8800 GT Problem

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unionplumber

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Hi, i am having a problem with my video card possibly (i think anyways) -

I was playing a game and it suddenly flipped and froze so i had to manually restart, now when i start up my computer it has random dots all over the startup screen and tons of numbers bleeding over everywhere, i am not sure what could cause this.

I tried installing other versions of the nvidia driver yet none work, it will blue screen if i even have any installed and automatically go to 800x600 when it should be 1440x900, i am able to get on in safe mode and uninstall/ try new drivers for the card but how can i possibly be sure that this is in fact a video card problem before i go and buy another?

- Windows XP 32
Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 @3.00GHz
Nvidia 8800GT
4GB RAM

If there is anything else you need to know please let me know, also if it is something to do with my card and i do need to replace it i would need to know which card would fit it, (here is my MOBO, i think http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/Products_Overview.aspx?ProductID=2847)


there are 2 cards i looked at so far 9800gtx - http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814133246


and the 9800gt - http://www.frys.com/product/6030128?site=sr:SEARCH:MAIN_RSLT_PG

how much better would these be compared to the 8800gt? enough to justify the cost over an 8800?

Again thank you so much for all the helm and if you need anymore info about specs please let me know

 
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Sythix

Sythix

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Not too sure about the bleeding text, but the dots seem like stuck pixels? Do they remain there throughout the boot and onto the desktop? Card wise, go for the 4850 or 4870, they're only $20-30 more but will be a lot better than the gtx.
 
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unionplumber

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Nah, the dots are just on my startup screen which is green and tells me about my motherboard, which then goes to a black screen where there are usually nicely even lined up numbers at the top, now they are scrambled all over the place, as is with some text too, once i get to the login screen they are gone though, i am stuck at 800x 600 and it just seems my vid card is just not working at all, even though it it detected and drivers are installed, I am unable to test the card in another machine also :(
 
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Most likely its the GFX card then and not power supply. I have to agree with Sythix about going for the ATI card and not the 9800GTX+. As you see in my sig I have one and its getting just a bit dated now. The ATI cards are just better at the moment at least at the price range you are considering. If you are set on Nvidia go for at least a 260 core 216 ( around $150 after rebate http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130434 ) Im not sure exactly what card ATI has that is par with this but I think they have equal or better performance for less money.
 
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unionplumber

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Hi, yes i would like to stick with Nvidia, i actually overshot my price range though, i can really only spend around 100, what would be the best in that range? I took a look at this- http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150323, do you know how much better, (or worse) that would be compared to an evga 8800 gt? Or if it would even fit in my mobo (link is in OP) as you can tell im not too smart when it comes to computers, but really need to get this one replaced as i will be ordering it online.

was only able to find one 8800 on newegg and the 9800 that i linked is 5 dollars cheaper, just dunno if it will fit in my mobo and if my psu can even run it.

anyways thanks so much for all the fast responses
 
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Sythix

Sythix

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sorry for going off topic. Anyways, it's most likely the GPU that's causing it, I can't really think of anything else. As previously stated if you have another rig or a friend close by test and see if it's truly the card.
 
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unionplumber

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really dont have enough for the 250 but the http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814150323 is what i am really thinking about getting now, i should probably mention what games i play to see if the card would even run it, the ones i mostly play are Aion, WoW, and COD4, still unsure about the psu also, i will have to take it out to figure out how much watts it is im thinking, does the one i linked take more watts than the 8800 also?
 
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Sythix

Sythix

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I played all those games with a 3850, and that thing is olllllld. You'll be fine with that card. But if you want my advice, save an extra $20 some how and get the 250 or 260. you'll thank me later.
 
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The GTS 250 is basically a rebadged 9800GTX+ just slightly faster. In this ~$100 price range you really will get better performance from an ATI card. What resolution do you play at and what PSU do you have?
All you really need for a PSU is a good quality 450w for these cards.

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814130518 EVGA card for $1 cheaper........they have a 90 day step up program and will credit full purchase price to a newer card if you want to upgrade in the next 3 months. Their warranty also covers overclocking. ( Yeah im a fan :D )
 
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unionplumber

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im not actually sure what psu i have, its Antec something but the sticker on it is ripped :( i play at 1440x900 though, oh also i looked and the card i linked reqs 400 watt psu, just gotta figure out how many i have, ugh
 
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Deleted member 217926

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You should be fine with an Antec. Its quality.
 
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Most people really overestimate what they need for a PSU.
 
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Sythix

Sythix

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I like to think of it as being prepared rather than overestimating. I'd rather spend $90 on a psu than buy a $60 one, then when it no longer has the capability to fuel the gpu(s) and have to buy the $90 one. Plus you don't want to cut corners when dealing with psus.
 
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Oh I agree but hes not overclocking and not running sli/crossfire and likely only has 1 HD so a QUALITY PSU like the Corsair 450 that has 33a 12v rail should be plenty.

I really overdid it with the 750 as I only have a singe PCI-X slot MB. But I do game heavily and will upgrade the old 9800GTX+ soon and I do run 5 hard drives so I wanted to be sure.
 
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Lol. Hmmm im not sure of any software to id a power supply. Id say just try and see......I really dont think the 9800GT uses much more than the 8800 hell it might even be more efficient. Check out that EVGA card I linked to earlier. Im on my 5th EVGA card in a row ( normal upgrades none failed) and they have an awesome warranty and tech support if you need it.

Edit: Nvidia website requires 400w for 9800GT
 
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Its not different specs just a different manufacturer. Different manufacturers have different warrantys/tech support departments ect. and in my opinion EVGA is the best.
That link is broken but its the same PCI-X as the 8800GT you are replacing. Did the old card have a power cord plugging into it? If so it is likely the same.
It will look like this and just plug into the side of the card. http://www.allpinouts.org/index.php/PCI_Express_(PCIe)_6pin_power
 
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