Ticket 62681

[Das Capitolin]

Hello XFX Support. I never thought I would actually need your assistance. I have opened ticket 62681.

I have two nearly identical video cards: one works fine (7900GT) and the other appears faulty (7900GT VIVO). I have been running the XFX 7900GT for two weeks with no problem. Using version 91.31 WHQL drivers, I enjoyed great game play and video. Three days ago I installed the second video card; the XFX 7900GT VIVO.
I have been experiencing a wide range of troubles. This problem is somewhat hit and miss, as the card runs great in BF2 and FEAR: Combat to begin with, but later either shows strange tecture shapes in BF2 or does this and then crashes FEAR. This is part 1 of the problem.
Part 2 introduces the crashing. I have determined that the crashing either results in one of two things:
1) BSOD 0x050, 0x0EA, 0x07B, 0x08E all with reference to nv4_disp.dll
2) nv4_disp for the display stuck in an infinite loop in the system event log
In the second case, I have removed and cleaned, then reinstalled the driver. This works fine for a short while, then I have problems again. They are worst in FEAR because it crashes, and BF2 will keep playing and just show these odd shapes.
If I remove and clean out the driver followed by reinstalling it, things seem at first. Replacing the 7900GT VIVO with the 7900GT and fresh drivers will make everything work fine. However, there are some times after fresh drivers have been installed that even the 7900GT VIVO runs FEAR fine with maximum settings. It is nearly random, but does have a short pattern.
I suspect the 7900GT VIVO to be a little unstable, and I have confirmed that this problem occurs with the version 91.36 WHQL drivers as well.

[xfxsupport]

Dear Olin, I see your ticket has been answered by a technician and here is what he stated: "There are a few things you can do to determine if you have a faulty card. Some of these you have already done by cleaning and reinstalling the drivers. Also it is always a good thing to make sure your mainboard BIOS and chipset drivers are current. Also we recommend the 91.33 drivers from here: http://www.nzone.com/object/nzone_downloads_rel70betadriver.html for SLI configurations. As for testing the cards themselves we recommend testing both card independently in each of the PCI-e ports to make sure there is not a conflict on the mainboard or with a specific port. If both cards perform well independently in each of the slots then it may be in the mainboard. If not then this will definitely determine if one of the cards is faulty. Please let us know how you are doing. " I have very little to add to this at this point in the trouble shooting stage except that you may want ot make sure your PSU is large enough to handle both cards. It should be a certified SLI PSU or a 450w with two +12v rails supoorting 22 amps, so please keep in touch.

[Das Capitolin]

There is information in the support form that is not indicated here, such as my hardware. I am not running these cards in SLi, or on an SLi capable motherboard.

I am running one single video card, three hard drives, and a DVD-R/W drive with a relatively new Ultra X-Finity 500W PSU, which meets and exceeds your power recommendations.

I have also tried a third comparison card, and nVidia 6800. Everything worked great with this card. I am going to test all of the cards with 3D Mark 2006. However, at this point the 7900GT VIVO appears to be unstable under heavy load. I will let you know what I find.

[Das Capitolin]

I have not heard back from XFX in quite some time now...

The problem is still present. My 7900GT VIVO is having issues again with BF2. I removed the drivers, then used Driver Cleaner to clean any remains, and reinstalled version 91.47 WHQL drivers.

Attached are some screenshots that represent random occurances before and after the driver cleaning in BF2.

I have removed and reinstalled BF2, just to be certain, and recently installed v1.4 patch. However, the problem continues to present itself in games such as BF2 and FEAR.

I have installed 3DMark06 and run it over and over in a loop, and 9 of 10 times it runs fine. Every once in a while I will get a flashing screen.

Please advise.

[Scott]

Looks like RAM overheating to me.

[Das Capitolin]

I totally agree. If warranty allowed, I would remove the stock reference cooler and install some RAM heatsinks. I fear this card is going to get shipped back to XFX, too.

[tomato]

Ouch, sorry to hear about that Das... hopefully someone at XFX will see this and you can get this issue resolved quickly ;)

[werty316]

Damn another 7900GT bytes the dust,.. hehe bytes.....

[Kougar]

That just sucks, DAS. :( And hence why I'm interested in eVGA, on select models they use their own cooler that covers ALL of the RAM chips on 7900 model cards.

I think this entire 7900 series is shaping up to be one big black eye for nVidia, and all of their distributing companies as a whole. I'm just waiting for someone to appear with similar over-factory OCed issues with their 7900GS card, once companies ramp the factory OCs up a few more notches. BFG is already halfway there.

[xfxsupport]

Dear Das Capitolin, I have reviewed your thread and it is difficult for the support team to offer assistance when you do not reply to their suggestions and inquiries. Your thread shows that you were resonded to almost a month ago and there has been to freply by you. With out your continuing ffeedback they can only assume the issue had been resolved. Please let them know you are still having difficulties and they will be happy to assist.

[Das Capitolin]

Dear Das Capitolin, I have reviewed your thread and it is difficult for the support team to offer assistance when you do not reply to their suggestions and inquiries. Your thread shows that you were resonded to almost a month ago and there has been to freply by you. With out your continuing ffeedback they can only assume the issue had been resolved. Please let them know you are still having difficulties and they will be happy to assist.

Are we looking at the same thread? I have responded every time to XFX posts, which are all of one.

Please clarify what information you need from me.

[tomato]

Perhaps the xfxsupport person meant the thread you created at the xfxforce.com website when you made your help ticket?

[Das Capitolin]

Perhaps the xfxsupport person meant the thread you created at the xfxforce.com website when you made your help ticket?

They don't have a forum on their site Tomato... this is it.

[werty316]

I think both of them meant the support ticket forum where you can reply to your ticket issue. NOt usre what else they would mean other than this thread.

[Das Capitolin]

You were correct Werty. I logged back into xfxforce.com and saw that there was a reply waiting for me since the day after my last response.

Since XFX does not have a forum (they have a Help Desk message index), I thought xfxsupport meant this forum when he said "thread".

[tomato]

whoops, sorry Das, the XFX Support Ticket Forum is what I meant too :? :P

[zachig]

I really hope that the 7900GT SLI Set in which I've won here at Bjorn3D won't arrive with defective cards...:confused:

I hear too many "horror" stories on people who bought a 7900GT and had to send it back for RMA...:roll:

I really hope that mine will be OK...:???: As I haven't got them yet...

[tomato]

Ok, zachig, we know you're happy to win the 7900GT pair (and we're happy that you won them as well), but do you have to include some sort of reference to it in practically every one of your posts? ...there is such a thing as humility... The constant reference to your cards could be seen as "rubbing it in our faces", so please be aware of that. :? (and you are currently running a 7800GTX, not exactly a "low end" card)

Back on topic: XFX support has treated us good (I had a good experience myslef with them), so I have great confidence in XFX taking care of your problem(s) Das ;) :)

[zachig]

Ok, zachig, we know you're happy to win the 7900GT pair (and we're happy that you won them as well), but do you have to include some sort of reference to it in practically every one of your posts? ...there is such a thing as humility... The constant reference to your cards could be seen as "rubbing it in our faces", so please be aware of that. :? (and you are currently running a 7800GTX, not exactly a "low end" card)

Back on topic: XFX support has treated us good (I had a good experience myslef with them), so I have great confidence in XFX taking care of your problem(s) Das ;) :)

OK!!! OK!!! CALM DOWN!!! 8) I wasn't trying to "rub it in your face" and wasn't trying to brag. I just expressed my feelings and fears that I might face the same (or similar) problems with my cards.

That's why I think my post was relevant, as this thread is dealing with a 7900GT, isn't it?

And beside that, I don't mention my 7900GTs in every post (ok...almost in every post), but that's just because I'm so happy I've won them and I would like to thanks Bjorn3D, and you shouldn't be offended by that. :???:

I didn't see anyone else complaining? :roll: But if it really disturbs you, I'll try no to mention my new 7900GT SLI Set any more, ok? :lol: :mrgreen:

[werty316]

No kidding talk about overkill about mentioning your 7900GTs over and over again with happy f:)ces, bold, and italics; I am making you the next honorary Johnnie ;)

Its great you won and we all know that so why keep repeating it? I read a few of your posts and a few of them still mention this and you said you don't mention it every time...... Your school girl posts are funny to read :lol:

[Das Capitolin]

XFX support is treating me well, and we are communicating back and forth again. They had me install version 84.21 drivers, which helped a little, but it still has streaking all over the screen.

I am now sending the card in for the RMA process. Here is that process, FYI:

The RMA process requires that you send in the card to us so we can take a look at it and then we will send out the replacement if it is deemed faulty. Please send the card to: XFX | 1931 Lynx Place | Ontario, CA 91761 | Please send only the video card and a copy of the invoice. Please do not send the original box, cables, CD`s or anything else as it may not be returned. Also, put the card in an anti-static bag or clam shell. Please write on the outside of the package ATTN: XYZ123. XYZ123 is your RMA number, please keep it as a reference number. Once we receive the card we will test it for a day or two and then ship out the replacement. The entire process may take up to 2 weeks.

[Kougar]

2-weeks... yum. I'm going to have to make a note if companies do cross-shipping as a regular part of their warranty process. This entire 7900 business is beyond silly.

Glad to hear that the ball is officially rolling however... hope you can get a replacement card within just a week. :)

This is a good reason why it pays to have basic PCI GPUs laying around... Even though ya have your original 7900GT to fall back upon in your case. ;)

[zachig]

No kidding talk about overkill about mentioning your 7900GTs over and over again with happy f:)ces, bold, and italics; I am making you the next honorary Johnnie ;)

Its great you won and we all know that so why keep repeating it? I read a few of your posts and a few of them still mention this and you said you don't mention it every time...... Your school girl posts are funny to read :lol:

OK. Got your point! Does anyone else also thinks the same as werty and his brother, tomato? :twisted: :wink:

OK. From now on, I'm not going to mention the cards anymore, except maybe when I'll get them...:lol:

[Das Capitolin]

OK. Got your point! Does anyone else also thinks the same as werty and his brother, tomato? :twisted: :wink:

OK. From now on, I'm not going to mention the cards anymore, except maybe when I'll get them...:lol:

Zachig: you won the cards, and you won them here. As far as I am concerned, you can talk about them all day long; just let my FX support thread remain on topic... all of you.

[zachig]

Zachig: you won the cards, and you won them here. As far as I am concerned, you can talk about them all day long; just let my FX support thread remain on topic... all of you.

Thanks for YOUR understanding!!! :mrgreen: :wink:

[tomato]

Zachig: you won the cards, and you won them here. As far as I am concerned, you can talk about them all day long; just let my FX support thread remain on topic... all of you.

My point was that the thread was about your XFX Support Ticket... not zachig's prize... anyway Das, I do hope that your issues with your video cards are taken care of by XFX ;)

[Das Capitolin]

They (XFX) called me on Friday to tell me that their initial tests showed no problems. I then explained that FEAR: Combat would repeatedly crash, and BF2 would artifact constantly. Hopefully they will try a little harder to reprouduce real-world usage.

[Das Capitolin]

I received a call from Dennis at XFX earlier this morning requesting more info about the cards failure. He just called me again, and confirmed that he is sending this through to the RMA department, and that a new card should be shipped in a few days. That wasn't soooo bad.

[tomato]

Great news Das! Good to hear that XFX is really taking care of you, so far as to phone you up! ;) :) (gotta have some perks being a part of Bjorn3D eh? :P)

[Das Capitolin]

Actually, I didn't even mention my relationship with this site until the second time they called. So at least the first call was very quick, and without any bias. I have to wonder if anyone other then Scott has real pull over there anyway, and even then Ryan is in marketing, not tech support.

[xfxsupport]

Hey All,
Just checking in to let you know that we here at Xfx are gamers too and we want you to have a great gaming experience. We work closely with our engineers to develop testing procedures that mimic the stressful environment of the gamer. We use 3D Mark 03, 06. An HDR and memory testing tool, Bench em all which uses actual games like Far Cry, Doom 3 and others to actually put the cards in a gaming setting. Finally we use a few proprietary testing tools to look at specific actions of the card. Due to this nearly every fault will be determined. We recognize that there are some specifics and something we may have missed. That is why we get you the consumer involved to try and replicate the issue. Most end-user cards go through a strenuous testing phase before we determine that there is no fault.

[zachig]

Hey All,
Just checking in to let you know that we here at Xfx are gamers too and we want you to have a great gaming experience. We work closely with our engineers to develop testing procedures that mimic the stressful environment of the gamer. We use 3D Mark 03, 06. An HDR and memory testing tool, Bench em all which uses actual games like Far Cry, Doom 3 and others to actually put the cards in a gaming setting. Finally we use a few proprietary testing tools to look at specific actions of the card. Due to this nearly every fault will be determined. We recognize that there are some specifics and something we may have missed. That is why we get you the consumer involved to try and replicate the issue. Most end-user cards go through a strenuous testing phase before we determine that there is no fault.
That's a really GREAT thing to hear!!! :mrgreen:

Kudos to XFX!!! :wink:

[Das Capitolin]

To Curtis, Michael, Kevin, Brian, and Eric:

Thank you all very much for making the RMA process a bit less stressful though your prompt communication. I appreciate it very much.

Olin

[Das Capitolin]

Follow-up: The replacement 7900GT is runing GREAT! Plays FEAR: Combat on the highest settings with no problems whatsoever. Thank you for your assistance!

[tomato]

Glad to hear it Das ;) :) What's the situation on your other card?

[Das Capitolin]

I got it a few days ago, and so far everything is working really well <crosing fingers>. I did notice that this new card is the reversion 2 though, so I don't know what difference that makes. Sure seems more stable, and runs slightly cooler too.

[Kougar]

Good to hear everything seems good to go! Any issues with the fan speed? And if you have one of those cards that runs at 100% speed, does the fan motor itself get really hot on your cards?

[Das Capitolin]

The fan runs 100% full time, and it is a bit noisy, but for now I can accept that. After about a month of "burn-in" testing, I will have a cure for this.

[Bio-Hazard]

Mine runs 100% all the time as well, even with the new bios updated. But my noise solution is back together/upgraded, so I'll be bak to low noise/cool temps this weekend maybe.

[Kougar]

Okay, so can either one of you check to see how hot the spindle on the fan of those cards usually get after the system has been on for a few hours?

I was asking as the fan/spindle on this 7800GT gets almost hot enough that I can't hold my finger on it. That can't be good for the fan's lifespan to be that hot.

[Bio-Hazard]

Mine seems pretty cool just touching the center of the fan after gaming, maybe just warm to the touch, but I have that huge 25cm fan blowing on it all the time also........;)

[werty316]

Okay, so can either one of you check to see how hot the spindle on the fan of those cards usually get after the system has been on for a few hours?

I was asking as the fan/spindle on this 7800GT gets almost hot enough that I can't hold my finger on it. That can't be good for the fan's lifespan to be that hot.
If you think that is hot, touch the backplate of the cooler it gets quite warm.

7800GTX GPUs use 130nm process where as the 7900GT GPUs use a 90nm process so the 7800 cards would produce more heat ;) Also there is a factor that the 7800GTX cooler cools both the GPU and memory so more heat is being transfered where as the 7900GT uses a copper cooler and doesn't cool the memory.
One easy solution: aftermarket cooling.

[Kougar]

Thanks Sbrehm!

Werty, ya misunderstand, I don't mean the GPU temps or the cooler temps, I mean the physical temperature of the center of the fan itself is what I am talking about, the fan is literally cooking itself probably due to running at full speed at full volts all the time.

[Das Capitolin]

I have a collection of brand new copper 7900GT HSF's. I replace all of the stock units with AC Silencers after I am certain the card can perform flawlessly, which takes a few weeks. Once you mount the Silencer, there is no going back though... it's mounted for good.

[Kougar]

Hm, I thought about asking for one, but upon considering it I am sure a 7900HSF wouldn't be capable of handling this card's requirements... and I'd better not void the warranty anyway just to try one. If the fan ever goes out then I'll just have to give XFX a ring... ;)

My apologies for sidetracking your thread, Das.

[zachig]

Mine runs 100% all the time as well, even with the new bios updated. But my noise solution is back together/upgraded, so I'll be bak to low noise/cool temps this weekend maybe.
That's strange...:roll: As soon as I got my XFX 7900GTs, I've flashed the new BIOS and now both cards' fans can be controlled using RivaTuner...:grin:
I've set them to be at 25% (2D), 40% (Low 3D) and 80% (Power 3D) at start-up.

[Dungeoncrawler]

...hey everyone :). I'm having the same problems with my XFX7950GX2 Extreme. Getting some very odd graphical (artifacts) in games. I have not sent in a ticket to XFX yet. Fortunately, my card is still under the 30day return warranty from newegg. I do have a topic started right here on the tech forum (please forgive the double post over there :confused: ). Hopefully I get some good ideas to try from here, and if nothing else, then I'll rma it to newegg on Friday or Monday. Glad to hear the thread starter is back in business. Hopefully I will be too, soon. Can't wait to give Dark Messiah a go-at-it.

Dc

[Das Capitolin]

I would just get it RMA'ed. It will not get better because it is a hardware issue.