Driver or Video Card?

Discussion in 'Hardware' started by jimkata, May 2, 2007.

  1. jimkata

    jimkata Private E-2

    I'm having some problems with the display on my computer...my monitor has started showing flickering vertical red lines or red dots over parts of the screen (sometimes as blocks of flickering pink), or occasionally a flickering greenish tinge over the whole monitor. I tested the monitor on a friend's computer and had no problems, so I'm wondering if it's a video card or driver problem.
    My system is a combo video card/motherboard model, MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD KM266-8235. The specific board is a Board: MICRO-STAR INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD MS-6738. The display is a S3 Graphics ProSavageDDR [Display adapter]...I updated to the latest driver for this display adapter.
    I'm running Windows XP Pro SP2. Any thoughts on this? I am a complete hardware idiot, so let me know any other info you need.
     
  2. HaTTaN

    HaTTaN Private E-2

    Video Card
     
  3. Major Attitude

    Major Attitude Co-Owner MajorGeeks.Com Staff Member

    First things first. If it is an onboard card, it wont help, but if it is not, remove the card and reseat it firmly. Check the cables are tight. Heat is worth a look, blow dust out of the case and fans. If all else fails, replace the video card, S3 cards are usually not that good, so most any $200 video card will be better from Nvidia or ATI.
     
  4. jimkata

    jimkata Private E-2

    Yeah, it's a cheapo system...I've had tons of trouble with heat. Alright, I'll clean out and report back to you guys...heading away for a few days so I'll check in after the weekend. Thanks!
     
  5. Yargwel

    Yargwel MajorGeek

    I'd also suggest you reload the video driver just in case it is corrupt as I'd hate for you to waste cash on a new card if it was just that. ;)
     
  6. jimkata

    jimkata Private E-2

    Hi again

    I cleaned out all the fans, connectors, etc, and I'm still having troubles. I also redownloaded and reinstalled the latest drivers for my motherboard/video card combo (it is a combo...no physical card to remove and check).
    The monitor hasn't shown colour distortions for a little while (they tend to be intermittent), but I now have small vertical sections of the screen (top to bottom) that are blurry. They're not wavering or moving...just blurry on two single sections.
    In the event that I have to buy a new video card, can you recommend a reasonably-priced one? I'm not a gamer, but I do a lot of work with photoshop and watch DVDs etc on my PC. I have an AGP and 2 free PCI slots on my board.
    Any advice welcome...you guys run a great service here!
     

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