Curse

Syndren · Apr 10, 2007, 06:00 AM // 06:00

Just did a quick google search:

http://guildwars.incgamers.com/forum...=437031&page=2

Quote:

I think i might have just fixed it. I downloaded a program called ATITool and ran the artifact checker. It basically simulates the stress a game would involve. Alas, same thing happened.

So i lowered the core and memory clock and eventually not a single problem. Hmm. Time to start testing.

Of course you would have to find the respected prog for your video card company.

On some other forums someone suggested turning off the aero feature

http://thevistaforums.com/index.php?...&#entry691 97
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/forums/s...d.php?t=560642
http://forums.nvidia.com/lofiversion...hp?t19396.html

Dex · Apr 10, 2007, 06:08 AM // 06:08

Fava, do you know exactly what video card you're using (brand name + model)? If it's factory overclocked it's possible that Syndren's suggestion of lowering the clockspeed could be worth a try. However, you shouldn't have to do things like that. My 7900GT's are factory overclocked and I had to underclock them by 5 MHz to get them to run in SLI in Oblivion, and that annoyed me.

Syndren · Apr 10, 2007, 06:20 AM // 06:20

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dex

Fava, do you know exactly what video card you're using (brand name + model)? If it's factory overclocked it's possible that Syndren's suggestion of lowering the clockspeed could be worth a try. However, you shouldn't have to do things like that. My 7900GT's are factory overclocked and I had to underclock them by 5 MHz to get them to run in SLI in Oblivion, and that annoyed me.

I suspect its overclocked (Alienware) I wouldn't be surprised if it was overclocked to maintain their reputation of superior game performance (I'm not saying they don't know what they are doing just that the chance it is overclocked is high)
My guess it is this one:

http://alienware.com/product_detail_...de=SKU-DEFAULT
click on customize

(original linking did not work)

Fava · Apr 10, 2007, 07:47 AM // 07:47

NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS. Nothing i bought was overclocked. I dont mess around with that crap. I know you guys are dogging on alienware but ive been nothing but impressed with them so far.

Dex · Apr 10, 2007, 07:59 AM // 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

NVIDIA GeForce 7900 GS. Nothing i bought was overclocked. I dont mess around with that crap. I know you guys are dogging on alienware but ive been nothing but impressed with them so far.

I have no problem with Alienware except that they're more expensive than they should be.

Do you know what the actual brand and model of the video card is? The GPU is a 7900 GS, but nVidia doesn't actually make the cards. Companies like eVGA, XFX, BFG, etc. actually make the cards. Many of these cards come factory overclocked...you may not even know that it's overclocked. That's why I'm asking about the brand and model number.

Fava · Apr 10, 2007, 08:02 AM // 08:02

i have no idea where to find that info at. any idea?

Dex · Apr 10, 2007, 08:06 AM // 08:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

i have no idea where to find that info at. any idea?

What's the Alienware model number of the PC?

Fava · Apr 10, 2007, 08:06 AM // 08:06

found it! eVGA nvidia geforce 7900 GS 256 mb pcie graphics processor

Dex · Apr 10, 2007, 08:19 AM // 08:19

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

found it! eVGA nvidia geforce 7900 GS 256 mb pcie graphics processor

Hmm.....Alienware site doesn't say anything about what the card is clocked at. Still, black screens tend to be driver issues. Have you tried using an older driver?

Also, have you tried any other 3D games? If you don't have any there are plenty of free demos you can download and try just to see if your 3D graphics subsystem is working properly.

As was mentioned earlier in the thread, it might also be helpful to download and install any DirectX updates that might be available.

dronex · Apr 10, 2007, 08:21 AM // 08:21

Can you actualy run any 3d applications? Benchmarks, other games ? have you tried to restore default settings in your nvidia control panel... i still think its directx problem. Good luck.
Try to run DirectX diagonostic tool (winkey+r and type dxdiag) check whats happening there.

easyg · Apr 10, 2007, 08:26 AM // 08:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dex

So, do you think that Alienware is charging more for some kind of magical spell that makes their systems faster, then? Seriously?!?!?

If you've ever looked into building a system you'd know what we're talking about. The specs on your friend's computer are obviously not the same as yours. Perhaps close, but they're obviously not using the same components under the covers. Alienware has the same base components available to them that everyone else does. That fact and their pricing is not an opinion. I'm not ripping on your PC, just stating facts. I've been doing this stuff for a looooong time. Not going to argue with you about it. Thinking that Alienware systems are somehow magically faster doesn't make any sense.

Alienware are overpriced. It's no secret, my friend. It's a quite well-known fact throughout the hardware enthusiast community. Why don't you do some research on it? No need to get your feathers all ruffled about it. Relax.

One nice thing about boutiques is they generally do a really nice wiring job. Even the magazines mention this all the time.

By wiring job, I don't mean just that the connectors are plugged in securely. I mean, with a really first rate boutique, all the wires are exactly the right lenght, tightly crimped, and fully sleeved. There's no wire clutter in the case at all.

Truth to tell, most guys, even enthusiasts, don't even own a $15 molex crimper. They end up using pliers or even their teeth if a connector comes loose (which is pretty often). Crimping with your teeth is pretty cool, but it definitely isn't gonna meet ISO ceritifcation standards.

Syndren · Apr 10, 2007, 08:32 AM // 08:32

I don't think most of us are dogging Alienware :P
My only issue is the overpricing. However I don't mind people buying Alienware - I personally think they look cool. If you want to purchase a Alienware I am more than happy for you (general statement).

Anyways, just to continue on the point about company overclocking - Companys may overclock or even underclock your CPU or GPU depending on what thier goal is.
For example my own Thinkpad T60 laptop actually has its GPU underclocked to achieve more battery life and to maintain the heat.
All I meant by my previous post is that Alienware may have factory overclocked your GPU to increase its performance. This is not a bad thing - they probably know more about it than 80% of the overclocking population.

May I also ask - have you tried any of my other suggestions? Those may help troubleshoot the problem. As a last resort (act of desperation) I would actually underclock the GPU's core speed and memory speed by only a little bit and then test to see if the game works. If it doesn't continue to underclock by little bits until it works. If you underclock by a lot and the issue still persists than we can safely say its nothing to do with your GPU hardware.

Fava · Apr 10, 2007, 08:33 AM // 08:33

Quote:

Originally Posted by dronex

Can you actualy run any 3d applications? Benchmarks, other games ? have you tried to restore default settings in your nvidia control panel... i still think its directx problem. Good luck.
Try to run DirectX diagonostic tool (winkey+r and type dxdiag) check whats happening there.

i run CS Source, Black and White 3, C&C 3, GTA all with zero problems. i ran dxdiag and it all came back with no problems detected. im starting to think that im just really unlucky... oh and i am runnin directx 10. im gonna try to downgrade.

easyg · Apr 10, 2007, 09:00 AM // 09:00

Quote:

Originally Posted by Syndren

All I meant by my previous post is that Alienware may have factory overclocked your GPU to increase its performance. This is not a bad thing - they probably know more about it than 80% of the overclocking population.

Eh, not to mention if it's factory overclocked, the OEM's warranty covers the CPU. On the other hand, if Joe Schmoe decides to overclock his E6400 to 3.7 GHz on air and the bugger goes ka-blooey, poor Joe is sh!t out of luck. Cause Intel's limited warranty clearly state:

"[T]his limited warranty does NOT cover...any Product which has been modified or operated outside of Intel's publicly available specifications..." etc.

Meaning, overclock at your own risk, buddy. On the other hand, an OEM will still cover the part if they are the ones who did the overclocking.

dronex · Apr 10, 2007, 09:39 AM // 09:39

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

i run CS Source, Black and White 3, C&C 3, GTA all with zero problems. i ran dxdiag and it all came back with no problems detected. im starting to think that im just really unlucky... oh and i am runnin directx 10. im gonna try to downgrade.

No not downgrade, maybe youre just missing some dx9 dll (like some later releases have wich gw may need... who knows) but its strange realy

TyrianFury · Apr 10, 2007, 12:36 PM // 12:36

I have ran Guild Wars on Windows Vista since late December with the final release of Vista Business 64-bit without any problems until the April 5th update. As I mentioned in other threads I now get reduced framerate of 10-20 fps and I used to get 40-75, I also can no longer take screenshots or save skill templates.

I doubt I will go back to Windows xp since everything else I have runs wonderfully and I much prefer the new OS.

Lonesamurai · Apr 10, 2007, 12:47 PM // 12:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by TyrianFury

I have ran Guild Wars on Windows Vista since late December with the final release of Vista Business 64-bit without any problems until the April 5th update. As I mentioned in other threads I now get reduced framerate of 10-20 fps and I used to get 40-75, I also can no longer take screenshots or save skill templates.

I doubt I will go back to Windows xp since everything else I have runs wonderfully and I much prefer the new OS.

This is exactly what I'm getting and i also believe Vista is a much better product over XP

The reduced framerates are a nuisance though

Fava · Apr 10, 2007, 08:50 PM // 20:50

Turns out it was just that GW didnt like DX10. I installed DX9 and it runs perfectly. Thank you all for your help! Much appreciated.

fava

Lonesamurai · Apr 10, 2007, 09:01 PM // 21:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

Turns out it was just that GW didnt like DX10. I installed DX9 and it runs perfectly. Thank you all for your help! Much appreciated.

fava

What? DX9 doesn't work or even exist to work on vista... Just as DX10 doesn't exist, nor will it install for XP

Tachyon · Apr 11, 2007, 01:28 AM // 01:28

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fava

Turns out it was just that GW didnt like DX10. I installed DX9 and it runs perfectly. Thank you all for your help! Much appreciated.

fava

Ok, just how the hell did you install DX9 on Vista? You simply can't do that! Trust me, in all my attempts at crashing Vista I've never been allowed to regrade the DX version!

On this PC I have two 8800GTX's running GW just fine under Vista, yet if I stick a 7950GX2 in there, which is a DX9 card, it runs just as well. A slight drop in FPS, but nothing noticeable.