"Layered Graphics" Problem

[Junorion]

Hello, this is long post with alot of information, thanks in advance to anyone who reads it!

I have been having a very irritating graphics problem. Below are some example images of what I am trying to describe, they are photos I took of my monitor while playing the sims 2 (DVD) and panning with my mouse. I also have this problem running some newer graphics intense games like FarCry and Doom3.

The problem I have is some type of graphical lag. I am not having any slowdowns, mouse lag or freezing, just this "layered-graphics" effect...it’s like the graphics have to catch up to themselves. This only happens when moving/panning the mouse. This effect is a little less noticeable with in game graphics settings turned down but it is still there.

--System Specs—
-Intel P4 3.2Ghz HT
-800 FSB
-8X AGP
-1GB Ultra 3200/400 Dual Channel DDR RAM
-Intel D875PBZ Motherboard
-875P chipset
-Radeon 9800 PRO 128MB ( Core speed = 378 / Memory speed = 338 checked with ATI tool )
-Sound Blaster Audigy X-Gamer
-Creative-Inspire-T2900 2.1 speakers
-Sony 52x CD-Rom
-Artec 16x DVD-Rom
-PRIMARY HD 160 GB Seagate SATA- 7200-8MB (2X 80 GB HD's in RAID 0 )
-STORAGE HD 40GB West-Dig UATA 7200 HD
-425W PSU
-Logitech MX500 Mouse PS2 connect
-ViewSonic 19" G90FB Monitor
-Thermaltake Xaser III Case ( 7 80mm case fans) Idle temp = aprox. 103 F Full-Load temp = aprox. 135 F
-Win XP SP-2
( I make sure my bios and all drivers are always updated and current, I do Adaware and NAV scans on a regular basis, all unnessesarry background applications and startup programs are disabled while playing games, HD is defragged once a week, temp files and cookies deleted daily, page file set to 1.5X my actual memory, all windows themes and sounds are disabled, Windows is always fully updated )

**I DO NOT OVERCLOCK

**My monitor can have a resolution of 1024x768 at 118Hz refresh and a 1280x1024 at 90hz refresh. I run my games and desktop at 1152x864 resolution so using a 85-100Hz refresh rate should be more than acceptable. However changing or lowering the refresh rate does nothing to help or elliminate this layerd graphics problem.

**I have tested the game with another Graphics card but this problem is the same when using a ATI 9500 PRO.

**My 9800PRO is set to optimal performance in the Catalyst menu, although changing the settings from Performance to Quality does not seem to affect this problem.

**I have also tested the game with my old dell M782 17" monitor, the problem still exists.

**For my video card settings I have tried endless configurations mixed with a variety of refresh rates and resolutions; both with my card settings and in game settings. No cobination will ellimnate or "help" this problem.

**This problem is NOT related to vsync, I still get this graphics problem with or without vsync enabled.

**Reinstalling drivers, the game, AND a complete reformat and re-install of windows has not fixed or affected this problem.

Please take a look at these photos, keep in mind that the effect while playing the game is more like trails or an unintentional layered blur, but only when moving the screen via the mouse. If the screen is static (not moving) and I am viewing sims doing sim things then everything is fine, animations and graphics look great.

The only thing I can think of that will fix this problem is purchasing a new vid-card...Ive been thinking of getting a 6800GT or 6800Ultra but dont want to wast 400-500 bucks on a new card if that wont fix the problem.
Any help, suggestions or information is much appreciated, thank you!

 

[siegecraft4]

A few shots in the dark:

Chipset drivers/AGP drivers installed?

Disable Fastwrites

Load all default settings in bios

Disable Windows pointer trails

Try a different mouse... a usb one.

 

[malingjc]

What is your AGP Aperature?

Fast writes should be off. (though they were supposed to fix that)

Believe me, I've seen a lot, but this one is really weird. I'm trying to think of something to fix. They do have an update for The Sims 2 if you didn't get that yet, though I assume you have.

You do have DirectX 9.0c right?

Disable whatever you don't use in BIOS including serial ports, parallel ports, etc. If that mouse is USB (I have a 510, not a 500 so I don't know about it), use it as a USB mouse.

If that all fails. Try a different sound card or use onboard if you have it.

 

[tshen_83]

try a GeForce to see if this is ATI specific

 

[shade]

since u tested with another card and u got the same results. i take it, it only happens in this game and i think its the game and not u. try the sims2 site maybe they have some patches or somethin.

 

[legcramp]

this might sound stupid but try turning on vsync?

 

[drizzt81]

since u tested with another card and u got the same results. i take it, it only happens in this game and i think its the game and not u. try the sims2 site maybe they have some patches or somethin.

I concur. You have tried a LOT of stuff (diff gfx cards etc) and i think that it may just be the game engine. Do you know anyone else, who is playing that game? Maybe it is normal behavior

 

[mentok1982]

I consulted my father who is an Electrical Engineer for Rockwell Collins (Rockwell makes radios and GPS systems for NASA and the military) and he said, and I quote "Well it looks like it is hardware related."

Wow. Thanks dad.

I think it has to do with your motherboard's AGP slot. It is not funcitioning properly I think.

I suggest trying your cards in another person's motherboard with their permission of course. Tell them even if the card is bad it should NOT mess up their motherboard.

 

[Junorion]

Thanks everyone,

Sorry I have been busy with christmas stuff all day, I didnt expect so many replies so quick, I will address many of your suggestions tomarrow in the afternoon, I hope to have some down time after the christmas morning presents

thanks again!!

 

[kawasaki747]

Try removing/diabling sound altogether, since it happens in multiple games..