Continuing PC Saga - Question on Video Card

endgame · 07-12-2007, 05:27 PM

After the two week ordeal of cleaning house, i.e. adware, spyware, virus, etc... just last night Panda finally ran a clean sweep: nothing, nada, perfect. The quest was finally complete and PC back to normal.

First web page after a Google Search, screen goes black, no video input. Test the card, by switching my monitor to the PC's built in rather than the upgraded FX5500 card. It works. My goodness, even FaceGen works!

Now, the question. Forget the bad timing, bad luck, next monster to draw blood, etc... that's just my life. Is it common for a video card to suddenly just quit!? I think it's about 2 years old, give or take, and I ended up just yanking it out of the PC altogether, but something tells me I should do something to make sure the card is bad, or to make sure I can't make it function somehow. Beyond blowing (forced air) both the card and socket, I'm not sure what else I can do to ensure I do need another card or can live with the built-in. Ideas?

Starshadow · 07-12-2007, 07:42 PM

I had the same card in my computer for almost two years and mine died a few months ago. I had symptoms that it wasn't doing too well for a few months before that: games I normally could run would freeze a few minutes in, for instance. I thought it was just my video card was overheating, as I could still run things like OOTP 2006 and FM 2006 just fine.

Then one day my computer loaded up but nothing showed up on my screen. When I took it in to get examined, it was found that my video card had indeed died.

So, in answer to your question, I'm guessing there are some symptoms that you might have noticed before it died. You might want to check that the card is still securely in its slot, as I've had that problem before as well.

storm427 · 07-13-2007, 09:06 AM

Take it out, put it back in, reboot.

If nothing, update drivers, reboot.

If nothing, its entirely possible the card quit. Its also possible that your power supply is the problem; if ITS going, one of the first things to suffer will be the video card. Make sure you have at least a 450W supply in the box; anything less, and at some point the power demands of even a 5500 will cause wear and tear.

If the card has an integral fan, it is also possible that only that has crapped out, which SHOULD disable the video card for its own protection.

I don't know the state of your finances, but you can get a MUCH better card than a 5500 for under $100. I was very happy with my geforce 6600 GT which is now available for well under 100 for either PCI-E or AGP, and tom's hardware guide advises getting the 7300 GT for as low as $60 in the PCI-E flavor. Check out mysimon or pricewatch.

endgame · 07-13-2007, 09:54 AM

Thanks for the advice. Will be looking into my options. Interestingly, I noted that my PC's board video worked just as well. Apparently that was only once. Now, OOTP won't even open as it 'can't create surface for new area' due to lack of video memory.

Comedian2004 · 07-13-2007, 09:58 AM

Also, and old timers trick.

Take the video card and get a pencil eraser and 'erase' the gold contacts on the video card. Cybercrap (not the tech name), will build up on the contacts sometimes and an eraser will safely clean off the CyberCrap.

endgame · 07-14-2007, 12:22 AM

Actually, the card performed well for me for as long as I've had it. I located the original box - not the receipt, but it does still have the Proof of Purchase seal intact - and the literature indicates BFG offers a Lifetime Warranty on the product. I'd be happy if it could simply be replaced or whatever part of it is not working repaired. I'm okay with S&H if that's what it amounts to. I've no experience with handling warranty issues like this one, but I'll remain optimistic that they'll do what they infer they'll do: make it right.

Thanks again for the tips, guys. Here's hoping to be back in OOTP business over the next week or so.

endgame · 07-14-2007, 02:59 PM

Well. In the interest of loose ends (like everyone was in real suspense

), I finally contacted BFG by phone after a few tries and loooong waits and they simply gave me an RMA#, said I'd get an email in a couple of hours with shipping instructions, they'd confirm it was FUBAR'd, and get it back to me fixed or replaced. I really hope it all ends up being that easy. If it does, I owe them at least the good word of mouth for their prompt assistance. If not...

Thanks again for tips.

Bonedwarf · 07-14-2007, 03:12 PM

Oh goodie, that's the maker whose card I have...

endgame · 07-14-2007, 04:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bonedwarf

Oh goodie, that's the maker whose card I have...

Well, I got lucky I guess. Some cards have 1-2 year warranties, others with limited, and some lifetime, all dependent on the type of card and where it was purchased from it looks like. I've never paid much attention to that aspect of hardware before, but as I said, if this pans out and really does take of the problem, I'll be watchful for it in the future.

endgame · 07-19-2007, 11:57 AM

Well! Kudos to BFG and honoring their warranties. I haven't plugged it in yet to test the new card, but for the record, I shipped in the card overnight on Mon so they would have it Tuesday. Apparently, the replacement card came in Wednesday afternoon at my workplace. Looks like they received it, replaced it, and shipped out immediately. A real demonstration of service level that is unique in a market where that seems to be diminishing daily.

rudel.dietrich · 07-19-2007, 05:37 PM

I have been using BFG for 3 years now and they are awesome
Good stuff that is already overclocked and excellent warrenty

07-12-2007, 05:27 PM	#1
endgame Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,842	Continuing PC Saga - Question on Video Card After the two week ordeal of cleaning house, i.e. adware, spyware, virus, etc... just last night Panda finally ran a clean sweep: nothing, nada, perfect. The quest was finally complete and PC back to normal. First web page after a Google Search, screen goes black, no video input. Test the card, by switching my monitor to the PC's built in rather than the upgraded FX5500 card. It works. My goodness, even FaceGen works! Now, the question. Forget the bad timing, bad luck, next monster to draw blood, etc... that's just my life. Is it common for a video card to suddenly just quit!? I think it's about 2 years old, give or take, and I ended up just yanking it out of the PC altogether, but something tells me I should do something to make sure the card is bad, or to make sure I can't make it function somehow. Beyond blowing (forced air) both the card and socket, I'm not sure what else I can do to ensure I do need another card or can live with the built-in. Ideas? __________________ "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett _____________________________________________

07-13-2007, 09:54 AM	#4
endgame Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,842	Thanks for the advice. Will be looking into my options. Interestingly, I noted that my PC's board video worked just as well. Apparently that was only once. Now, OOTP won't even open as it 'can't create surface for new area' due to lack of video memory. __________________ "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett _____________________________________________

07-13-2007, 09:58 AM	#5
Comedian2004 Hall Of Famer Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: In a house in Saint Cloud, Florida. Posts: 7,085	Also, and old timers trick. Take the video card and get a pencil eraser and 'erase' the gold contacts on the video card. Cybercrap (not the tech name), will build up on the contacts sometimes and an eraser will safely clean off the CyberCrap. __________________ Like BLUES? Visit www.smokestacklightnin.com, you will LOVE it! New show every Monday!! New Blues HOF![/COLOR][/FONT]

07-14-2007, 12:22 AM	#6
endgame Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,842	Actually, the card performed well for me for as long as I've had it. I located the original box - not the receipt, but it does still have the Proof of Purchase seal intact - and the literature indicates BFG offers a Lifetime Warranty on the product. I'd be happy if it could simply be replaced or whatever part of it is not working repaired. I'm okay with S&H if that's what it amounts to. I've no experience with handling warranty issues like this one, but I'll remain optimistic that they'll do what they infer they'll do: make it right. Thanks again for the tips, guys. Here's hoping to be back in OOTP business over the next week or so. __________________ "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett _____________________________________________

07-14-2007, 02:59 PM	#7
endgame Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,842	Well. In the interest of loose ends (like everyone was in real suspense ), I finally contacted BFG by phone after a few tries and loooong waits and they simply gave me an RMA#, said I'd get an email in a couple of hours with shipping instructions, they'd confirm it was FUBAR'd, and get it back to me fixed or replaced. I really hope it all ends up being that easy. If it does, I owe them at least the good word of mouth for their prompt assistance. If not... Thanks again for tips. __________________ "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett _____________________________________________

07-12-2007, 07:42 PM	#2
Starshadow Major Leagues Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: Pittsburgh, PA Posts: 316	I had the same card in my computer for almost two years and mine died a few months ago. I had symptoms that it wasn't doing too well for a few months before that: games I normally could run would freeze a few minutes in, for instance. I thought it was just my video card was overheating, as I could still run things like OOTP 2006 and FM 2006 just fine. Then one day my computer loaded up but nothing showed up on my screen. When I took it in to get examined, it was found that my video card had indeed died. So, in answer to your question, I'm guessing there are some symptoms that you might have noticed before it died. You might want to check that the card is still securely in its slot, as I've had that problem before as well.

07-13-2007, 09:06 AM	#3
storm427 Minors (Single A) Join Date: Feb 2007 Posts: 85 Infractions: 0/1 (2)	Take it out, put it back in, reboot. If nothing, update drivers, reboot. If nothing, its entirely possible the card quit. Its also possible that your power supply is the problem; if ITS going, one of the first things to suffer will be the video card. Make sure you have at least a 450W supply in the box; anything less, and at some point the power demands of even a 5500 will cause wear and tear. If the card has an integral fan, it is also possible that only that has crapped out, which SHOULD disable the video card for its own protection. I don't know the state of your finances, but you can get a MUCH better card than a 5500 for under $100. I was very happy with my geforce 6600 GT which is now available for well under 100 for either PCI-E or AGP, and tom's hardware guide advises getting the 7300 GT for as low as $60 in the PCI-E flavor. Check out mysimon or pricewatch.

07-14-2007, 03:12 PM	#8
Bonedwarf All Star Starter Join Date: Jan 2004 Posts: 1,339	Oh goodie, that's the maker whose card I have...

07-19-2007, 11:57 AM	#10
endgame Hall Of Famer Join Date: Aug 2002 Posts: 16,842	Well! Kudos to BFG and honoring their warranties. I haven't plugged it in yet to test the new card, but for the record, I shipped in the card overnight on Mon so they would have it Tuesday. Apparently, the replacement card came in Wednesday afternoon at my workplace. Looks like they received it, replaced it, and shipped out immediately. A real demonstration of service level that is unique in a market where that seems to be diminishing daily. __________________ "Try again. Fail again. Fail better." -- Samuel Beckett _____________________________________________

07-19-2007, 05:37 PM	#11
rudel.dietrich Hall Of Famer Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Zürich, Switzerland Posts: 8,608	I have been using BFG for 3 years now and they are awesome Good stuff that is already overclocked and excellent warrenty