Solved 2nd Video Card Issue

[Sarris]

I'm running two video cards with three monitors. The main one is an Asus Nvidia 440GT and the secondary is a Zotac Nvidia GT 610. Both use the same driver.

My problem is that the Zotac card refuses to start on the first boot of the day. I restart and it initializes flawlessly until the next morning. Same thing every morning.

Now, to me, this sounds like a bad solder joint that won't connect cold. The boys in Pakistan want me to reinstall windows and all 135 programs as well as a 4 hour diagnostic session. I said bullshit. I'll replace the $50 card before I piss away several days rebuilding an otherwise perfectly functioning machine.

I'm not a gamer, and I know these are not high end video cards, but they do what I need done.

Does anyone else concur, or have any suggestions. Or.. do you think my assessment is correct and I should just replace the card.

 

[madcratebuilder]

Give the oven trick some thought. If it kills the card you are going to replace it anyway.

 

[Sarris]

Does it sound like a bad solder joint to you?

Also, could you guide me on instructions for the oven method.

It seems like opinions are like feet, everyone has 2.

Thanks;

Sarris

 

[alphanumeric]

I'd reseat the card in its slot, or even try it in a different slot. You might also try turning the BIOS fast boot setting off as a test and disable Windows fast boot option as a test. If you are overclocking go back to stock speeds.

 

[Faladu]

I would go to one better card and dump them both.

2 cards, not the same, in a system, is not recommended.

If you need a really long explanation as to why, we can go there.

I'd look for 2 gigs+ RAM on the new card, some good cards available for sub $150 that will be a nice improvement.

Consider your monitor connectors when shopping or you may have wind up spending more than you want on 'adapters'.

 

[Sarris]

I'm running two video cards with three monitors. The main one is an Asus Nvidia 440GT and the secondary is a Zotac Nvidia GT 610. Both use the same driver.

I'll replace the $50 card before I piss away several days rebuilding an otherwise perfectly functioning machine.

I'm not a gamer, and I know these are not high end video cards, but they do what I need done.

I'm happy with what I have and everything functions as it should except for the first boot of the day. Both are Nvidia based with the same driver. I'm not asking for new hardware suggestions, just a recommendation to repair my issue.

Thanks anyway.

 

[Faladu]

The thing is, it's not. [functioning as it should]

+You are begging for worse problems:

In a nutshell:

2 different video cards strains your other parts: motherboard in particular.

Just a friendly warning.... it's fact.

Otherwise I'd be doing it. muhahaha!

 

[Sarris]

One more time. Everything worked fine for 16 weeks, then the issue appeared.

A solder joint has failed. Let's not make a mountain out of a mole hill.

Have a nice day.

 

[Faladu]

That was constructive, not suppose to be an argument, you choose to ignore advice at your PC part peril.

16 weeks as a bragging point, doesn't really cut it.

Other things to consider: are cooling in that case, and have you ever replaced the thermal paste on the video cards?

 

[Sarris]

Sir, I'm trying to be as polite as possible, but go away. I'm finished with this discussion.

Have a nice day.

 

[Faladu]

OP, you don't understand.... it's all good.

This is not just for you.

Other people search on these issues later, this site is a resource used by MILLIONS of people.

 

[Sarris]

You're incorrect. I do understand. I'm sure your audience needs your opinion, I however do not.

 

[kbrady1979]

Have you tried taking the card that works out and just leave the card that doesn't work properly in your system? Do you still have the cold boot issue with just one card?

 

[Sarris]

@kbrady1979, never an issue with the GT 440 card. I'm going to remove and reseat the second card tonight and see if it just a contact issue.

Thanks for your kind input. I'll consider this solved.

 

[kbrady1979]

I know you've never had a problem with both cards in there, but computers are weird at the best of times, and sometimes something that has worked fine for ages, won't work anymore. Trying to boot your computer up with just the questionable card in it is a simple step that will rule out any type of conflict.

 

[Faladu]

As I previously stated in the thread, one card was recommended, not his 2 different ones.

I like how k saying it in different words is kind, and OP trolls me instead, nice. :sarc:

 

[kbrady1979]

I was only suggesting him try booting with just the card he suspects is bad, not that he should dump both cards and buy a new one. I agree, it's not optimal running two different cards like that, but if it works for him, that's fine. I just wanted to know if he still had the cold boot issue with the suspect card in by itself.

 

[Faladu]

Sorry k, I knew what you were after, I kind of assumed the arrogant OP had already done it. (my bad, threw me off with his talk of solder joints)

I gave him too much credit, the basics.... Always reseat your video cards if weirdness begins!

Try the 2 cards separately first to make sure they are both working fine if you insist on doing this.

....and monitor temps afterwards....

And know, you are risking busting your motherboard.

 

[Brink]

   Warning

Let's keep this friendly shall we. :sarc:

 

[Sarris]

Sirs;

Please understand that I am not a newbie. I've been into computing since the Commodor and BBS's.

I have reseated and restarted with each card individually to no avail. What I didn't expect was an highly opinionated individual who is trying to rebuild or upgrade my computer. I asked for a simple opinion, nothing more.

Faladu, it's your arrogance that has escalated my ire. Your insinuation that I am ignorant is insulting and petty. You can't take no for an answer. I can see from your computer specs that you live and die by your machine. I do not. For me, my computer is a tool, nothing more. If my tool fails, I'll get another.

Insofar as the multiple video card issue, it may not be ideal, but it is what I have and am keeping. Most other architects (like myself) that I know, are not compugeeks, and most use 2 or 3 video cards without issue. I'm not going to argue good or bad, as it works and is cheap.

I do not want to escalate a pissing contest with you or anyone else, but understand, that 75% or more multiple monitor users in the world (Google it) are using multiple video cards and the world has not come to an end. I have tried hard to be polite. Do you really want to make this personal. I.E. your troll comment?

So here is the deal. I'll reseat the card again tomorrow, and if it fails again, I'll replace it with another $50 card. That it, we are done. I'm sorry I posted.

Brink, if you want to toss me, I understand.