8800GTX jerky graphics

[Simmer07]

I spoke to XFX tech support some time ago but gave up and returned the PC to seller who changed the MB from a EVGA 680i to the present Abit in an attempt to fix this problem, but it made no difference.

With games like Fear, GTL, GTR2, MS flight simX, TombRaider, the graphics show a jerkiness, like a fast, consistent vibration when Vsync is disabled. It's only above about 100 frames/sec that it's smooth. With Vsync enabled however, graphics are smooth above 60Hz (the monitor frame rate).

I've been told since I got the system in Dec 06 that Nvidia drivers would fix this eventually, but nothing from Forceware 97.44 to 163.71 (what I have now) makes any difference (except 163.71 now crashes Quake4 at startup!). XP is up to date.

I actually preferred having vsync on (no tearing), but flight sim (I've just bought) stutters horribly with with it on, so I'm looking for a solution again. XP's been reinstalled. I've looked at the usual tweaks e.g. turning of ant-Virus software, etc. but this isn't a sporadic stutter, it's consistent when there's a high demand of moving large areas fast. Could my 8800 just be pants?


XP Pro.
Abit IN9 32-Max
XFX 8800 GTX 768MB (Product Code : PV-T80F-SHF9)
Intel E6700 core duo 2.67GHz
2G Corsair Twinx DDR2 6400C4
2x500G Seagate SATA2
X-fi Fatality
850W Enermax PSU
Dell 2407WFP (1920x1200x32)
XP Pro.
No overclocking

[xfxsupport]

Are you able to test this video card in another system? The reason I ask is usually this problem is caused by another component in the system. The reason Vsync helps in these situations is in a way, the video card is going too fast for the rest of the system that is why you get the jerking effect. You have a nice rig so I dont think its a problem with an outdated component, but perhaps a failing one.

[Simmer07]

No, haven't another system to test it on.

I did try installing GTR2 on my second HD, and that was the same FWIW.

Also, *FWIW*, the company who built it said when I RMA'd it and they changed the MB that they'd tried a different card, cpu and memory and this effect was still "slightly apparent". But they reckoned it was slightly reduced on a CRT monitor leading them to think it was something to do with monitor and graphics card refresh rates (the Dell is 60Hz). It passed their bench marks and they shipped it straight back within a day. But I've tried it at different refresh rates on a small CRT, and it was still there, just a bit harder to see on the smaller, lower resolution screen. Thing is, I've posted this problem on several forums and no one seems to recognize this precise situation, leading me to think the company is in denial - because surely this effect can't be normal?? This is a consistent juddering at around 4 per/sec as though it's skipping a few frames but mostly apparent in the larger areas. E.g. if you use the arrow keys to spin on the spot in a first person shooter you see it most in the large areas of scenery, or in a driving sim like GTL, the other cars and most of the road look OK, but the road side fences and scenery judder.

One other fact: with vsync enabled, even with triple buffering (which apparently requires additional help in Direct3D-based games from DXTweaker or D3DOverrider to work), everything becomes very juddery indeed below 60Hz.