Reagrding AGP Graphics Card.

i had a Nvidia GForce Fx5200 graphic card. But of late the desktop seems to freeze completely at random intervals of time, sometimes while opening AVI files, sometimes while running DXDiag . So removed the card and and booted my PC with onboard Video Card(which btw is S3 Pro Savage DDR NO use Card!!!!!!!!!!!). But now when i m putting my graphic card back on again the PC is not even booting. I just get the idle signal on my monitor. First i thought since i got a new RAM installed i am gettnig the problem, so i reinstalled the drivers for FX 5200 but still it behaving the same way. I m planning to upgrade entire CPU shortly but till then i want a temp graphic card, How would one come to know if its the graphic card that damaged or the AGP slot itself. If the AGP slot is working then can i buy a GForce FX6300 256 Mb card temporarily, I have a 8x AGP slot anf 350W SMPS. will it cause any problems if i buy a new card with above specs? Is there any need to increase SMPS for buying the card./ will it cause heating I have a P4 2.4 processors. Please can someone provide some advice for this.

First off did the computer work OK with the new RAM? If not then remove the new RAM. Most motherboards will auto detect an AGP card. If the computer does not start how did you load drivers? As to wattage requirements check the specs on the particular card you want. In most cases the wattage requirements are listed. If the problem persists in booting the BIOS try clearing your CMOS. If you need help with that can you please post the ID of your motherboard.

the PC booted fine with the new RAM. One thing that i did wrong (maybe) was that i didnt lock the DIMM two slots i.e while changing the RAM, the empty slot near to the graphics card was left open making contact the graphic card which is whiy i think the graphic card got spoilt The computer was working well for few minutes then it suddenly freezes which i why i thought that it was a driver problem. Then i reloaded the drivers but it was of no use. I have one question Hw can i come to know if the graphic card that is damaged or the AGP slot.(one problem here is i dont have a ready to test graphic card)

Just to clarify / verify: You can use the computer with the on-board VGA? Without a different card and or different motherboard it would be hard to test either. That being said damage to the motherboard would be quite rare. I also would not jump to the conclusion that the card is damaged. If you can start the computer with the on-board VGA check your BIOS Setup and look for the option to switch between "On-board VGA" and "AGP". This is usually automatic but some older boards have a BIOS "switch". Can you also post the ID of this motherboard?

Ya Currently usin the PC with on board VGA card And checked the BIOS didnt find the option to switch between the two VGA and AGP card because while switching between AGP and on board VGA i didnt change any option in BIOS I am an newbie can u plz tell me where the ID of the motherboard I got the hint the card is damaged because of the DIMM slot thing i mentioned earlier (in the user manual i was mentioned to be careful of this thing)

If you have the motherboard manual that should ID it. If you are talking about a different manual than most motherboards have a stenciled label printed on the board usually near either the RAM slots or the AGP slot.

i have something like P4MAM MS 6787 v 1.x on my manual

This should be it:

http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php?func=do…amp;prod_no=577

I am downloading the manual and will post back shortly.

I would suggest clearing your CMOS and then try your AGP card again.

After you clear the CMOS you will need to reset the clock in your BIOS Setup.

Also in your BIOS Setup check out the feature called: "PC Health Status"

Here is a detail of the JBAT jumper and your manuals' instructions on clearing (page 11):

With the computer unplugged you move this jumper from 1 | 2 to 2 | 3 for a minute or so then return the jumper back to 1 | 2

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Thanks for the replies will have to try that one out one thing that i noticed that when i insert the AGP card in the slot the fan on the card is turned on, But i get no display Does it mean that the slot is working fine ALso if i clear the CMOS RAM will i have to install the OS again by formattin or all the data will remain as it is

It indicates the card is at least getting power. Clearing the CMOS will determine if some BIOS corruption might be the cause of non-detection.

Clearing the CMOS simply resets the BIOS settings to default and clears the old BIOS memory. It has no affect on your operating system or hard drive. It only affects your motherboard.

Hey i just tried the solution you suggested and it worked. I resetted the CMOS and the put the AGP card back on and it got detected. Also i ran DXDIAG test on my PC and it ran sucessfully whereas it was gettin stuck previously. the avi files was also played. Thanks a lot………………………Is there a sureshot test for Card functioning properly……………. Also the PC health status u were talking about how to use it effiiciently

Cool. Glad it worked.

Best way to test is just run some graphics intense programs. Any games you have or streaming media.

3D Mark06 is a good graphics tester although it is a large download:

http://www.futuremark.com/benchmarks/3dmark06/download/

PC Health is usually temp and fan monitors. Just check it out. The details would depend on the particular BIOS.

after that CMOS discharge all was working fine but recently my DXDIAG 3d are getting failed. PC just freezes up as soon i run that test but the direct draw test is gettin passed. Should i Discharge the CMOS RAM again to get it working again or install the drivers again or is there any other workaround Please advice