I've been having some issues with my video card - a GeForce FX 5200. When playing (mostly with older) games, notably Diablo II and Heroes of Might and Magic IV, the screen goes black for a second or two, over and over again. It looks just like what the screen does when you launch a full screen game, where it has to adjust your video settings -- but it does it during the game. And it happens over and over and over. Turn based games like Heroes are playable but frustrating. Real time games are all but unplayable.
I was noticing these issues starting a few weeks back, just before I did a complete system restore (unrelated issue). But if anything, it's been getting worse since the restore. So I don't believe that it's a software issue. I've updated my display drivers and my video card drivers, but it hasn't helped.
Does this sound like an issue that could be caused by a dying graphics card? My card gives me no troubles with 'normal' operation or some of my newer games. It seems to be only with the older titles.
I ask because I wouldn't mind upgrading my graphics card anyways, but if I don't need to I'd prefer to wait. However, if a new card will fix this issue, then I'll probably head out and pick one up.
EDIT: re-re-updated my video card drivers and the problem has *mostly* gone away. Still annoying, but less so.
gekko
I was noticing these issues starting a few weeks back, just before I did a complete system restore (unrelated issue). But if anything, it's been getting worse since the restore. So I don't believe that it's a software issue. I've updated my display drivers and my video card drivers, but it hasn't helped.
Does this sound like an issue that could be caused by a dying graphics card? My card gives me no troubles with 'normal' operation or some of my newer games. It seems to be only with the older titles.
I ask because I wouldn't mind upgrading my graphics card anyways, but if I don't need to I'd prefer to wait. However, if a new card will fix this issue, then I'll probably head out and pick one up.
EDIT: re-re-updated my video card drivers and the problem has *mostly* gone away. Still annoying, but less so.
gekko
"Life is sacred and you are not its steward. You have stewardship over it but you don't own it. You're making a choice to go through this, it's not just happening to you. You're inviting it, and in some ways delighting in it. It's not accidental or coincidental. You're choosing it. You have to realize you've made choices."
-Michael Ventura, "Letters@3AM"
-Michael Ventura, "Letters@3AM"