Graphics issues

[JoBonnett]

When I log my computer on the black windows logo screen looks funny, it has blocks of colour on it as if the windows logo is supeir-imposed on itself. It then seems fine and looks perfect on programs such as word and free cell etc. However, when I try to play Sims a strange block appears round the cursor, sort of like a barcode and the graphics are odd (there is a dashed line around everything).

 

It is a computer that has run this game perfectly well until recently. I have updated the drivers for the graphics card but that has made no difference. Something I read said it could be because the BIOS needs updating, and I did get a message once that the BIOS had failed but then it logged on fine.

 

Does anyone have any idea what this could be. I have looked up how to update the BIOs on the internet but it seems quite complicated and possibly dangerous if done incorrectly so I don't want to risk it if that is not what is causing the problem.

 

Processor : AMD Athlon 64 3200+ 2.20 Ghz, 2.50 GB Ram

Graphics card : ATI Radeon 9600 series (2.56MB)

Motherboard : Asus K8V-SE (Deluxe)

BIOS : version 1004.006, chipset : Hammer BIOs size 512k, type ami

[Jelly Bean]

Hello there,now have you tried a diffrent cable for the monitor and checked connection?

 

Have you also checked to see if the GPU is fully seated in its slot?

 

Download and install http://www.almico.com/speedfan.php

 

Now I want you to check temps during idle processes,during normal processes such as running IE/FireFox and also then when running SIMS.

 

Please post a record of temps.

 

When was the last time you cleaned the internals of the computer?

[JoBonnett]

I haven't tried a different cable but I cleaned the insides yesterday as I thouht that might improve things. I have downloaded speed fan and checked the readings - I did check it again when Sims was running but the figures weren't really any different. I can't seem to save tem as an image and can't work out how to attach a word document so I have listed them here.

 

Fan 1 : 0 RPM Temp1 : 40C

Fan 2 : 5075 RPM Temp2 : 51C

Temp : 127C

Temp : 127C

Temp : 64c

HDO : 42C

Core : 56C

 

There were also some figures at the bottom - not sure if you need them but let me know if you do.

[Plastic Nev]

Could do with knowing what those two readings showing 127C are actually for, that is horrendously high and may well cause damage if it hasn't done so already.

Nev.

[Jelly Bean]

I would guess that the high temps are the GPU.............

 

That if that is the temp of the GPU is the fan spinning when your powered on?

[Dalo Harkin]

If that GPU was running at 127C then it would be damaged, we need to know what you are using to monitor the temps, 99% of programs that 'claim' to monitor GPU temps dont do it accurately enough

Pixelated graphics would be overheating, but normally the RAM as opposed to the core itself

[Jelly Bean]

Ok download this:

 

http://www.astra32.com/download.htm

 

Install and this should give us a more accurate reading and what that high temp is...........

[JoBonnett]

Ive downloaded Astra 32 and opend it - what do I do now - what information do you need from it?

[Synapse]

Can you also have a look at the screen resolution settings. If there is a problem your settings will default to 800 x 600 and you won't be able to up them to say 1280 x 1024 or whatever your settings should be.