GF4 - AMD Gaming

[dilsburger]

Is anybody having issues with the new GF4 cards on the AMD platform in general? I just got an XFX Ti4200 and the 3D games (Serious Sam Second, Max Payne and High Heat 2003 for example) lock up my PC solid immediately. I've read threads in viaarena where there are issues with these cards/drivers in XP, 98SE, on AMD systems. Just curious. I have a replacement card coming - if that doesn't do the trick I'm going to GF3.

Just trying to gather as much info as I can in the meantime.

4in1 drivers are 4.35
DET - 29.42
AGP - 4.05

K7VTA3 2.1
1400 T-bird
256 DDR RAM
500 watt PSU
front & rear case fans (2500 rpm) / dual fans on PSU.
Case temp 31C, CPU temp 41C on reboot after lockups.

Thanks!

[John0904]

I did some more checking and found this web site at ECS:
http://www.ecs.com.tw/download/index_driver_k7v.htm

Seems they suggest using VIA 4.38 as of 03/20/2002.
You might as well check out the Codec Sound Driver V A2.56 too if you are using the onboard sound card.

As someone else mentioned it could be heat related, have you tried opening the case and have an external fan blowing inside?
Maybe even moving any PCI cards away from the video card so that the video fan can dispelled the heat easier?

As far as any difference between the GF3 (what I have) and the GF4 (what the wife has), I really don't see any difference.

But who's to say that won't change a year later (or less) when games are a lot more grahpic intense. ;)

[dilsburger]

Hi John. I believe we chatted about this originally in the Multimedia forum. I did have the 4.40 and 4.38 drivers on and went to 4.35 on another suggestion. Since we talked on the other thread I have all but ruled out a drivers issue since I seem to have run the gamut there and the video is perfectly stable except when running these games. As I change drivers nothing gets better or de-stabilizes. I am still awaiting the replacement card and just trying everything I can that makes sence until it comes.

I haven't tried running with the case open but I do know there are 2 slots open beside the AGP. I'll take a shot with an open case tonight.

Thanks again.

[alex666]

I've got a PNY GeForce Ti4400 on an athlon xp 1700, soltek sl-75drv5 via apollo kt333 mobo. No overclocking. New system I built myself. This is the second card, actually. The first one did really weird things after only the first few hours, even when I was working at the bios level. I thought it was the card so I returned it promptly and put in a new identical card. However, this time, I went to the PNY site to double check on any trouble shooting problems associated with the card. I located their "recommended bios settings" and, oh boy, I had several bios settings, e.g., Video RAM cacheable, that were contrary to their recommendations. So I followed their recommendations and this card basically has run just fine ever since. I sure wish they had included these recommendations in the manual.
Also, I think there may be a relationship between overall performance and my RAM settings. I'm using 256 ddr Samsung pc2700. I'm now running it in normal (vs. fastest) mode. Maybe it's just coincidence, but ever since I put in the Ti4400 (I originally started with a geforce2 - - this machine is my response to my middle aged crisis, well, one of my responses), I've had to scale back the RAM settings, as I've had numerous crashes while playing graphics-intensive games. So maybe, and I emphasize maybe, there is an interaction between RAM settings and the Ti4400. Not enough data yet to reach a firm conclusion, but having the RAM at conservative settings seems to have helped, and with no real difference in gaming performance.
Finally, I've also read about a conflict between Athlon and Windows XP referred to as the "DrawIndexedPrimitive" function that occurs while playing games. I think it involves DirectX 8.1. Microsoft already has a fix for this, very recently, and the fix also will be included in the WinXP SP1. I am still getting a few random crashes while using FS 2002, tho tonight it ran perfectly. On win98 (I've got a dual-boot system), I can't say I've had any real problems, but my most graphic-intensive games I run on xp. I don't know if this will help. Good luck. Oh, and I think most if not all my drivers are up to date.
Marty

[dilsburger]

Thank you Marty that was timely. I have a PNY Ti4200 coming to replace the XFX Ti4200. My retailer goofed on the order as I originally wanted the PNY but accepted the XFX anyway. Given my situation in which no driver combo's that have been recommended have corrected the problems, my retailer/repair shop is willing to check everything out for me as well as install a new copy of XP Pro.

I will note your comments and refer to the PNY site as you mentioned. Much appreciated. BTW - the "DrawIndexedPrimitive" problem is addresed in DirectX 8.1b.

[alex666]

Dear dilsberger, is there a Dx8.1b for WinXP? At the microsoft site, there is an 8.1b for Win 2000, ME & 98, but not XP. Good luck with the PNY 4200. This is the most extravagant component I ever have purchased, and relatively expensive, but what the hell, my son can eat beans for a while, toughen up, and not take any crap when he enters Kindergarten. But seriously, I'll be curious how your system works. One thing I noticed was that it did not significantly increase the heat in my system. I have two sensors plus the one in the chip, and there was no increase in temperature. Anyway, good luck.

marty

[dilsburger]

Hi Marty. No there is not a DirectX 8.1b for XP as you mentioned. I was speaking in general - sorry for the confusion. Anyway I had some time this weekend and decided to reformat again. I installed 98SE vanilla then upgraded to XP, installed the most recent VIA and detonator drivers and now my games will run.

I did experience a crash while playing Serious Sam but I was able to retsart and begin playing again. My temps were all fine and if the card overheated I doubt I would have been able to restart the game so quickly.

I'll keep at it and see how the PNY card behaves. I was contacted by XFX and his commments indicated that given the symptoms I described - the card could be faulty. Time will shake it all out. Thanks again!

Brian

[alex666]

Nice going. Sounds like you have things in hand. By the by, I have a 4400, not a 4200 as I stated. I suspect that both cards require adjustments to the bios. Have fun with your new card.

Marty