8800 GTS problems...

[jpslash]

I recently bought a BFG 8800 GTS OC that replaced my ol' 7900GTX. I done a usual uninstall/install, and everything worked out fine until I installed Nvidia's drivers. During the reboot of the installment the drivers would just fall once the pc came back on, as if they had never been attempted to be installed, and the XP driver would automatically take over. I then disabled my antivirus(which is Eset NOD32), and the installment went a little better but still not correct. Nvidia control panel showed up and would open, but nothing but a blank window would come up. In control panel Nvidia drivers were shown, but no size or usage information was there. My PC games would either completely crash or play for a little while and crash. I was getting unexpected system restarts and the dreaded Blue Screen. Internet Explorer would frequently crash as well. I then uninstalled NOD32 and tried it all again, but I got the same results...

Since all the crashes and restarts were occuring, I immediately ordered another PSU. The old PSU I had just barely met the minimum requirements of the 8800GTS and was pretty much crap anyway. I got a much better PSU that is enough to run 2 8800s(SLI-ready 550W 12v rating of 36A), and Im still having the same exact problems!!!!

For some reason I cannot get Nvidias Drivers to properly install, or at least it seems that way. Is it my MotherBoard perhaps? Thats the only thing that I can think of right now. I still need to try to reformat my HD, but Im doubting that will work at this point, but Im gonna try it anyway. I thought I would post this just in case the reformat doesnt work. Yes, all Bios, chipset, Nvidia, etc., drivers are all up to date. I have a Biostar N4SLI-A9 socket 939 motherboard, there isnt any reason why this sucker shouldnt work with an 8800GTS, is there? Heres some more info about my MOBO:

http://biostar-usa.com/mbdetails.asp?model=n4sli-a9

Anyone have any idea what is going on?

Heres my specs:

Windows XP professional X64
AMD64 Athlon X2 4200+ socket 939
BFG Tech Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTS OC
Biostar N4SLI-A9 MotherBoard
2GB Crucial DDR 400 system memory
Seagate 300GB SATA 7200RPM 16MB Cache Hard Drive
550W PSU SLI-Ready

BTW, its a self-built PC...

Any help would be MUCH appreicated...

[hitchface]

Well, from experience, sometimes the newest drivers aren't always the best ones. See if there are any previous versions of the drivers for that card that will work. I had this issue with my gfx card as well, and that solved the problem. I usually wait until there are 2 driver updates past my own before I update to the next one...if that makes sense.

[glc]

It's your 64 bit OS. It's driver hell on a GOOD day.

[jpslash]

Originally Posted by hitchface Well, from experience, sometimes the newest drivers aren't always the best ones. See if there are any previous versions of the drivers for that card that will work. I had this issue with my gfx card as well, and that solved the problem. I usually wait until there are 2 driver updates past my own before I update to the next one...if that makes sense.

Yeah, Ive already tried all of them and no luck.

Originally Posted by glc It's your 64 bit OS. It's driver hell on a GOOD day.

No doubt about that! Ive had a world of driver trouble with x64. But what can I do about that except get another OS or wait on some more 8800 drivers? Nothing Im assuming. Im gonna reformat tomorrow and pray for the best.

Thanks a bunch for the replies...

[glc]

Unfortunately, I think your assumption is correct - and I don't anticipate any further XP x64 driver development now that Vista is here. Nvidia is having all kinds of problems with THAT and their development team is probably concentrating on that right now. I'd almost recommend you put 32 bit XP on it, that works good. I'd say that within a few months you could put 32 or 64 bit Vista on and have good driver support. It's just a bit early for DX10, that's why we've been recommending filler cards for new builds, the 8800 is the first out of the gate and it hasn't been a smooth rollout.

[jpslash]

Thanks a bunch for the help...

I reformated and still no luck. I contacted BFG about the problem, they asked me a few questions and then told me to RMA the card. Crap, Ive heard stories about it taking weeks to RMA something but Ive been lucky enough to have never had to do such.

I guess I only have 2 choices...Either RMA the card, or grab a 32Bit OS.

Any suggestions what would be the best thing to do???

[hitchface]

Well, if a 32 bit OS is available to you or you don't mind spending the money, you may as well go for it. Keep the 8800, because eventually things will straighten out, and you already HAVE the card. Know what I mean?

There is no sense in ditching the hardware when the software will catch up soon enough.

[jpslash]

So you dont think its the card eh? I dont either. I think Ill try another OS before I RMA the card.

Thanks a bunch!!!!!

[hitchface]

Just get a second opinion first, but yeah, I'm pretty positive that it isn't a hardware issue.

[jpslash]

Well, a 32Bit OS didnt do the trick either... Guess Ill just have to RMA. Damn, I wasnt wanting to do that! Oh well...

Thanks again...