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[OTISLAYER]

I am having a problem with my video card.

When I have it connected and what now, it renders either a distortion (like a corrupted NES or GameBoy game) or discoloration. After the Windows boot log screen, the monitor would lose signal with the card, and would not re-render anything.

I have an NVIDIA GeForce 6200 LE, which dates back to late-2005. I plan on getting a new card when I get the money anyway.

However, I'd feel better by knowing what the exact problem is: there is something wrong with the card, or the PCI-e port that it needs to run it? Or whatever you think may be the problem, please let me know.

[AMDinside]

The only way to tell it is one or the other is to test your card in another machine, or test another card in your machine.  That will let you know what it is.

I assume you have the latest drivers, yes?

[Popsikle]

Try a different monitor?

[OTISLAYER]

The only way to tell it is one or the other is to test your card in another machine, or test another card in your machine.  That will let you know what it is.

I assume you have the latest drivers, yes?

I just got the card in May. So yes, I already had the latest drivers installed. Unless there are others I am not aware of?

I could try putting the card in another machine. But I don't think anyone would be abel to go through the trouble getting theirs out, let alone someone elses. Yeah, I guess the only other way of finding out is using a different card. That's one of the few reasons why I am going to get a new one.

Try a different monitor?

Way ahead of you. Got the same problem.

I just may have to borrow Kiji's Radeon X1300 for HallowLAN, because I know I won't have the money in time for a better one. I only start working again next week. But that's beside the point.

[Popsikle]

Are you using a DVI -> Analog converter on the abck of the card to connect it to a monitor?

[coldflame]

Otis
You want to buy my 6800?

[OTISLAYER]

Are you using a DVI -> Analog converter on the abck of the card to connect it to a monitor?

No, because there is also a VGA input and that is what I've been using. There is, however, a DVI for dual-screen. I could use that and a converter since I happen to have one. That may work.

Coldflame, when I find out what the exact problem is, start working again, and collect the money you ask for the card. I will buy your PNY 6800.

[Flippy10x]

Hey man --
Try this.
See what you're describing is characteristic to either a GPU cold solder joints/traces failure, OR a graphics card memory failure. I really really don't see it being the PCI-E port/controller unless it's a REALLY crappy motherboard.
Easy ways to test:
Pop out the card (After properly grounding yourself of course.)
Make sure the traces that connect it to the PCI-E port are nice and clean. And blow out the port itself to check. Use a Q-tip with some rubbing alcohol to clean off the pins anyway. (If you don't know what I'm talking about it's the gold contacts on the bottom of the card.)
Check the heat sink on the card, see if it's flush against the GPU, if it's not than it's overheating. Pop it back flush to it, or if the clips are broken you can probably glue it in place temporarily until you can buy an after market solution. If it's fine than put it back in. See if you still suffer the same symptoms.

If you don't and the heatsink was off:
Go invest in a tube of arctic silver 5.
Pop off your heatsink, and use rubbing alcohol to clean it off as well as your GPU die. Try and remove all of the excess thermal paste.
Apply very carefully and in small even amounts.
Pop that puppy back on, and you should be good for a while.

If you don't, and the heatsink was on:
Some dust could've found it's way in the conductive path, or the card could've become dislodged for whatever reason. High five, this is a nonsense fix and shouldn't happen again.

If you do:
Right before the boot sequence is initialized hit F8. It'll bring up advanced boot options.
Select VGA Mode -- And see if your computer will boot.
If it does, most likely the hardware is no longer responding to the commands given by the drivers. Usually means the gfx card is dying. HOWEVER, if could also mean that your drivers are corrupted (which happens when a game crashes before sending the resolution reset command to the video card. Or can happen randomly because of a bad shutdown, or impending hardware death.)
So, while still booted with VGA mode -- uninstall your NVIDIA drivers.
Restart your compy, it will force itself into VGA mode this time.
Install the newest Nvidia drivers, and follow the instructions, they should be pretty straight forward.
But -- Since you're having problems PRE-Windows boot sequence and driver loading I supremely doubt this is your problem. I'm 90% sure that it's your graphics hardware. I've seen the same problems with my 9800 PRO that is now mounted on my wall. It died of overheating. Same thing with my old FX 5900.

Good luck man.

[OTISLAYER]

Found out that the card is fried. If it hasn't disappeared in my room, I will try using that advice of yours. If I fail in both missions, then I will either:

a. buy a new GPU

... or...

b. borrow one of my uncle's PCs, and wait until my investment on a laptop is completed.

Thank you for your extensive help. MUCH appreciated.

[Flippy10x]

No problem.

[OTISLAYER]

Problem solved. Bought a new GPU a while ago.