NVIDIA Black Screen of Death

Ok, so I've had my PC for about 2 years now, and for two years, I've had random freezes of the computer, and it only happened during particular games. Recently, I installed Roller Coaster Tycoon 3, which was an idea given to me by a post in the 'Favourite Game of All Time' thread, and while I was playing the game, my computer froze within the first 5 minutes every time I'd start playing. I finally decided to look into the problem because it was getting quite annoying, as the same thing happened when I played Half-Life 2 on more than one occasion. Suspecting my graphics card as the cause, that was the first thing I searched in Google, and found quite a few threads of discussions about the problem. Having tried many of the suggestions, I didn't fix the problem. There were some suggestions of installing a program that alters the performance of my graphics card, but I didn't want that alternative, because it would apparently void the warranty.

So what I'm wondering is, does anyone else on the Pit own a GeForce 9600GT card, have you experienced the same problem, and most importantly, have you found an easy, quick fix for it?

Thanks!

try the OMEGA Drivers.

I know a lot of people who experience these issues with various nvidia geforce cards and I'm quite sure it all has to do with heat.

So when you're running graphics intense programs the graphics card heats up and I assume the freezing is a protection thing to prevent physical damage to the card. You should see if you can get some extra cooling in your computer.

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Aaron's Stuff

Hmm yeah, some people suggested that even the dust that accumulated in the fans could have caused overheating, so I did a whole clean up of the entire interior of the comp, I think it delayed the freeze by about 10 minutes, then the same thing.. but I should see about extra cooling, because summer is around the corner in Australia, and the room temperatures now are only 20ish.. what happens when it gets to 40(I don't have air conditioning in my room)?

Hmm I haven't worked in BIOS much since I always had my brother do stuff for me, but can you suggest where I can increase fan speed? Thanks

"Muhnay" said:
try the OMEGA Drivers.

Are they created by NVIDIA, or is it a separate branch of drivers for their cards?

The Omega drivers are 'tweaked' versions of Forceware because some people think they can do better than WHQL certified drivers from the GPU vendor. If they work for you fine, but they aren't very creditable amongst proper techies.

Your issue could have a number of different causes, so rather than simply guessing that it's the GPU we need to do some basic troubleshooting.

First I would suggest you check the event viewer's system events to see if there are any logged STOP codes that could provide a clue about the cause of the freezing.

Second the quick and simple way of definitely finding out if the freezes are GPU load related (which could be heat, but also a PSU, driver or other issue) is to run something like Furmark

Run that (grab GPUZ if you want a bit more monitor info... temps etc.. while it's running) on loop and see if the GPU temp climbs outside of the normal operating range before locking up.

If it locks up and the temps seem ok, possibly it's a different issue like the 12V rail going out of spec under load.

If your system doesn't freeze after being subject to that, try LinPack to make your CPU squeal.

Let us know the results of all that and it'll give us a better idea of where the issue lies.

Wow, I ran FurMark and I stopped it when it got to 92°C partly because I was afraid I'll get a heart attack just looking at it. Hmm.. system didn't freeze up even at 92°C, I don't know if I should push it any higher, but then again I don't know much about hardware, so if you suggest I do so, I will trust you upon it.

In the system log I found many errors and warnings, but none to do with system shutdown. They were mostly network problems and application errors...oops, I spoke too soon, here it is! One that states unexpected system shutdown.

The previous system shutdown at 5:08:58 PM on 10/13/2009 was unexpected.

..I tried the 'Event Log Online Help' button, but even their service can't identify the problem.

LinPack, I haven't tried yet, but I'll be getting to that a bit later, as I have to go and study for my chemistry exam which is tomorrow

I should also note that I've read on one of the internet forums that this is a problem with the card's switch between 3D and 2D modes. Apparently when in a game that is of low demand, the GPU switches from 3D to 2D to save energy and this is what might cause the crash.

High temperatures like that aren't necessarily a problem, indeed some high end cards simply run that hot (the FX5800U and X1900XTX spring to mind)

However for G94 it is rather excessive. A more expected load range would be somewhere around 60-70°C, perhaps lower depending on the HSF.

The point of running furmark is to see if excessive load temperature is causing the freezing, so leave it running for at least as long as it takes for a game to lock up.

If it's fine for 5-10mins or so then it isn't a temperature issue.

The event viewer will have loads of rubbish you don't need to worry about. What you're looking for is stuff under the 'system' heading with a red cross next to it. Ignore the info marks and yellow triangles... they're irrelevant. I doubt it's gonna help, but it takes 30secs to check so is worth a look.

If none of the stress utilities cause your system to lock up or otherwise fail then it's really just gonna be a driver issue. Get the latest drivers from here (they'll be much newer than the ones on the nVidia site. Try to get a WHQL set. I'd link to a specific set but you haven't specified your OS).

If it is cooling related then tbh it sounds like you may need to sort something out with your chassis airflow (I would do this regardless tbh as it sounds like there is some sort of issue). If you need any advice on this please tell us what the current setup is so we can identify any issues.

Your GPU's fan speed will control itself - don't worry about it. You can grab RivaTuner if you want to fiddle, but that probably isn't the solution. There is no control for it in your motherboard's BIOS setup menu - that's for the motherboard's BIOS settings unsurprisingly, not the gfx card's. There may be some chassis fan speed controls though, depending on the board, what fans are there and what headers they are hooked up to.

Ok, with the exams finally behind me, I can get back to the matter at hand:

I ran FurMark for 10 minutes, and concluded that temperature isn't the problem because about half way through, when the temperature climbs to 104-105°C, the card cools back down to about 100-101°C and the pattern keeps going like that. I also installed the latest drivers from the site you suggested Larchy; no change.

I've realised that in some games it happens very frequently, while in other games it doesn't happen at all.

So, some games in which the computer DOES NOT freeze are:

Red Alert 3
Need For Speed: Most Wanted
Call Of Duty 4(I think it happened once)

Games in which the computer DOES freeze are:

Half-Life 2(only a few times)
Episode 2(few times)
*Need For Speed 4(several times) *interesting fact as NFS4 is an old game
Source SDK Hammer Editor(often)
And finally, the biggest offender, Collin McRae Rally 2005. As soon as I press start game, in less than 2 seconds after the screen appears, the computer freezes.

I have made a 90% decision that I'll be buying a new card, and probably selling this one, even though I do feel bad that the next person might encounter the same problems with it, it might be compatible with their system.

The card I'm looking to buy is most likely going to be the Nvidia GeForce 1GB GTS 250, which I can buy for approximately (aus)$150. The Nvidia GeForce 896M GTX 260 costs $212 which would be just a tiny bit too high a climb for me at the moment. I could really squeeze all the pennies and buy it, but I'd rather get some advice from you guys first, as I know a lot of you guys are in the computer business professionaly and know what you're doing. If you have any other advice for a good graphics card in that range, I'll gladly accept it. I've poked around though and by the looks, the GTS 250 seems like a decent enough card, for it's relatively low price.

Yeah the 250s are decent enough... they're just a rebranded 8800GT/8800GTS 512/9800GTX/9800GTX+ G92 variant.

You should be able to find 4870s for around the same price, which will be around 30% faster than a GTS250. Some models are far more expensive, but there are some at the same price point which provide much greater value than the nVidia parts.

4850s should be a little cheaper, and are either just as fast or marginally slower.

The 260 would be a poor choice over a 4890.

Those are the ATI Radeons right? Here is the price list for the ATIs at the shop I'm planning to buy it:

PCI-Express Slot – ATI Radeon Chipset............Price

512MB 4350 Powercolor / MSI / Gigabyte...........35 /39 /39

1GB 4350 Powercolor..............................49

512MB 4550 Gigabyte..............................49

512MB 4650 HIS / XFX / ASUS......................47 / 55 / 55

1GB 4650 Powercolor / Gigabyte / ASUS............53 / 69 / 64

512MB 4670 Gigabyte..............................79

1GB 4670 Powercolor / Gigabyte / ASUS............80 / 90 /90

512MB 4850 Powercolor............................105

1GB 5750 HIS / Gigabyte..........................155 / 168

1GB 5770 Powercolor / HIS / Gigabyte.............191 / 191 / 205

1GB 4890 Powercolor / MSI / Gigabyte /ASUS.......216/229/229/229

They don't seem to have the 4870. I think the $216 4890 card is the highest I'm willing to go. Suggestions?

ps. Sorry about the disorganised writing, tried to fix it with the dots, still didn't help. Hope it makes sense.

And the nvidia 250/260 prices? They may be better value depending on the store prices.

The 5750/5770 are decidedly underwhelming - the 4850 is usually quicker than the former.

Basically the 4850 has been the best performance/value card for the past year, with the GT250 a little more expensive but also a little quicker... they're more or less interchangeable options and both a step up from what you have.

The 4870 was great and has come down in price to really hurt nVidia, ditto the newer 4890 and both are great value. The Geffer260... would be good if it's quite a bit cheaper than the 4890 as it's around 4870 level in performance terms.

The new 5850 is absolutely awesome, but we're outta you're price range there. The lower 5750/5770 are just priced higher because they're DX11 (which is meaningless for cards in that performance category) and aren't worth considering next to the older, cheaper and same performing 4850/4870

Grab a 4850 or GT250 would be my advice if you want good value without breaking the bank.

I hate to sound like a total noob here, but I remember having some issues like this early on in my PC building days. I would suggest that you make sure you have the right power supply.Because if the issue isn't heat or driver related, than it's most surely hardware based.And if your parts are all functioning then its something else. I actually didn't know about the 12v power connector when I built my first MObo, and I ran it for several weeks that way, cursing and crying about the frequent crashes which would occur whenever the system needed more juice.

Here are the Nvidia prices:

PCI-Express Slot – Nvidia Chipset.....................Price

256M Albatron 7100GS..................................26

512M 8400GS MSI/Gainward/Gigabyte/ASUS................32/35/39/39

512M 9400GT ECS/Inno3D/Gainward/Gigabyte/ASUS.........45/45/45/45/45

1G 9400GT ECS/Inno3D/Gainward/MSI/Gigabyte/XFX........50/52/54/54/58/64

512M 9500GT ECS /Inno3D...............................55 / 55

1G 9500GT ECS/Inno3D/Gainward/MSI.....................64/65/65/65

512M G210 Inno3D/Gainward /Gigabyte...................48 / 48 / 58

512M GT220 Inno3D.....................................66

1G GT220 ECS /Inno3D /Gainward /MSI /Gigabyte /ASUS...78/78/78/78/88/95

1GB 9600GT Gainward /MSI /Gigabyte /ASUS..............95 /95 /126 /127

512M 9800GT Inno3D /Gainward / Gigabyte...............110 /110 /128

1GB 9800GT Inno3D/Gainward/MSI/Gigabyte /Asus.........126/126/126/155/159

1GB GT 240 Inno3D / Gainward / Gigabyte...............106 / 106 / 115

512M GTS 250 Inno3D / Gainward........................126 / 126

1GB GTS 250 Inno3D/Gainward/Gigabyte/Asus.............145/145/161/164

896M GTX 260 Inno3D/Gainward/Gigabyte.................209/209/213

896M GTX 275 Inno3D /Gainward /Gigabyte...............268 / 268 / 278

1792MB GTX 295 Inno3D/Gainward/MSI/Gigabyte/ASUS......569/569/595/595/595

Hmm, looking at these amazes me how much prices change with graphics cards. I just looked at my recepit from last year, where I paid $206 for the 9600GT....barely $100 now.

Hmm you could well be right Juim, but I've researched it on forums on the net, and they all seem to be related to GeForce 9600GT, so I'll get rid of it first(also because I'd like to get some new firepower for my PC) and after I buy the new graphics card, if the problem persists, I'll consider the power supply.

scan your hardware withsome tools, to test mobo, hdd and graphics performance.

also it might be, if nothing works, nice to try and see if u can get ur pc into another case, i had some problems like this due to a bent backplate (where the mobo screws on to) keps crashing and freezing randomly.

mind you i bought a new pc, stuck it in the old case (100% new hardware) and it still gabe me crashes and freezes >.<

Also check the temperatures of your GFX card. New systems, especially intel systems, have trouble staying cool on stock cooling, this means the case temeperature rises and stuff like HDDs and GFX cards start overheating too. If its too hot you will get black / white screens and crashes.

As for a graphics card I'd seriously look into the 4850 and stuff by ATI, i have had an 9800pro which ran less fps in games than my 4850 now, and it only cost me 75 euros.

Well I've decided to go with the 4890 and I'll be buying that in a few short days hopefully.

It's not graphics card heat related, because I tested it and all seemed fine. I'm also pretty sure it can't be any overload on the system because it crashed while I played Need For Speed 4, which runs on old systems with Windows 98.

As for my card, I'll probably sell it and hope it doesn't cause problems to the next owner.

Ok, old topic yes, but I'd like to ask one more piece of help from our experts here, on the graphics cards. Back a month ago I went to the computer shop, only to find that the 4890s have been discontinued and are no longer available, so I lay off it for a while, expecting something to crop up, and the prices to go down. So now, I did see prices go down, and am unsure of how to go about it, so I'd like to give you the prices and details of a few cards, and get some feedback if possible.

Nvidia Chipset:...................................................................Price:
1GB GTS 250 Inno3D / Gainward / Gigabyte / Asus........ 139/139/160/165
896M GTX 260 Inno3D / Gainward / Gigabyte.................. 213 / 213 / 220
896M GTX 275 Inno3D / Gainward /Gigabyte................... 278 / 278 / 298
ATI Radeon Chipset:..........................................................Price
1GB 5750 Powercolor / HIS / Gigabyte / ASUS................. 155 /155 /161 /167
1GB 5770 HIS / Powercolor / Gigabyte / ASUS................. 189 /189 /198 /210

I'm willing to strech up to the $220 price.. I just put the 275 there to get feedback on it, I'm currently not financially... fit, to stretch that far just yet.

I'm having trouble because I hear the 5700s are poor[quote]The 5750/5770 are decidedly underwhelming - the 4850 is usually quicker than the former.[/quote], and nothing else is available from the ATIs at the moment. Should I wait for something else, or should I go with the Nvidias.

Also, I always look at that "896M" and think "could that be disadvantageous over the 1GB standards, or is it built to perform better?"

Thanks guys.

Ok, first up.... none of them are particularly bad buys.

To get your own idea of what sort of performance to expect it may be a good idea to look over a decent review with comparisons of the cards you are comparing. Any of them would be waaay quicker than your 9600GT.

The general view is that the 5750&5770 are overpriced for the performance they provide, but then again the prices have come down since they launched a couple of months ago.

Tbh the 4850/5750/5770/4870/GTS250 are all vaguely similar in terms of performance and there's very little price difference between any of them. The 5xx0 series are DX11 of course.

I'd say the GTX260 would be the best buy from the prices you've posted as it has quite a performance advantage over the 5770 which is the quickest of the former bunch. It doesn't have DX11 support, but unless you're buying a 5850/5870 the cards aren't really fast enough to run the likes of DX11 DiRT2 anyway. It does have PhysX support, although how much of a worthwhile 'feature' that is is debatable.

Ah, thanks larchy, you've simplified it down for me. I just looked at the 5850s and the 5870s and.. yes they are quite a handful aren't they:

(while stock last) 1GB 5850 HIS / Asus......................... 399 / 406
(while stock last) 1GB 5870 HIS / Gigabyte / Asus ........535 / 658 / 658

Way out of my budget. So that means I'll probably go with the 260. It should serve me well for a while I hope.

Thanks again.

No worries m8 - the GTX260's are great cards