I have a GeForce 8800GTX w/SLI rig... When I first got it, the graphics cards would throttle down when the system was idle, dropping temps down to around 50-55 degrees.
Now for some reason though the GPUs are staying at full memory and core speed and the system idles at 70 degrees and the fan stays at 100%...
Do any of you guys know why this is? Any suggestions about how to fix it?
Specs:
Dell XPS 1730 laptop
Core 2 Duo Extreme @ 2.8GHz
Dual GeForce 8800GTX w/SLi
4 GB RAM
Ageia physics chip
17" monitor
GPU problem (help!)
cebalrai
Lord Sojar
Hmm... that is odd. That means the cards are staying in high power 3D mode.
First advice would be the least invasive.
Uninstall your nVidia Display Drivers, download the newest release from the nVidia website (found here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us) and install those.
Make sure you completely clean out the driver files after you uninstall. Restart the PC, and when you boot back into Windows, run this little program called Driver Sweeper. You can download the installer here:
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D--...up)_d1655.html
Run that, and then go ahead and install the new set of drivers. If that doesn't fix the issue, get back with us, and we can be a little more invasive.
First advice would be the least invasive.
Uninstall your nVidia Display Drivers, download the newest release from the nVidia website (found here: http://www.nvidia.com/Download/index.aspx?lang=en-us) and install those.
Make sure you completely clean out the driver files after you uninstall. Restart the PC, and when you boot back into Windows, run this little program called Driver Sweeper. You can download the installer here:
http://downloads.guru3d.com/Guru3D--...up)_d1655.html
Run that, and then go ahead and install the new set of drivers. If that doesn't fix the issue, get back with us, and we can be a little more invasive.
cebalrai
I'm using the 175.80 driver. When installing it I used the usual driver sweeper routine. It was working just fine until recently...
Also, when I disable SLI, the gpu core clock drops to 200 mhz and the memory clock to 100 mhz. The temp goes down to 55-ish degrees.
I'm using GPU-Z 0.2.4 to monitor temps and harware speed btw.
Also, when I disable SLI, the gpu core clock drops to 200 mhz and the memory clock to 100 mhz. The temp goes down to 55-ish degrees.
I'm using GPU-Z 0.2.4 to monitor temps and harware speed btw.
Lord Sojar
That is really odd. Have you tried another monitoring software? And this only happens when SLi is engaged after launching a 3D application?
cebalrai
I tried two more drivers including the one you mentioned and I got the same results.
It happens at boot, not just after launching a 3-D app.
I haven't tried any other monitoring software... But NV Monitor shows the cards running at full power and I can hear the GPU fans blowing nonstop... so I don't think it's a temperature reporting problem...
It happens at boot, not just after launching a 3-D app.
I haven't tried any other monitoring software... But NV Monitor shows the cards running at full power and I can hear the GPU fans blowing nonstop... so I don't think it's a temperature reporting problem...
Lord Sojar
Hmm, have you tried removing the Aegia PhysX processor from the PC and the drivers associated? give that a try. Also, what operating system are you using?
(I need to go to bed, as my body still hasn't gotten to 100% from surgery, so I will check up on this issue tomorrow, after some web meetings, for you.)
EDIT: I am an idiot, it is a laptop. Disable the PhysX chip via the drivers. Reboot and see what happens. The OS bit still stands.
(I need to go to bed, as my body still hasn't gotten to 100% from surgery, so I will check up on this issue tomorrow, after some web meetings, for you.)
EDIT: I am an idiot, it is a laptop. Disable the PhysX chip via the drivers. Reboot and see what happens. The OS bit still stands.
cebalrai
I'm using Vista-32. Disabled the Aegia driver and no change. Thanks so far though 
cebalrai
I'm still really stumped... Can't figure it out.... ugh...
Lord Sojar
I am discussing this with my little tech team. Umm, try to mess the Vista's power regulation settings for battery conservation. See if Vista can override it. Also check the nvidia control panel under power management (i believe it has that option on the mobile versions)
cebalrai
Tried all the battery power settings to no avail... 
Also I have no power management function in the Nvidia control panel that I can see.
Unplugging the laptop and using battery power throttles it down like normal btw. Plug the power cable back in and it's back to hi-power mode...
Also I have no power management function in the Nvidia control panel that I can see.
Unplugging the laptop and using battery power throttles it down like normal btw. Plug the power cable back in and it's back to hi-power mode...
Lord Sojar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
Tried all the battery power settings to no avail...
Also I have no power management function in the Nvidia control panel that I can see. Unplugging the laptop and using battery power throttles it down like normal btw. Plug the power cable back in and it's back to hi-power mode... |
Hmm... well... I... look a bird! I promise, we will figure this out. I wish my other flying monkeys would chime in, my brain hurts and I am loopy on pain pills and beer. lol? Ok, but really... I just don't get it. The GPU's shouldn't be staying in 3D power mode once they are into the 2D environment. Try reinstalling the motherboard drivers as well as the graphics card drivers at the sametime. Reinstall the motherboard drivers first, then the graphics drivers. Try using the older release of the graphics drivers as well. (175 something something)
You can get them here:
http://www.nvidia.com/Download/Find.aspx?lang=en-us
cebalrai
I installed an older mommy board driver and the problem is still there. I'm going to switch back to the new one again...
I've tried three graphics drivers. One is the default Dell one that works poorly in UT3, one is the newer "partially tested" Dell performance driver 174.31 (which I'm currently using), and 175.80 which is a generic Nvidia driver I got from www.laptop2go.com.
I've tried three graphics drivers. One is the default Dell one that works poorly in UT3, one is the newer "partially tested" Dell performance driver 174.31 (which I'm currently using), and 175.80 which is a generic Nvidia driver I got from www.laptop2go.com.
Lord Sojar
No no, get the official graphics drivers (not motherboard drivers) from nVidia. That link I gave you is for all driver types. Select graphics, not mainboards. You have to install the previous version of the graphics drivers for your laptops cards.
You have to install the previous version of the graphics drivers for your laptops cards.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
No no, get the official graphics drivers (not motherboard drivers) from nVidia. That link I gave you is for all driver types. Select graphics, not mainboards.
You have to install the previous version of the graphics drivers for your laptops cards. |
And I've tried three graphics drivers.
*baffled still*
Lord Sojar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
I tried two mainboard drivers.
And I've tried three graphics drivers. *baffled still* |
BTW, how long after exiting the game have these cards stayed at full power? If it is 20-30 mins, it might just be them cooling down. If it is over that, well, then we are still at the /baffled stage.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
Ok, well I neeeeed sleep now. I will ponder this in the AM, and we can work through some other stuff. Without being able to run some of my diagnostic tools on your laptop myself, it is a game of poke and hope. Let's not bash it quite yet.
BTW, how long after exiting the game have these cards stayed at full power? If it is 20-30 mins, it might just be them cooling down. If it is over that, well, then we are still at the /baffled stage. |
The cards seem to stay at full power permanently. I've had them running at full for about 90 minutes right now and I don't think anything is going to change.
Also, it's not an issue of exiting a game. The cards are at full power/fan speed upon booting.
The only thing that fixes this is turning off SLI or unplugging the power cord.
Snograt
Hi, flying monkey here.
In your nVidia control panel, do you have access to this?
In your nVidia control panel, do you have access to this?
zamial
Well after doing some digging. There are a few things that need to be discussed. This was an older issue for older graphics cards and is "to be fixed in a future driver update" Wheither or not you are affected by this is still to be seen. From what I have gathered you are using a dx10 os with a dx9 graphics card, could this be the issue? Do you use the areo desktop or a 3D version?
Viable work around:
While we all like things that are automatic it may be time to look into rivatuner. It is a free program that you can set up profiles with. These profiles can be set to activate under circumstances. There are also online tutorials to teach you the basics.
Viable work around: While we all like things that are automatic it may be time to look into rivatuner. It is a free program that you can set up profiles with. These profiles can be set to activate under circumstances. There are also online tutorials to teach you the basics.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Snograt
Hi, flying monkey here.
In your nVidia control panel, do you have access to this? |
Zamial - the 8800GTX is a DX10 card so that's not the issue. Also, it's not an old graphics card by most standards. In fact, it's the very newest one for laptops.
zamial
Thanks for info. your portable desktop...err...laptop, is not my area of expertise. I would only use all whql certifide drivers, but that is me. Also the rivatuner may actually give you a work around but it will be just that. I will keep digging for info tho.
zamial
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
The only thing that fixes this is turning off SLI or unplugging the power cord.
|
moriz
laptop graphic cards are tricky, since nvidia does not release drivers for mobile versions of their cards. you'll either have to go with drivers released by the manufacturer, or to with 3rd party drivers.
one possible fix (and i don't know if you've done this already) is to go with the latest driver release from the manufacturer. in this case, it would be dell. you'll almost undoubtedly lose performance on some later games, but it might fix the problem.
one possible fix (and i don't know if you've done this already) is to go with the latest driver release from the manufacturer. in this case, it would be dell. you'll almost undoubtedly lose performance on some later games, but it might fix the problem.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by moriz
laptop graphic cards are tricky, since nvidia does not release drivers for mobile versions of their cards. you'll either have to go with drivers released by the manufacturer, or to with 3rd party drivers.
one possible fix (and i don't know if you've done this already) is to go with the latest driver release from the manufacturer. in this case, it would be dell. you'll almost undoubtedly lose performance on some later games, but it might fix the problem. |
Incidentally I am using a Dell driver at the moment that is meant for my specific laptop. So that's not the problem.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by zamial
That right there leads me to beleive this is not a graphics card issue. Now for a test. In power options, there will be a check box that will display the battery life in the task bar, uncheck that and reboot. we had a similar issue with a laptop at work. downside if this does work is no battery icon in task tray. this issue is a conflict between M$ and nvidia, it is like: 2 little kids(companies),! broken lamp(your laptop) and 1 pissed of parent(you) can you see the finger pointing now?
|
zamial
Im on xp here. bang the rocks together hardert guys! If you dont find it by the time I get Home<hours from now...I can dig on my vista machine. You may be able to right click the icon in the tray to disable it. It may be under tray options,or battery options. its there somewhere!
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by zamial
Im on xp here. bang the rocks together hardert guys! If you dont find it by the time I get Home<hours from now...I can dig on my vista machine. You may be able to right click the icon in the tray to disable it. It may be under tray options,or battery options. its there somewhere!
|
In the screenshot below it says 64 degrees - however this is low since I just turned SLI on... It heats up to about 70 just idling which stinks....
Lord Sojar
Throw it out the window and order an Alienware. lol? I kid. Ummm, so let's see. Flying monkeys solutions are failing, my solutions are failing. This is indeed a strange case...
Did you try Riva Tuner for custom profiles? You can also use the nVidia control panel to set 2D, low power 3D, and high power 3D profiles. You could give that a whirl. Let me screenshot it for you.
Create a rule that states when X game ends, GPUs return to X core and memory speeds, and fan speed goes down to X%. It is a bit of a lengthy process, but it is the best you are going to get until I figure out something else, and it WILL WORK. Sorry I can't think of anything else.
NOTE: If you don't have the performance tools, you can download them from www.nvidia.com under downloads.
Did you try Riva Tuner for custom profiles? You can also use the nVidia control panel to set 2D, low power 3D, and high power 3D profiles. You could give that a whirl. Let me screenshot it for you.
Create a rule that states when X game ends, GPUs return to X core and memory speeds, and fan speed goes down to X%. It is a bit of a lengthy process, but it is the best you are going to get until I figure out something else, and it WILL WORK. Sorry I can't think of anything else.
NOTE: If you don't have the performance tools, you can download them from www.nvidia.com under downloads.
Snograt
This stuff? (New release 6-17-08) http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvidia_...ools_6.02.html
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Rahja the Thief
Throw it out the window and order an Alienware. lol? I kid. Ummm, so let's see. Flying monkeys solutions are failing, my solutions are failing. This is indeed a strange case...
Did you try Riva Tuner for custom profiles? You can also use the nVidia control panel to set 2D, low power 3D, and high power 3D profiles. You could give that a whirl. Let me screenshot it for you. Create a rule that states when X game ends, GPUs return to X core and memory speeds, and fan speed goes down to X%. It is a bit of a lengthy process, but it is the best you are going to get until I figure out something else, and it WILL WORK. Sorry I can't think of anything else. NOTE: If you don't have the performance tools, you can download them from www.nvidia.com under downloads. |
I'll try it after dinner.
Lord Sojar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
The GPUs run at full power right at boot. So the rule to throttle down would mean I'd have to start/stop a game to get it to work, right?
I'll try it after dinner. |
cebalrai
Should I try a profile in Riva or Nvidia control settings?
Lord Sojar
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
Should I try a profile in Riva or Nvidia control settings?
|
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Snograt
This stuff? (New release 6-17-08) http://www.nvidia.com/object/nvidia_...ools_6.02.html
|
Dark Kal
You can try using recovery discs (I don't know if you have these with Dell) to restore default settings or try installing the original drivers that came with your laptop. Most likely you somehow changed some sort of settings (power settings?) or a new driver changed something. It could be that this is normal, all hardware works optimal when it's new but over time all hardware collects dust, etc. and will work less efficiently.
cebalrai
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Dark Kal
You can try using recovery discs (I don't know if you have these with Dell) to restore default settings or try installing the original drivers that came with your laptop. Most likely you somehow changed some sort of settings (power settings?) or a new driver changed something. It could be that this is normal, all hardware works optimal when it's new but over time all hardware collects dust, etc. and will work less efficiently.
|
I'm not going back to the original driver because it's awful, especially in newer games. Stupid lamer Dell driver support....
This machine is about 6 weeks old so I doubt dust is the issue.
Snograt
It's a scripted response on many customer support lines:
Q: "Why is my laptop so screwed up?"
A: "It's a Dell..."
Q: "Why is my laptop so screwed up?"
A: "It's a Dell..."
zamial
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by Snograt
It's a scripted response on many customer support lines:
Q: "Why is my laptop so screwed up?" |
Q: What can I do?
A: Buy a desktop.
J/k
I seriously hope this issue gets worked out but I am fresh out of ideas.
I can not brain today, I have the dumb.
cebalrai
Meh, I think I'll reset to factory defaults next week. Irritating little problem here...
Admael
Sometimes I reset to factory defaults for no reason. It's an addictive habit because electronics have their way of screwing up for no reason.
Dark Kal
Quote:
|
Originally Posted by cebalrai
I have the disks...
I'm not going back to the original driver because it's awful, especially in newer games. Stupid lamer Dell driver support.... This machine is about 6 weeks old so I doubt dust is the issue. |
Lord Sojar
It is an odd issue, because some software is causing the cards to accelerate. Set it back to factory defaults. Dells have a lot of proprietary technology, so it is very hard to tell at times.