PCI Video Card Problems
Many of the world's computers still have PCI video cards installed, due to those computers not having AGP or PCI Express slots available. Like any other component in a computer, PCI video cards can sometimes exhibit problems. Learn to identify and troubleshoot those problems to spare yourself from paying a costly repair bill.
Other People Are Reading
-
Initial Troubleshooting Steps
-
Before beginning extended troubleshooting of what appears to be a video card problem, it is important to ensure that the basics are covered. Shut the computer down completely, and make sure that the monitor is securely plugged into the back of the computer and to a power outlet. Turn the computer back on. If there is still a problem, try downloading the most recent drivers for it from the video card's manufacturer.
-
Identification
-
Some problems may be attributed to the video card; these include no onscreen display, crashes that happen during intensive video operations such as a 3D game or a garbled image. Most of these issues can be resolved by checking all cables, updating video drivers and re-seating the card itself inside the computer.
3D Performance
-
The PCI bus has been considered obsolete for use with video cards since the late 1990s. It is important to remember that even with a fast, recently manufactured PCI video card, the performance produced by the card when playing newer 3D games is likely to be disappointing. Unfortunately, if the computer does not have an AGP or PCI Express slot for video card upgrades, the motherboard must be replaced in order to achieve better gaming performance.
Prevention/Solution
-
Because most PCI video cards are several years old, some may be nearing the point where heat-related damage will cause them to exhibit problems. Make sure that the inside of your computer is kept clean to prevent dust from accumulating on the video card's fan and heat sink. If the fan makes any unusual noises, remove the video card from the computer, clean it with a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol, and re-install it. Further noise may indicate that the fan needs to be replaced.
Misconceptions
-
Although PCI video cards cannot offer the performance that AGP and PCI Express cards can in 3D applications, there should be virtually no difference in the performance of the basic Windows desktop unless you are running Windows Vista or Windows 7, which utilize 3D video cards for special graphical enhancements. If you are experiencing poor video performance with the Windows desktop and are not using a 3D-enhanced desktop, the video card is unlikely to be the cause of the problem.
-
