Attention nVidia Users - Cards and Drivers Updates!

[Phil Walker]

Guess I was too busy to noitce this earlier (as the Good Lord knows what I've been doing), but let's say you are one of the few, Rnett. I don't know that luck has anything to do with it as in my case I notice many things the normal eye doesn't see as my quality is tweaked so high and performance means nothing to me as without quality I can't see, use, nor enjoy my PC especially in gaming. The only way I'd say you were lucky is that you are not in my condition and/or position (and hopefully you'll never be). :cheers:

Sincerely,
Phil

[TommyLee]

:confused:

[Phil Walker]

An emotion without explantion as to how, seems to be a wasted post, so if you would please do explain, so you might be addressed properly. :rolleyes:

Sincerely,
Phil

[Dobber]

An emotion without explantion as to how, seems to be a wasted post, so if you would please do explain, so you might be addressed properly. :rolleyes:

Sincerely,
Phil




In the email notification I received of Tommy Lee's post, there was also the statement - "von was sabbelt der da eigentlich die ganze zeit? in seinem laubfroschgrün? ". I can only guess that he deleted the statement right after posting! Maybe realizing he was posting in German in the English forum!

[TommyLee]

this statement sollte auch nicht here stehen, sondern whereanders. thats why i lösched it.

:eek:

[Phil Walker]

Clear now (I think). :confused: None the less I get norified (by my own choosing) when my Stickies get replied to, so just couldn't figure out why at the time.

Sincerely,
Phil

[bobby55]

I took Phil's advice and went back to the .47 driver and that seemed to help my video "crash" issue a little. I opened a ticket with Aspyr about the 1.02 patch and they mentioned that my Nvidia 7600 GS is not a supported card. The "crash" that I keep experiencing is a complete video freeze up with the image also breaking up. This happens at varying intervals, sometimes only 20 minutes or so, sometimes after an hour. I do notice that when playing 1701, the video card fan runs constantly. Any suggestions as to how to make the game more stable? I've checked DXDiag, all looks good there. I'm running the game on the "medium" video settings.

[Rnett]

Clean out all the dust if there is any.

[Phil Walker]

On top of what Rnett said, the possibilities are endless with what you've given. WHO told you the card is not supported is my first question. Rnett and I use the same card ourselves although different models. Drivers might not be the only problem, so if you'd provide not only us with a copy of your DxDiag as well as your list of background programs, we'll see what can be done.

Sincerely,
Phil

[bobby55]

Her is my DxDiag info:

System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 4/26/2007, 15:50:59
Machine name: YOUR-4DACD0EA75
Operating System: Windows XP Professional (5.1, Build 2600) Service Pack 2 (2600.xpsp_sp2_gdr.070227-2254)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: HP Pavilion 061
System Model: ER884AA-ABA m7480n
BIOS: Phoenix - AwardBIOS v6.00PG
Processor: Intel(R) Pentium(R) D CPU 3.00GHz (2 CPUs)
Memory: 2046MB RAM
Page File: 454MB used, 3483MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.2600.2180 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found. DirectDraw test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 7 test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 8 test results: All tests were successful. Direct3D 9 test results: All tests were successful.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce 7600 GS
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce 7600 GS
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_0392&SUBSYS_033C196E&REV_A1
Display Memory: 512.0 MB
Current Mode: 1280 x 1024 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0010.9147 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 8/11/2006 21:42:52, 4496128 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: Yes
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 8/11/2006 21:42:42, 3958496 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-40D2-11CF-6559-362300C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x0392
SubSys ID: 0x033C196E
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_A ModeMPEG2_B ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D ModeWMV9_B ModeWMV9_A
Deinterlace Caps: {212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{212DC724-3235-44A4-BD29-E1652BBCC71C}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: All tests were successful.
D3D7 Test Result: All tests were successful.
D3D8 Test Result: All tests were successful.
D3D9 Test Result: All tests were successful.


Aspyr support told me that the Nvidia 7600 card is not supported. I had provided that info when setting up my account to open a ticket inquiring about the v. 1.02 patch.

I have recently cleaned out my computer case. There are no airflow obstructions near the case, and the fans all seem to work. My system has a 300 watt power supply, according to HP.

Any tips would be greatly appreciated.

I'm not sure what you mean by background applications. Can you be more specific please?

[Phil Walker]

I know exactly what your problem is now. Background programs are what is under your Startup tab after running msconfig. Instructions noted in my other Sticky about problems with the game.

As to your problme though, it's that power supply. If you have a PNY nVidia 7600GS, you can "get by" with it, but not very well. If any other card maker 350 watts or more is minimum but you should have more to be safe. You probably added the card and I have a feeling it's a BFG model (which I have). So, you need 350 watts or more and 375 watts or more would be better. I have a Compaq (division of HP) and know for a fact that they don't size the power supplies amply. So, you need to get one of higher wattage and soon or you might start to cause other components to fail due to the lack of power. Your card will show this first and if not careful it might be starting. I'll do some checking where I got my upgraded power supply to see if they have one that will match.

(Reason for Edit) Found a 370 watt power supply for your PC! Go HERE (http://www.thirty-day.com/shop/index.php/action/item/id/238/prevaction/category/previd/15/prevstart/0/).


Sincerely,
Phil

[Rnett]

The 300 watt ps is cutting it a bit close, it may or may not be causing some intermittent problems.

[Phil Walker]

Most likely Rnett. If he has any other "brand" than PNY, it's definite as 350 watts or more are needed, and why my link to a 370 watt for his PC above. :wink:

Sincerely,
Phil

[bobby55]

Actually, my card IS by PNY. I'm still going to look in to a bigger PS.

[Phil Walker]

For general gaming you should have no troubles with it then. However, Anno 1701 (and Caesar 4) "tax" the demands of both the card and system, and under those conditions about 10% more is needed. As noted, I have a Compaq and have run into this as both undersize PSUs (like most companies anymore), and why I now have a 420 watts PSU as mine requires 350 watts. So, worth noting and looking into. Our PCs aren't easy to match, as they don't use standard ATX models and why I noted the best you can get and where to get it (as it took me a very long time to find mine and this was the place I found it). Good Luck!


Sincerely,
Phil

[bobby55]

I've installed a bigger power supply, and still have the same problem with the game crashing-the screen freezes and becomes distorted. With the new PS, I can tell the fans are running better. Per my previous posts, I'm using the driver version you recommended, and my DxDiag results are fine. Any suggestions?

[Phil Walker]

Yes Bobby! As I noted before, it sounds like a conflict and/or too many things running in the background. We need your list and to provide read the first post of my other Sticky in regard to probelms with the game (2nd set of instrucitons). Once I see your list, I have a feeling the problem will be more clear, but not until. So, read the other thread, follow the insttrcutions, and provide me with your list so I can get this issue resoved for you. Will be waiting!


Sincerely,
Phil

[Dobber]

Folks be on the lookout for a driver update from Phil, he has been testing the latest nVidia drivers!

[Phil Walker]

UPDATE!!!

Yes, there are now some new nVidia drviers out once again. One I have tested and one not (yet). Let me first note those I have not tested as I am unable to at this time. For all you 8000-series card owners, only this month (May 2007) are your cards support by XP (all versions now) and 2000. The newest set to support these systems are the 158.22 drivers. As noted, I have not tested them, but sure those of you with these newest cards will. You will find these drivers HERE (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_158.22.html). Soon I will be able to test the 8000-series cards, but not yet, but being as they are now supporting all XP versons as soon as I get the card in my plans I will. So, hope these work for you!

Now, let's cover the drivers many of us have been waiting for. Yes, even the DX9-compliant cards also have new driver (finally). These I have testeed and already have others verifying them for me. They are a vast improvement on the 93.71s so I am now going to suggest and endorse these drivers. They are the 94.24 version that you will find HERE (http://www.nvidia.com/object/winxp_2k_94.24.html). Warning: Those of you with 5000-series and earlier card, Do Not even try to install these drivers! They're only designed for 6000-series and later cards (even thought the documentations states they are, but the documentatnion is wrong), though regretfully. So, those of you with 5000-series and ealier cards, you'll need to continue to use the 91.47 drivers. I have had these drivers tested on the 6200 and 6600 cards and those who have say they work great, so now those of you with these cards may use these new drivers instead of the 91.31s as well, which while not that old are older than the 91.47s anyway. So, try them out!!!

As with any new drivers, you use them at your own risk, but know I have put them through my paces and found them to work very well with all my games and other applications as well. So, I will start to now suggest these drivers to all with 6000-series and 7000-series cards, but should they not work well for you, you'll just have to revertt back to my earlier suggestions. Also, make sure you follow my instructions contained in this thread to uninstall what you have now and install the new drivers properly. Enjoy!


Sincerely,
Phil