video card or monitor problem?

I have a Dimension 8300 with an ATI Radeon 9800 pro video card. My screen is showing 5 vertical pink stripes each about 1 inch wide making it very difficult for me to use my PC. These stripes run from top to bottom of the screen. I've had this computer for more than 6 years. On 2 occasions the video card was replaced by Dell and on 1 occasion Dell replaced the monitor because I had similar screen problems. The replacements were under a Dell guarantee.

I have 2 questions.

1. Is it my monitor or my card that's burned out?

2. If it's the card, can you suggest a couple of good replacements because I don't think they make ATE Radeon 9800 PRO anymore.

syrk

 

Try and use your monitor using onboard video, this i will rule out, or in, the video card.

Burrell

 

It could be either, I've seen that happen with both, as Burrell said, try onboard video or a different monitor, whichever is easier.

If you need a new 9800 and would like another one the is/was one for sale here....

http://forums.majorgeeks.com/showthread.php?t=210199

If you are looking for a newer card then there are a few, something like this....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102814

Or pretty much any AGP card, I'm presuming it's AGP as I don't think they made the 9800 in anything else.
I'm also presumming you are not interested in playing any heavy games.

 

And what if I were interested in playing heavy games? syrk

 

On a 6 year old system?

Buy a new system lol

Unfortunately even the highest end PC from 6 years ago will be laughed at by most mainstream games made after 2007/08.
You may be able to run some of them but at horrible FPS.

Believe me I know about this lol, it's been a painful few years on the gaming side, my setup was the AMD version of yours and although I was running newish games until a year ago, they were getting slower and slower.

I had an AMD XP64 3.4
1GB RAM
ATI 9800Pro

It would be a waste of money to pay more than $70-80 for a GFX card for that machine.

What kind of games are you interested in?
If you name some I'll tell you if you will be able to run them or not.

 

I got another limitation. My PC specs show that I've got a 250 watter Dell Dimension 8300 from 2003.

 

If you are looking for a newer card then there are a few, something like this....

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16814102814

Trying to convert to ATI i see! :-D

As said, you aint gonna be able to play anything made in the last 4 years with that!

If you want to buy a new system to play the latest games at playable FPS, give us a budget and we'll see what we can come up with for the price.

 

Yeah give us a budget and we'll spend your money for you, myself and Burrell enjoy doing that :-D

Actually you'd be suprised what the 2 of us can come up with for not too much money

 

I'm still at it.

I came up with this one (tell me what you think of it) : PWC CG HD 3650 AGP 512 MB DDR2 64 BIT.

Take into consideration that my Dell Dimension 8300 (2003) has a PSU of 250 watts. syrk

 

I would not recommend you run that GPU with your current PSU.

The GPU draws 75w, which leaves 175w for the rest of the system, which is not enough!

As said in your Dell help thread, you need to look into getting a new PSU before getting your gpu but make sure that you buy the right size by contacting Dell and asking what size PSU fits your case.

 

I really appreciate your help but at this point a new PSU is out of the question. It's just too complicated. If I was home in the States it would be a lot easier. I just want a new graphics card that comes as close as possible to my burned out one within the range of 250 watts. I want to be able to play my old games. Locally these are the AGP cards available to me:

TWINTECH* GeForce 6200 A (512 Mo, DDR2, AGP)
SAPPHIRE* Radeon HD 3450 (512 Mo DDR2, AGP, HDMI)
CONNECT 3D* Radeon 9550 (256 Mo DDR2, AGP)
POWERCOLOR* Radeon HD3650 (512 Mo DDR2, AGP)
GIGABYTE* Radeon HD4650 (1 Go DDR2, AGP) syrk

 

Well the 6200 specs say a 250w PSU, the rest would not operate properly (or at all on your PSU) but the 6200 specs are slightly lower than your old 9800.

If you don't mind me asking, why is a new PSU out of the question?
If it's becuase installing it, they are pretty simple and anyone who is semi good with their hands could swap out a PSU in 30 minutes, those who know can usually do it in 5-10 minutes.
If it's budget then fair enough but it would be worth doing rather than spending money on something you wont be happy with.

 

Yeh, if it is the installation thats a problem, i know some really good videos that could help you. Plus we could guide you on here.

It's pretty much just unplug everything, and make sure you connect everything with the new PSU.

The good thing with PSU installations is that you cant get it wrong! Only the right connection will fit.

 

How much would it cost ?
What parts and tools would I need ?
How can I see these/this video/s ? syrk

 

For a good PSU that should last a good 5 years, you can't beat the Corsair TX650w.

But if you just want a replacement to allow you to have a stable system and an upgrade path in the future, then the SeaSonic 400w will do.


All you need is a screw driver, and cable ties (optional)

Video -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DV3eyb8qNbs

The only thing i could say to you to make sure you do it correctly is, open up your computer, and write down where everything is connected for eg.

molex connector to Hard Drive
24 Pin Connector to motherboard
4 pin Connector to motherboard
Molex Connector to CD drive.

And then any fans and additional devices, which i doubt you have.

Hope that helped, if you get stuck, you know where to ask.

 

The following are available at the local computer store:

CORSAIR* CMPSU-650TX - Alimentation 650 Watts, and
CORSAIR* HX650 - 650 W .

I also have a drive for floppy disks and a second CD/DVD drive..

Which do you suggest ? syrk

 

They are excellent choices of PSU's!

If you don't mind spending a little extra, then go for the HX for it's modular capabilities will help while tidying up your cable management. which will improve airflow.

But the TX would do just aswell. It's a great PSU. (I own one) :-D

In sentence, The HX is better, but the TX won't disappoint.

 

The Corsair HX650 Watts modular psu arrived this late afternoon unfortunately the Dell Dimension 8300 (2003) alloted slot was too small for the new psu's AC power outlet and on/off power switch. Using a hax saw I cut a little off of the pc's back: 3.5 cm lenght and 4.2 cm height to make it fit right.

Had no problem alligning and completing the 3 screws.

My only uncertainty was which modular power cord to use for the video card. I chose one of the 4-pin peripheral connectors. That was the right choice. I didn't think the connection was tight enough but I didn't force it.

Made three attempts to close the chassis before succeeding. I guess I should go back in and do some straightening out/housework.

Last step, hooked and powered on the computer and...................not only does the new psu purrrrrr right but my video problem is gone. syrk

 

Great news!

Yeh, go back inside and do some cable management, it will help your airflow, thus lowering temps inside your case.

This guide is ok, there are better, have a look yourself on google, i have seen better out there.

 

Found it!

Cable Management guide.

 

I spoke too soon. This morning as I tried to play a light video game the 5 vertical lines made their re-appearance. So I guess I have to get a new agp video card. Or maybe the connection between the card and the psu is not right. I don't know.:crybaby

syrk

 

:crybaby indeed. How frustrating!

Yeh, i would say the GPU has gone, oh well, atleast you got a new trustworthy PSU out of all this.

 

What's the best card now for my machine? These are availablle locally where I live...................

1) TWINTECH* GeForce 6200 A (512 Mo, DDR2, AGP)
2) SAPPHIRE* Radeon HD 3450 (512 Mo DDR2, AGP, HDMI)
3) CONNECT 3D* Radeon 9550 (256 Mo DDR2, AGP)
4) POWERCOLOR* Radeon HD3650 (512 Mo DDR2, AGP)
5) GIGABYTE* Radeon HD4650 (1 Go DDR2, AGP)

6) ATI @ RDC - Carte Graphique Radeon HD 3650 - 512 Mo DDR2 - AGP 8X
7) NVIDIA @ RDC - Carte Graphique GeForce 6200 - 256 Mo DDR2 - AGP 8X - HDTV - DVI
8) SAPPHIRE - Carte Graphique Radeon HD 3650 - 512 Mo DDR2 - AGP 8X
9) NVIDIA @ RDC - Carte Graphique GeForce 6200 - 512 Mo DDR2 - AGP 8X - TV - DVI
10) XFX - Carte Graphique Radeon HD4650 - 512 Mo GDDR2 - AGP 8x
11) SAPPHIRE - Carte Graphique Radeon HD 3450 - 512M DDR2 - AGP 8x
12) HIS - Carte Graphique Radeon HD3650 - 512 Mo DDR2 - AGP - version iCooler
13) SAPPHIRE - Carte Graphique Radeon HD 4650 - 1024Mo DDR2 - AGP 8x
14) HIS - Carte Graphique HIS Radeon HD 4670 – 1024 Mo DDR3 – AGP - Version IceQ:hyper

syrk

 

These are the best two are

Get the second if your budget allows.

The second is slightly better with its DDR3 capabilities, but sorry to repeat again but as said before, you really should look into a new PC as you wont see any great performance increases, no matter how much cash you throw at it.

 

I've decided to go with the SAPPHIRE card. It's on order. When it gets here I'll hit you for more help specifically about how to connect the card to the new PSU. I'm very confused about the molex/modular thing. Can you guide me to some info sources. :confused syrk

 

Good choice, Sapphire rawk!
I've often read about HIS cards having heat issues but have always had Sapphire myself and they have never let me down except for human error lol
The tech support is fast too.....not very knowledgeable, but fast none the less :-D

 

Installing a GPU is incredibly simple, just wack it in, fasten it with screws, and connect any 6-pin pci-e conector from the PSU, (the TX650 has two 6+2 connectors, just pull away the plus 2 connector leaving the 6 pin, and push it in till it clicks.

Recommended Video Guide -

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=femSBniUF-k

How to ground yourself from static before touching the internal components, just to be on the safe side.

How to ground yourself from static electricity.

 

I'm a little bit confused. My card is agp and my PSU is Corsair hx650 watts. syrk

 

Completely understandable.

Yes, i wrongly said you had the Corsair TX650 instead of the HX650, but they have the same connectors.


Please can you state exactly what you are unsure of and i will try my best to explain in plain english, no PC jargon!

PROMISE! :-D

 

My new card just arrived in the mail (SAPPHIRE - Carte Graphique Radeon HD 4650 - 1024Mo DDR2 - AGP 8x). Before I start, do you have any hints as how to connect it to my Corsair modular HX650 PSU ? syrk:hyper

 

Simply push the card into the AGP slot on the motherboard until it clicks or will not go in any more, then screw (if your case requires) in the expansion slot screw, then just plug any of the 2 6+2 pin pci-e power connectors from the psu.

Below is picture of the 6+2 pin power connector, you don't need the additional two, just bend them to the side.

http://www.playtool.com/pages/psuconnectors/pcie6plus2.jpg

And attached is pic of where you should attach the cable.

 

That's what confused me before. I didn't know you could use a pci connector to connect an agp card. syrk

 

Shoot. I forgot to ask you about the drivers. Do I install them before or after I connect the card? Also, siince I want to wipe out the old drivers can you suggest a good and free driver sweeper. syrk

 

Just use Windows to remove the drivers, will tell you how below.

It's a matter of preference really, but i found that this method always works for me.

How to remove old drivers first;

What Operating system are you using?

It may vary from different OS's but go to Start, Control panel, add/remove programmes, the select the ati drivers from the list. (don't worry if the display goes huge, with a low resolution, this IS normal.)

How to install new drivers;

Then shutdown and physically install the new graphics card, then boot up and insert the driver CD that came with the card(don't worry the if the resolution is crazy, this is normal), then the CD might autorun the installation screen but if not, then you may have to go Start, my computer, then select the CD drive with the CD in, the screen may look like it is Mal-functioning during the installation of the drivers ,but don't worry, it most likely isn't!

Then after everything is up and running you have the option to upgrade your drivers to the latest ones via the Nvida website. (but this is optional).

 

My Add/Remove shows 3 Ati entries: Ati-Software Uninstall Utility, Ati Catalyst Control Center, and Ati Display Driver. Which ones get removed? syrk

 

All of them to be sure.

 

PC works great.:celebrate Thanks for the encouragement and patience. syrk

 

Nice one!

:celebrate

A quick click of the "Thanks" button would be fine.