Video hardware error

I've been using this GeForce 8800 Ultra with Windows 7 x64 since the release of Windows 7 with no problems. Had the latest (Nov 09) drivers installed.

Yesterday, I get a Video Hardware Error at 10am.

Then 4 errors at 9:30 pm - Video Hardware Error/Windows stopped working/Video Hardware Error/Shut down unexpectedly (with a BSOD).

Today I updated to the latest nVidia drivers from 1/19/2010, but get another Video Hardware Error at 11am and then 2 more just an hour ago.

I've had computers my whole life and my common sense is telling me that my video card is dying - or basically some bad memory on the card which is the same end result. Does anyone know of a program that will test my video memory and/or video card to see if it's on it's way out? All of these problems happened without even stressing the card - no gaming, just displaying a 1920x1200 windows desktop.

I've used ATI and nVidia cards back and forth (not to mention 3dfx in the old days:)). Because of driver issues, I'm firmly in the nVidia camp now and wouldn't buy an ATI. So what are the top of the line nVidia cards now? Back when I built my machine in Nov 2007, the 8800 Ultra was the top card. Is the 200 series the top now? I'm looking at the GTX 295 if I need to replace the 8800 Ultra.

Cheers.

I'm not sure how to best test the card. However, Furmark:

FurMark: Graphics Card Stability and Stress Test, OpenGL Benchmark and GPU Temperature | oZone3D.Net

really stresses cards. I've had it produce errors on an overclocked card that could complete the 3DMark Vantage set of tests at standard resolution.

A few months ago, I had errors with a GTX280. I thought at first that they were driver errors, but it turned out to be a failing card. Replacing it under an RMA fixed things.

In the nVidia universe, the GTX200 series is their high end at the moment. Don't confuse this with the GTS200 series. The GTX260, lowest end card in that series, is very different from a GTS250. The 295 is a dual-GPU product, and seems to need drivers that support SLI. The 285 is their best single GPU card. I'd suggest the 285 if you aren't a gamer. (Actually, it's probably total overkill if you're not a gamer, but your tastes appear to run towards expensive cards.) I'm not sure when nVidia will introduce their next product line, which will probably leapfrog the performance of the ATI Radeon 5800 series. I don't believe any dates have yet been announced. I imagine that the new series will induce buyer's remorse in anyone who purchases a current high-end nVidia product.

Thanks for the info. I don't even need to run the test, the card is totally failing. I just hope it makes it long enough to get a new card.

landozelig said:

Thanks for the info. I don't even need to run the test, the card is totally failing. I just hope it makes it long enough to get a new card.

The 285 is obsolete, a 5850 will kill it. For futureproofing go for a 5870 or a 4890 to save cash.

Frostmourne said:

landozelig said:

Thanks for the info. I don't even need to run the test, the card is totally failing. I just hope it makes it long enough to get a new card.

The 285 is obsolete, a 5850 will kill it. For futureproofing go for a 5870 or a 4890 to save cash.

I got the GTX 295. I just couldn't bring myself to buy an ATI. I think the ATI hardware is ahead of nVidia, but ATI can't write a driver to save their lives. For me I prefer a good card and good drivers over a better card with poor drivers.

It was just unfortunate timing for my old card to fail as I know I'm buying a card that is on the verge of obsolescence, but it's still way better than my 8800 ultra and cheaper too. That's the thing with computers, there's always something new and better every 6-8 months anyway.

landozelig said:

Frostmourne said:

landozelig said:

Thanks for the info. I don't even need to run the test, the card is totally failing. I just hope it makes it long enough to get a new card.

The 285 is obsolete, a 5850 will kill it. For futureproofing go for a 5870 or a 4890 to save cash.

I got the GTX 295. I just couldn't bring myself to buy an ATI. I think the ATI hardware is ahead of nVidia, but ATI can't write a driver to save their lives. For me I prefer a good card and good drivers over a better card with poor drivers.

It was just unfortunate timing for my old card to fail as I know I'm buying a card that is on the verge of obsolescence, but it's still way better than my 8800 ultra and cheaper too. That's the thing with computers, there's always something new and better every 6-8 months anyway.

You spent a lot on an obsolete card - I would have switched to ATI and picked up a 5870. Even my 4890 has support for DirectX 10.1 which yours is lacking.