for a similar fault.

DW

27-02-2007, 09:30

Card is very old . Check the state of its cooling if its not been cleaned it could well be getting hot .That is if it has any cooling

Markly Darkly · 28-02-2007, 08:24

Well yes, it is very dusty and fan is full of dust, so that could be it. I've been lent a GeForce4 MX420 to try for a week to see if it stops crashing. I've been told I can keep it if it works. Is that a better card than the GeForce 3?

28-02-2007, 08:39

depends on what Geforce 3 card you have.Its newer gen but bottom end would surfice anything you can do with a geforce 3 you can do with a 4. I still have a Geforce 4 TI 4800 here in full working order