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View Full Version : gainward geforce 2 mx400 from kustom probs

scottie
13-01-2002, 09:45
couldn't install 2kpro or xp with this card!!
2kpro kept blue screening on install saying

***stop***
Videocard failed to initialise

and xp hung at the "starting windows" part of the install.

eventually I used an old matrox card and did the install (xp)then switched cards, everything seems fine now, but the heatsink on the card is roasting - i reckon 'bout 70 degrees (can hold finger on heatsink for about 1 second!) is this temperature normal for these cards?

I do a lot of OS installing, so anyone got some ideas about whats going on?

The rest of this system is a KT7A, t/bird 1.4, 384Mb pc133 etc.
Graeme*Kustom*
13-01-2002, 11:53
hmmm sounds weird !
We had difficulties with these cards on some Epox 8KTA3 boards, but updating the motherboard BIOS solved these - what kind of board are you using?

You need to make sure that both USB support is enabled in your BIOS , and that if there is an option 'assign IRQ to VGA' that it is enabled also, but chances are if the card worked after install then these would be OK.

As for the heat issue, is yours the model with the passive (no fan) or active (with a fan !) heatsink?

Is the card running stable OK? Try running a game for a little while or a few loops of 3dmark to see how it goes?

Keep me updated how this goes, obviously if something's wrong with the card we'll arrange a replacement
scottie
13-01-2002, 20:32
the motherboard is an abit kt7A and the v/card is the fanless one, bios settings ok - could it be that the card overheated or is the temp normal? I'm adding a slot fan. downloading 3dmark, will run it tonight and see if it's stable
Graeme*Kustom*
14-01-2002, 00:48
its difficult to say when there isn't actually proper readings - the passive HS models will run pretty hot, but obviosuly the manufacturer specs them like that so they won't become unstable..
Jonathan Oakes
14-01-2002, 20:59
Here is the answer to your prob. Installing win xp or 2k on an AMD based system with a Geforce2 MX 400 just cause probs when trying to install.

To fix just get an old graphics card and install XP or 2000. After XP or 2000 is up and running just shove your card back in.

Please post back If i have solved your prob.
scottie
15-01-2002, 00:41
cheers jonathon that's just what I did!!

I thought as much, oh well feel better now I know the card runs hot and isn't faulty!!

I came in to the shop and got a case fan and an exaust blower today to lower temps, the card was totally stable in XP anyways apart from the install probs. Working great now!

cheers and thanks much for the help from yourself and graham :)
Jonathan Oakes
15-01-2002, 23:34
P.S. You also did the right thing by buying the extra cooling. Those cards get quite hot.
Jonathan Oakes
15-01-2002, 23:56
I think you should rate me. Go on. Go on . Go on Go on Go on. Go on Go on
Graeme*Kustom*
16-01-2002, 01:10
cup of tea, father...? :)
abe
16-01-2002, 02:01
feck, drink, ****, women
JIM
16-01-2002, 04:51
thanks Jonathon you solved my xp problem xp hung on install sa your solution removed my mx40064mb popped in my ati card Hey presto xp installed
will rate you
cheers Jim