Graphics problem caused by motherboard?

[Takshaka]

I have a problem with graphics/video shutting down out of the blue.

The screen goes blank and then I get the "No Signal" message, but it's not a crash. I swapped the graphics card with one from another computer but I had the same problem, it worked for a while and then went off. I've checked all the cables and connections.

Is this likely to be a motherboard problem?

Thanks

[jlreich]

Try uninstalling the video driver, rebooting and installing the latest.

[odannyboy000]

Sounds like it could be your monitor if jlreich's advice doesn't work.

[Takshaka]

It's definitely not the monitor as it works with another computer.

It's been stable now for a while, maybe the card just needed reseating.

[odannyboy000]

Ya, try that. If that doesn't work, try your video card on another computer if you can. How often do you get a "no signal" error?

[saphalline]

This could be any number of things depending on the hardware (is this a Core 2 Duo or 486??) but in modern systems, this is most often a case of incompatible power management settings between the BIOS (ACPI) and OS (power saving features).

[Takshaka]

It's been stable now for the last 24 ours or so, the error has occuredseveral times but is completely random. The system is -

Power Supply: Jeantech JNP 350P - replaced less than a year ago after the previous psu blew
Processor: AMD Athlon XP 2600+
Mobo: Gigabyte GA-7Vt600
Video Card: ATI Radeon 9200 SE
OS: Windows XP

It's about 3 years old and this error has only occured in the last few days, there have been no hardware changes for some time.

[saphalline]

Have you dusted it out recently? The other thing I would try is a bootable test, such as MemTest86+. That will get Windows out of the picture and focus on the pure hardware. It could just be that Windows is getting cranky.

[Takshaka]

It remained stable from my last post until yesterday. Now it's back but with a difference. Previously the display went dead but I could tell from drive activity, internet connection and music still playing that the computer was still operating. Now when it happens everything stops as if the powers been cut.

It could do with dusting out (I assume you mean that literally!?).

I ran MemTest86+, I left it running for about 8 hours and it found no errors.

Does that mean it's probably a Windows problem?

Thanks

[saphalline]

If MemTest passed, then the hardware seems fine. This does indicate a Windows problem, but the only way to be certain is to try a different OS. I'd suggest running a live Linux distro from a CD and see how that goes. Also, have you thought of an infection or hijacking? And how long has it been since you reinstalled Windows?

[Takshaka]

It's not really practical for me to run a different OS as the computer is in constant use and the problem occurs so infrequently.

I don't think I've ever had reason to reinstall windows on this machine (it's about 3 years old). I'd rather not have to do so right now as it will be a major headache.

I haven't thought of infection or hijacking but my antivirus software (NOD 32) and firewall (Zone Alarm) are up-to-date.

[saphalline]

It's not really practical for me to run a different OS as the computer is in constant use and the problem occurs so infrequently.In that case, I'd suggest you start saving up for a second computer right now. It's not wise to rely so heavily on just one system. I've done that and was burned badly. It only has to happen once! ;)

Just know that it may only happen every once in a long while right now, but eventually that system will detiorate. Best to make plans to replace it now while you have time and leeway rather than wait until the last minute when it becomes critical.