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HELP! Problems with sapphire x1800xt

S

SanityAssassin

Limp Gawd
Joined
Mar 22, 2005
Messages
139
So heres the epic set of events that has made me want to strangle various large animals.

It all started out when I got my new Sapphire x1800xt from newegg. It was an open box for a pretty decent price. I figured it wouldn't come with the cable so i looked around and found a guide to build my own via a PSU mobo connection and a female molex connector. The build came out perfect and the cable is 100% tip top shape. I took out my old XFX 6600gt and popped in the 1800. Load up the drivers for it and immediately I'm amazed when i launch a game, the picture is so much clearer and so many more frames per second, I almost don't notice the lack of sound coming from my speakers. Apparently my first mistake (installing the drivers with the catalyst control centre) wound up costing me the use of my onboard audio (realtek on a A8n SLI Deluxe). After uninstalling, reinstalling, and attempting various other drivers for both sections of hardware, I gave up and snagged an audigy 2 from a friend temporarily. So I launch the game again (DOD:S) and now I'm happy again, I have sound, I have huge framrates, all is well in the world. Until my screens fill with various coloured and patterned pixels! I hear the gpu restart and the image comes back, I'm kinda wary but all is well again. I shrug it off and keep playing until it happens again 1 minute later! This time the GPU doesn't restart, I manually reset the box.

This is where I'm at right now. Either partitioning my hdd and putting files i need to save on that while i reformat and reinstall windows. Or I find out whats wrong and fix it. Thus why i have come to the masters of tech @ [H]. SAVE ANOTHERS LIFE, HELP ME OUT!
 
On a sidenote, possible problems I figured it was were

Not uninstalling the 6600gt drivers first
Installing the new drivers with the catalyst
Installing the new drivers with the WDM unified drivers
Uninstalling/reinstalling everything four fold

Also, I downloaded the Omega drivers pack to see if it would perhaps work, and it hasn't. And the problems only happen when I launch a game (tested with DOD:S, Guildwars, Dystopia, and the 3d testing program in the omega drivers.)
 
What Power Supply do you have?

Also, if you didn't uninstall the old Nvidia drivers, that could certainly cause problems. A lot of times people have problem even if they do remove the old drivers from the other company (e.g., moving from Nvidia to ATI, or ATI to Nvidia), and often have to completely reinstall Windows.

As for your sound, did you perhaps remove your Nvidia motherboard drivers (instead of video card drivers)? The onboard sound of the nForce-series boards relies on the Nvidia motherboard drivers.
 
its a 400w Thermaltake, so most likely less than 400w. Also I'm positive I didn't kill the audio drivers, the nvidia uninstaller allows you to select what to remove and all i took was the display driver.

Could it be the PSU? Cause in terms of power drain I have 2 optical drives 2 hdds (sata and ide) 2 120mm fans, and 2 little leds.
 
It could be possible that it's a bad PSU so it may be worth it to see if you can get a spare unit from somewhere and do some experimenting.

Though you should try to see if heat is another possibility too. Try taking off your side panel and aiming a fan into the case to see if that helps. Another thing to do is to look towards reseating the heatsink and putting on a fresh layer of Arctic Silver 5 on it.

If worse comes to worse that none of that seems to help, you *could* try to format and reinstall Windows, but I suspect it may be a defective card. I also have experience with a failing X1800XT and ended up RMAing my card back to Newegg. Since I've gotten mine back it hasn't had any problem. Unfortunately, these cards seem to fail more often then not for whatever reason, but thankfully Newegg makes the process pretty painless.

Best of luck to you!
 
I'm positive heat is not a factor, my pc is based in a cold dry basement so i never really worry about heat too much. However a defective card or a bad psu would be pretty horrid at this point. Any way i can test them to see what is what? Should i just reformat to check if it was the drivers to begin with?
 
SanityAssassin said:
its a 400w Thermaltake, so most likely less than 400w. Also I'm positive I didn't kill the audio drivers, the nvidia uninstaller allows you to select what to remove and all i took was the display driver.

Could it be the PSU? Cause in terms of power drain I have 2 optical drives 2 hdds (sata and ide) 2 120mm fans, and 2 little leds.
Click to expand...

There's your problem. ATI recommends at least a 450W power supply for the x1800xt, especially with a fully loaded system like yours. That's almost definitely what's causing your system to halt and restart.
 
Ah, well i guess nabbing that extra hdd for raid 0 wont be happening this time ^_^. Thanks for the help, I'm off to go check out some modular PSUs ~_~.

Bittersweet was that last one man..
 
Joga said:
There's your problem. ATI recommends at least a 450W power supply for the x1800xt, especially with a fully loaded system like yours. That's almost definitely what's causing your system to halt and restart.
Click to expand...

While I agree that the PSU is a prime suspect, I also believe that the Saphire X1800xt is a particularly unreliable card. It may very well be defective. I get restarts with my Saphire x1800xt under load, and I am using a PC Power and Cooling Silencer 750 watt PSU!

You are pushing that PSU, but you are liable to replace the PSU and still have problems. If you have any kind of warranty on that card, USE IT.
 
Only way to test to see if it's a PSU problem would either be to use a multimeter to test your rails or to swap it out with a known good unit. While we're on the subject of power, see if you can switch out your home made power cable just to rule out another option as well. They should sell these in local computer hardware stores.

You could try to format and reinstall Windows. Hopefully it will be the solution that works for you and that it isn't too much trouble to get back up and running. However, be prepared for the fact that it still could artifact if the card itself is bad. I went through 2 formats myself just to make sure it wasn't a software issue too.

Try to get ATI Tray Tools or Riva Tuner to also help control the fan speed. Unfortunately, the default fan speeds allow the card to get really hot though. Just for testing purposes, adjust the speed to 100% and run a game to see if it still artifacts.

One last thing I can think of is to check if the card is actually making physical contact with all areas of the heatsink and the thermal pads for the memory. Again, remounting may do the trick.

If all else fails, Newegg will definitely take care of you and make it right.

I hope some of this helps. Good luck!
 
Blackstone said:
While I agree that the PSU is a prime suspect, I also believe that the Saphire X1800xt is a particularly unreliable card.
Click to expand...

Sadly, that seems to be true. My own problems aside, I've seen quite a few threads on this forum and many others that have artifacting problems. Pretty much everyone had to end up RMAing the card back in the end, but once serviced the card is as good as new.

Maybe see if you can get one of the newer X1950XT's from Newegg instead. ;) I know they don't allow direct exchanges, but you could ask for a refund and repurchase the newer card afterwards.

Just a thought. :D
 
I've had ati tray tools loaded and the cards HSF is spinning at 50% constantly, doesn't really add more noise over my loud as hell chipset fan, so its still running cool. The HSF is seated fine as well.


The total price with shipping for the card open box was $249 flat, would it really be worth refunding and nabbing a 512 x1950? Cause i just noticed something. I payed 249 for the open box x1800xt, and they have an x1950xt for 239 retail, with a $20 rebate. Think this is one of those no brainer types of things.

However i will still need a new power supply to meet the demands of a 1950
 
Power supply is my vote too, but 249 for the 1800 is too high!
a 1950 pro is a slightly better card, draws less power and is cheaper.

Get a decent PSU- dont worry about wattage as much as total wattage or amps on the 12v rail. Something with about 25-30 amps on the 12 volt rail(s) should suffice.
 
Just found this one on Newegg for the same price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102082

It's also got a $20 rebate too which makes it even cheaper for a better card. This also has 512MB of RAM too.

For $10 more without a rebate you can get a Powercolor one with an Arctic Cooling Accelero X2 on it already:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814131047

As much as I do like the X1800XT, for the same price and being brand new it definitely is a no brainer. ;)
 
Quite a coincidence, after posting what I had found I humored your idea with the 1950 and found that exact card. Tomorrow I'm gonna go for the refund if they are open on saturdays, and put it towards that. Then i figure the $50 I make from selling off the XFX 6600gto I had should offset the new PSU. I figured I'd have to upgrade that sooner or later, just figured it would be later. Anyone per chance have a modular one for sale ^_^.

kirbster: I was looking into a Hiper Type-R 580W, would that be sufficient in terms of power off the 12v rail? I've found em for about 70-90 on various sites and when I was looking into a new psu before I had really taken a liking to the idea of a modular one. Another major contender that seems to be taking my interest the most at this point (specifically for cost effectiveness) is the Antec SP 500. 500 watt, dual rail, modular, and wont leave me starving till my next paycheck.
 
Well, my max for it would be about $80, and I'm looking for a reliable modular one if at all possible, but if i cant find one in that bracket ill definitely take your advice.
 
Also think about a 1950 pro rather than teh XT. It will still be faster than teh X1800XT, it will draw alot less power and it will save you like 90 to 100 bucks!;)
 
Cost I'm not worried so much about, I'm living the semi broke college student life but I'll survive. Also seeing as the $ for the gpu was only half mine, I don't mind buying a new PSU that I would have bought down the line anyway.

Also if it isn't apparent already I don't know much about PSUs. Is this one worth the $?
 
This would be a nice PSU:

http://www.buy.com/prod/corsair-hx5...lar-atx-power-supply/q/loc/101/203270716.html

If you've never used Google Checkout before then you can get an extra $10 off if you sign up and use that! I have the 620W version and have had no problems with it whatsoever. It's also very quiet and the modular cables are very easy to manage. :)

I hate to throw too many options out there but if you do plan on spending around $250 for a video card, take a look at the 320MB Geforce 8800 GTS cards. They would be worthy alternatives to the X1950XT's. :cool:
 
I've become a severe antifan of NVidia. Last time i updated my drivers to the newest version for the 6600gt i had, it wound up giving me red screens of death and corrupting sections of data. I reinstalled windows and cleanly installed the new drivers again, and the same thing happened. So for now I think ill stick with the 1950. That and the fact that anything is really a step up from the little 6600, so ill be overly happy with the 1950. Thanks for the idea though, maybe later on when I get the new job I'm gunning for and i build my "XSV" box.

I was Looking at the enermax, but i definately cant spare 100+shipping-rebate. The corsair psu that covertash showed me, I know corsair is great for memory (love em for it), but are the psu's they make to the same quality? Cause i can do that one..
 
I did find 2 enermax libertys on ebay. the 500w used for 65 so far, and a 600w with 4 days left for $40.

Link1
Link2

Also, what about the Antec Neo? Any good?
 
As an eBay Associate, HardForum may earn from qualifying purchases.
covertash said:
Sadly, that seems to be true. My own problems aside, I've seen quite a few threads on this forum and many others that have artifacting problems. Pretty much everyone had to end up RMAing the card back in the end, but once serviced the card is as good as new.

Maybe see if you can get one of the newer X1950XT's from Newegg instead. ;) I know they don't allow direct exchanges, but you could ask for a refund and repurchase the newer card afterwards.

Just a thought. :D
Click to expand...
My problem is worse, I have an accelero x2 cooler on my x1800xt and they used permanent glue on for the ram thermal pads, so I can't get it off to RMA. So i'm stuck with a card that artifcats until I want to upgrade.

By the way to get it off I have tried

1 cutting the pads with a knife
2. putting the card in the freezer
3. dousing the card with arctic cleaner thermal paste remover.

Amazingly, the card still works fine after all that abuse, except for the artifacting.
 
Blackstone said:
My problem is worse, I have an accelero x2 cooler on my x1800xt and they used permanent glue on for the ram thermal pads, so I can't get it off to RMA. So i'm stuck with a card that artifcats until I want to upgrade.

By the way to get it off I have tried

1 cutting the pads with a knife
2. putting the card in the freezer
3. dousing the card with arctic cleaner thermal paste remover.

Amazingly, the card still works fine after all that abuse, except for the artifacting.
Click to expand...

Yeah, I've heard all the horror stories of taking one off. I have one on my X1800XT now and I pray that I don't have to do another RMA again. :(
 
covertash said:
Yeah, I've heard all the horror stories of taking one off. I have one on my X1800XT now and I pray that I don't have to do another RMA again. :(
Click to expand...

YOU'LL NEVER GET IT OFF! NEVER! MUHAHA.

I'll never buy another arctic cooler.
 
Hrmm..completely forgot about the restocking and tax for RMAs..any chance you guys know of good non modular psu's? Cause yeah, my wallets crying a bit..

Jesus, I never had to RMA anything and fuck me...now i know why i never will again!

RMA Total: $219.99
Restocking Fee: $33.00
Tax: $15.40
S&H: $8.95

Fuckin OW!
 
SanityAssassin said:
Hrmm..completely forgot about the restocking and tax for RMAs..any chance you guys know of good non modular psu's? Cause yeah, my wallets crying a bit..

Jesus, I never had to RMA anything and fuck me...now i know why i never will again!

RMA Total: $219.99
Restocking Fee: $33.00
Tax: $15.40
S&H: $8.95

Fuckin OW!
Click to expand...

Wait, so you're only getting back $219.99 and you're paying out the rest including tax? :eek:

See if you can talk to a representative on their chat room on Monday or on the phone. Sometimes you can get them to waive off the restocking fee if you explain the defect has been there since day one. It's worth a try and Newegg is pretty accomodating for the most part.
 
I hope so, cause thats a pretty steep fee for restocking and tax. Also, any recommendations for non modular PSUs with nicely sized price tags?
 
HUZAH! I GOT THE 15% RESTOCKING FEE WAVED! Thanks to everyone for your help, now do i trade my 6600gt for an Ultra V-Series 500w? or do i sell it to a friend for 50 and work from there..
 
Nice! :D Newegg is definitely accommodating!

I'm unsure of the quality of the V-Series, so perhaps someone else can shed light on that. I know that their newer X-Finity lines have been a vast improvement in quality though. If it were me, I would sell the card to the friend and use whatever else is saved up to get the Corsair mentioned earlier. It's just THAT good of a PSU! :D
 
Sadly cash flow like that wont be coming for some time, however I have had an offer on my 6600gt for an "Enlight 470w". Anything you know about this brand?
 
Sorry, I haven't heard of anything about that PSU. Maybe asking about it in the Power Supply forum would get more hits.

Just for the fun of it, the X1950XT 256MB version is now at a VERY cheap price:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102067

I'm actually contemplating getting one myself. Perhaps the money saved from this purchase may allow you a better PSU. ;) Also the difference between 256MB and 512MB isn't a huge deal unless you game at high resolutions (above 1600x1200) or particularly love Oblivion and Qarl's Texture Pack. :D
 
Ah, well ill try over in that section of [H], but yeah i already nabbed the Sapphire x1950xt 512mb. Last night for 249 with the 20 rebate.
 
Good luck and enjoy your new card! :cool: I couldn't resist and got in on the 256MB deal myself. :D
 
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