nVidia problem with LCD screens

[Drake2007]

Windows update detected new drivers available for my graphics card. Great I think, let them update. While I'm using the PC the resolution goes all haywire but eventually stablilizes on a resolution that's too low for my liking.

OK fine, I set the resolution up again and tested 85Hz with it, ok my screen doesn't like that setting but all is fine as the resolution reverts back to what it was. Ah but the PC has to reboot so after all the updates - shouldn't be a problem. OOps, what a mistake that was. Boot windows and black screen with monitor saying the settings are out of range.

No hassle, boot Safe Mode and go set the resolution. Errr nVidia you morons, why doesn't the nVidia control panel app work in Safe Mode??
OO i see F8 has a 640x480 video mode, errr.... nVida that doesn't work either.

OK fine, go through regedit and I hit on some VRefresh settings and just set that all manually to 60Hz. Should work... but NO!
Then I find a Key for Persistent settings on the monitor - Delele the key. Maybe some luck there. Ah.. nope! still messed up.

Plug in a CRT monitor that I know can handle the resolutions. hmm everythings fine, so set the res down to the lowest and plug in the LCD again... still no joy, as nVida software seems to keep settings for different monitors, so final solution - Pulled the Graphics card.

NT ever since 4.0 has always been super cautious with graphics settings, why nVidia thinks they know better and circumvent Microsofts software just smacks of arrogance and sloppy software.

So nVidia - Goodbye.

 

[philjohnson]

depends on what OS you're using. if you're using windows 7, then it's not the card or it's drivers, it's the OS. I have exactly the same problem with my ati 5750 card, and i had to buy it on short notice. but i'll replace it with a high end Nvidia card asap. Nvidia will always be in the lead. ati drivers are unstable and they get too hot for my liking.
but, that's just my opinion from experience, you're free to choose whatever graphics card you like.

 

[Drake2007]

Up until I had this issue I used to prefer nVidia over ATI and I used to recommend nVidia to my customers.

My OS is Vista 64Bit and it's not the issue, it's a crap software issue from nVidia that renders the PC totally useless, the card is still laying out on my desk.

 

[Brawler]

Not an ATI fanboy but how can you say NV will always be in the lead. They lost a huge amount of markshare with the 48xx series and then the 58xx series really put the nail in the coffin. We are STILL waiting for NV's reply close to a year later and from the samples of the fermi cards it doesn't look like it is too much faster than HD5870. Too little, too late.

Temperatures? I have had 2 Nvidia cards go over 80deg so I don't know how hot your ATI's get? Heat really isnt a problem if the card is designed to operate at those temps.

As for drivers, the latest Nvidia drivers have been frying hundreds of cards. Have never seen a ATI driver do that..

Whichever manuf has the best bang for buck in that generation will get my vote.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

Why don't you remove the drivers and just reinstall your driver of choice instead? Why pull out the card?

 

[Drake2007]

Why don't you remove the drivers and just reinstall your driver of choice instead? Why pull out the card?

For one I wasted 1/2 a day trying to sort this out and I can't afford for it to happen again, 2nd reason - it's just a crappy 7300 card that a customer returned (ATI worked better for them) so I used it to run s-video to my TV which I maybe used once or twice in a year. 3rd reason - the intel onboard is actually clearer.

So there's no point putting the card back in.

 

[Mephisto_Helix]

lol, oh ok, yeah a 7300 - pull it out ..... hell, burn the thing while you're at it

 

[Drake2007]

Burn it? LOL hell no, it goes in with my troubleshooting tools.

Also I wouldn't sell it to my worst enemy