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GTX 260 dying? Replacement?

F

Flogger23m

Fully [H]
Joined
Jun 19, 2009
Messages
16,886
Looking for advice on three things:


1)

Been having some issues with my EVGA super clocked GTX 260 as of late. It is not the 216 model.

Ever since I got it 1 1/2 years ago, at boot up, it would occasionally not work. It would be like my video card is not even installed... EVGA Precision would not detect it, no Aero 3D on the desktop, ect. This happens every few months.

All I have to do is turn off my PC, turn off the power, unplug it, and press down on the video card. Then restart. This would make it work with no issue.

Also, occasionally, my video card fails to down clock as well. Sometimes, it will not downclock on the desktop/at idle for months, and then it fixes itself. Since it seems to randomly fix itself, I stopped paying it any notice.

Aside from that, no issues, until recently.

Two weeks ago, I got the game Metro 2033. Runs horrible, and when I was playing, within 5 or so minutes, I would get a flashing orange screen, and the audio would repeat over and over again. I can not minimize, control alt delete, or reset my PC. Only way to fix it was to turn off the power.

I figured it was just the game, as I read there were many issues with it. So I shelved it.

I played Far Cry 2, Crysis, and many other games since with no issues.

Now, I started playing STALKER Clear Sky. Played it for around 8 hours fine, and now I randomly got the same orange screen/audio issue. Had to turn the power off.

Video card works after the restart, but I think my video card is going out.

In the winter, it ran from around 67-75 degrees C max. This summer, it has been getting up to 86 or so on hot days, so I stopped playing when it was hot.

Today it was getting to around 80 degrees C. I was told 80 degrees C should be fine, but I have a feeling those few days it went up to 86C damaged it. It was 86 at peak; I was running EVGA Precision or CPUID HW monitor which record the highest temps.

So, I am going to run Furmark to see if that brings up any issues.

I tried Furmark last summer, and no errors even though the benchmark put it up to 86 or so degrees C.

I updated my BIOS last summer, and my Direct X and drivers are updated.

Aside from Furmark, what else can I do to determine if the video card is dying?

And if anyone has played either Metro 2033 or STALKER Clear Sky, have you experienced this orange screen issue?

Any other possible issues? Shall I scan my RAM, ect. (also, scanned with memtest last summer, no issues)?


2)

And then the next question is what video card would be a good replacement? I pretty much have no room in my case. Was thinking of upgrading the case, but that will have to wait if I have to buy a new video card.

My GTX 260 barely fits in my case. So, I can't have a video card that is longer.

I want to spend as little money as possible, but I do not want to see a decrease in performance.

I would preferably go with ATI.


I have an Antec Earth Watts 500 PSU, so the replacement card can not be power hungry. And since my case has poor air flow, I don't want the card to run any hotter than the GTX 260.

Guess that does not leave me with a lot of options, but any input would be good.

3)

I am also assuming the GTX 260 216 is physically just as long as the 192?
 
1) This is an odd issue, I mean the random shut-off, not the orange screen.
First I'd simply take the card out of the PC, clean it, and replace it makling sure it seated tightly.
I have not seen an orange screen on Metro and I've played it through twice at least, I had no issues with the game at all.

2) you MAY have heat issues.
Try using MSI Afterburner instead of Precision and set up a "user-defined" fan curve to ramp up your card's fans to 75-80% under load......just read the instructions, it's easy. That may help the "orange screen".

3) The 216 version is identical in size to the 192 Core you have, as well as the GTX 285.
If you want to strp up a little, but not spend alot, think about a used GTX 285. It's pretty easy on heat and power and is the same size.
If you want ATI and want a very good card, the HD 5850 would kick the 260s butt.
 
Fan was running at 86%. I turn it up before every game.

I've taken out the card a few times, and recently have it a cleaning. Will try it again of course, but since it continues to do this, I'm expecting something might be wrong.

Temps should be accurate, CPUID gives me the same readings.

Will probably wait and see how the 460 is, but I doubt it will be at the $200 price.

For $200, this seems to be my best bet:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814125317

Anyone have any experience with Gigabyte? Especially that particular cooling set up?

And anyone know the overall length of it?


Video card replacement, DVD drive replacement, and case replacement. I feel like I might as well save up for a whole new PC. :p
 
Flogger23m said:
Anyone have any experience with Gigabyte? Especially that particular cooling set up?

And anyone know the overall length of it?

Video card replacement, DVD drive replacement, and case replacement. I feel like I might as well save up for a whole new PC. :p
Click to expand...

The reference 5830 is 10.75" long, same as the 5870. Some of the non-reference 5830s are 10.25" long.

http://www.guru3d.com/article/radeon-5830-review/3

The reference 5850 is actually shorter than both the 5870 and the 5830, measuring in at 9.75". Nonreference cards can vary, for example the powercolor 5850 is 10.5" long.

http://www.hardocp.com/article/2010/03/15/powercolor_pcs_hd5870_hd5850_video_card_review/

The GTX 260 reference PCB is 10.5" long. So depending on what model you get, any of those video cards could potentially fit your current case.
The GTX 480 is also 10.5" long. and the GTX 470 is only 9.5" long.

Here is a visual comparison:
cards-length.jpg
 
Good information.

I am guessing the GTX 460 should fit, so I will wait and see what that offers. If anything, maybe a price reduction on ATI's part?
 
Well, now that the 460 is out, what did you end up doing?

Also, have you not considered doing an RMA on your card and spend no money at all? My last couple of cards have been EVGA, and the support has been great. In fact, one time my 7800 went out and I got an 8800 as a replacement, if they dont have an equal card to send you they'll give you the next card up that they have in stock.
 
You said its an EVGA...why not RMA it? You will either get a working card or an upgrade, as their terms of service indicates they must provide you an equal or greater gaming experience.

Just some food for thought.
 
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