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    AW M7700 Dying.

    Discussion in 'Alienware' started by Goshem, Jun 2, 2007.

  1. Goshem

    Goshem Notebook Enthusiast

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    So yea, I had this wonderful machine in good condition and everything. It is still working but sometimes when I play games such as COD2, CSS, WoW, random artifacts pops out and then fade away, does this mean my vid card is dying? can i fix it?
     
    Goshem, Jun 2, 2007
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  2. Csalbertcs

    Csalbertcs Notebook Geek

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    Do you have vista by any chance?
     
    Csalbertcs, Jun 2, 2007
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  3. Charles P. Jefferies

    Charles P. Jefferies Lead Moderator Super Moderator

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    The video card could be getting too hot. Check our Cooling Guide for tips on how to clean out your notebook. I would highly recommend using canned air to clean out your vents.
     
    Charles P. Jefferies, Jun 2, 2007
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  4. Goshem

    Goshem Notebook Enthusiast

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    Windows XP FTW :p

    yea well i have FN+f2 on and i have external cooler...

    i dont think that is the big issue....
     
    Goshem, Jun 2, 2007
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  5. sinistertwo

    sinistertwo Notebook Enthusiast

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    Welp..you probably got pwn3d then..

    Sucks to be you! heh.. :p
     
    sinistertwo, Jun 5, 2007
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  6. Smithereens

    Smithereens Notebook Enthusiast

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    Artifacts during gameplay are almost always caused by an overheating video card. Try cleaning out the vents and check out the temperatures of your hardware during gaming and such.
     
    Smithereens, Jun 5, 2007
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  7. imhungry29

    imhungry29 Notebook Evangelist

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    if u can check ur thermal paste. yes it does matter. very important to cooling.
     
    imhungry29, Jun 6, 2007
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  8. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    remember to always monitor the temps (GPU, CPU, etc..).

    BTW... awesome that you are using the Fn+F2 and using a notebook cooler....

    However, I have the same notebook, I have tested over 15 notebook coolers, the only one that will actually help the GPU temps for this model notebook is:
    - Zalman ZM-NC1000
    (it will actually cool the entire stage, not like other coolers where the default fans are).

    And you have to physically open the panels under the notebook to check for dust clogs.

    By the artifacts already showing, then your notebooks videocard might have already started to show its damage from overheating.
    - Try new drivers
    - Try to underclock the GPU (use Coolbits)

    If that does not improve the image quality, then you might have to get another videocard:
    - 7800GTX goes for $400-ish
    - 7950GTX goes for $540-ish
     
    Gophn, Jun 7, 2007
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  9. Goshem

    Goshem Notebook Enthusiast

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    thx for the info gophn, i might as well save some money for the D900C :p, the artifacts r gone since i cleaned my heatsink and external fan...
     
    Goshem, Jun 7, 2007
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  10. csinth

    csinth Snitch?

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    That always works :). when in doubt blow it out (the dust!) (with compressed air!)
     
    csinth, Jun 7, 2007
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  11. Gophn

    Gophn NBR Resident Assistant

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    glad to hear that its working good again.

    as for the notebook cooler, I would recommend to get the Zalman ZM-NC1000, its universally great for all 17" gaming notebooks.

    So you can use it when you decide to get the new D900C. :)
     
    Gophn, Jun 7, 2007
    #11