GTX8800 Problems Solved yet?

[FlashPan 0]

I haven't played for a while. ARMA used to work ok on my 7900GS, then I upgraded to a GTX8800 768Mb Ram and the game has ended up not being very stable now.

Other bits of my system are a Xi-Fi sound card and Intel DUO 6400 processor. Running the game on Windows XP Pro. 2Gb of system RAM.

It seems everytime I go in, I get from 5-15mins worth of play then the whole game freezes which eventually results to a CTD. Other than ARMA my system is very stable.

Has this issue been resolved yet or is this a small minority issue?

Thanks

RobP

[-Puma- 2]

I have had 8800 only for a moth, so i can say about what issues u guys had earlier. playing arma is a good experience IMO with the 8800gts, i have to use maxmem=512 to overcome the memory surface error CTD. other than that new nvidia drivers are good and arma for me is very stable. Just dont alt-tab too much

[dmitri 0]

I upgraded from a 7900gs to a 8800gtx last week.

With the 7900gs I often experienced ctds. 8800gtx is as stable as a rock (after installing latest Nvidia beta drivers (169) and setting maxmem=512). I do occasionally get severe graphical glitches - white\black triangles originating from the center of the screen. Changing texture detail (high --> normal --> back to high) solves this immediately, no need to exit the game.

[Heatseeker 0]

Other bits of my system are a Xi-Fi sound card and Intel DUO 6400 processor. Running the game on Windows XP Pro. 2Gb of system RAM.

It seems everytime I go in, I get from 5-15mins worth of play then the whole game freezes which eventually results to a CTD. Other than ARMA my system is very stable.

Has this issue been resolved yet or is this a small minority issue?

Thanks

RobP

Your system is similar to mine (xp pro too) and i dont have such problem, i dont use any max memory or any tweaks and it just works. Are you sure its a 8800 problem?

Is your psu up to the job? (feeding the monster).

Is it all cool enough?

Are you using any mods?

Because it doesnt sound like an Arma specific problem, if it was it would affect all users .

[boomboomer 0]

One other factor I've noticed which improves stability a lot - apart from using the latest Nvidia drivers and the -maxmem=768 command is to simply reboot before starting ArmA.

This game really works all your system components and I've found that alt-tabbing, repeated CTD's & restarts or playing after browsing the web usually results in a crash or BSOD. A clean boot seems to results in hours of playing without issues - you should also make sure that ALL your drivers are upto date and your running with as many free resources as possible.

I also used to play it fine, on a 6600, but after the upgrade to a 8800 it became flakey - the three changes above has me back to normal, but with higher settings.

[SWAT_BigBear 0]

The 169.04 beta drivers are infact improving my ArmA gameplay.

i.e = this set is allowing me to keep sli enabled for ArmA, without graphics falling apart within 10-15 mins.

I've gone several hours now with sli and no issues.

I haven't needed to reboot for ArmA, actaully, I only reboot after updates/drivers force me to. This pc stays in sleep mode 75%+ of the day.

Alt/tab will only affect me after atleast 5 or more times in a row, which does give a "ArmA stopped responding" error.

I still have to disable MHR, so the system only uses half of the memory. (For ArmA only)

[ArmaVidz 0]

Makes me curious as to two things:

1. ARMA version? Atari? European DVD? Sprocket etc.

2. What do you do with arma? Edit? Use Scripts? etc.

ArmA's stability seems pretty fleeting for me. One day it's there, one day it's not. Regardless of driver version, overclock, different computer systems etc. Seems like stability might be caused by the addons used or the version we have? I dunno, just an assumption.

[SD_BOB 10]

Hey guys, just a quick question how do i set the maxmem thing to 512?

Cheers.

[Gaffa 0]

Some of you might know this already, but I'll say it...

If your using the stock cooler that came with the 8800GTX, the Nvidia drivers will end up frying your card! (Read it up if you don't believe me). When you install their drivers, it sets your fan speed to auto, then eventually the 8800GTX overheats causing either the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), or your ArmA will run like a sideshow.

All you have to do is adjust the fan speed which can be done in the Nvidia control panel... Performance > Adjust GPU Settings, then you will see where to adjust the fan.

I have mine set at 85c and I have never had any problems since!

Hope this helps...

[Beagle 684]

There once was a Patch announced for september or october to solve the DX10 Card problems, and a lot else ... well. it's november allready.

[SWAT_BigBear 0]

Makes me curious as to two things:

1. ARMA version? Atari? European DVD? Sprocket etc.

2. What do you do with arma? Edit? Use Scripts? etc.

Atari, patched 1.08, but not the ladder bug patch, since I don't get them.

I'm not having to edit config/shortcuts for my ArmA with 169.04.

I do wish the 2/4 gig memory gets fixed soon due to, I also run an ArmA dedi at the same time thru FireDaemon which I posted here many months back..concerning Vista 64.

Some of you might know this already, but I'll say it...

If your using the stock cooler that came with the 8800GTX, the Nvidia drivers will end up frying your card! (Read it up if you don't believe me). When you install their drivers, it sets your fan speed to auto, then eventually the 8800GTX overheats causing either the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), or your ArmA will run like a sideshow.

I'm using stock coolers..since Feb.

I never have any heat issues. Vista and this setup, automatically runs all fans. There are a total of 6 tower & 3 mb fans, plus the Enermax inside fan (that sucks everything out like a whirlpool).

Only after several hours of gaming, will all fans stay at max rpm's, including the Video, when I go back idle, 10 mins later all fans slow way down.

These are just a couple of the many reasons I'm staying with Vista.

[FlashPan 0]

I have now tried the MaxMem setting and this didn't seem to have any effect. Next I installed the beta 169.04 drivers, this seems to have improved things. I managed to get two games that lasted 20 minutes before a CTD occurred - a record for me. Unfortunatley the CTD was terminal and I had to reset my machine.

The irony of all this is that with the GTX, this game runs very smoothly on max settings and plays extremely well - when it works. I'd like to buy their addon packs, but I will not do so until Bohemia or nVidia sort this out.

RobP

[boomboomer 0]

Makes me curious as to two things:

1. ARMA version? Atari? European DVD? Sprocket etc.

2. What do you do with arma? Edit? Use Scripts? etc.

ArmA's stability seems pretty fleeting for me. One day it's there, one day it's not. Regardless of driver version, overclock, different computer systems etc. Seems like stability might be caused by the addons used or the version we have? I dunno, just an assumption.

1. 1.08 Euro Dvd

2. just the fixes I posted above.

To test your system try creating a dual-boot system with a clean XP install, latest drivers and NOTHING else. I've found a lot of my issues were caused by other software interfering with ArmA - it's a greedy beast and doesn't like sharing your system resources.

[archsceptic 21]

Some of you might know this already, but I'll say it...

If your using the stock cooler that came with the 8800GTX, the Nvidia drivers will end up frying your card! (Read it up if you don't believe me). When you install their drivers, it sets your fan speed to auto, then eventually the 8800GTX overheats causing either the BSOD (Blue Screen Of Death), or your ArmA will run like a sideshow.

All you have to do is adjust the fan speed which can be done in the Nvidia control panel... Performance > Adjust GPU Settings, then you will see where to adjust the fan.

I have mine set at 85c and I have never had any problems since!

Hope this helps...

Have you got any links concerning this problem?

I've had my 8800gtx for about 9 months now without any overheating issues. Is it just these latest 169 drivers causing this problem?

[Gaffa 0]

I can't remember matey, sorry... Try putting it in google. I don't no if this works for other people, but it has worked for me.

I've also had my 8800GTX for about the same amount of time. I don't have any issues with other games, it was just ArmA for some reason?

But since I've taken the fan control from auto and set it to about 85% it works like a charm! Before, I use to play a mission for 30mins, everything was fine, then I'd get graphical problems, with beams coming on my screen. I then looked at my Nvidia control panel, and the GPU was reaching temperatures of around 75-80c, that's god damn hot for a card to be running at!! After searching google that's when I found out that Nvidia set the fan speed to auto in all of there drivers! Soon as I adjusted it, it was reaching a respectable 50-60c and thats after playing ArmA for a few hours.

I'm sure if you tried this, you will notice the difference.

[-Puma- 2]

Nvidia cards has been running with those temps for ages. nothing unusal about that. if the card reaches 87-90C then it might be overheating. but yes it's wise to, just to be safe, to keep em cooler than 80C.

[maatz 1]

hm, I thought of buying a 8800gtx card in the next time some day, but if so many people have problem with this graphix card and ArmA, I will have to think of another options, right?

[Gaffa 0]

Nvidia cards has been running with those temps for ages. nothing unusal about that. if the card reaches 87-90C then it might be overheating. but yes it's wise to, just to be safe, to keep em cooler than 80C.

Mate your wrong lol...

Search the more technical sites, you will see that if you have a 8800GTX with a fan cooler, you should be aiming from around 50-70c (in-game), Any higher is considered to be overheating and may end up damaging your card. If on the other hand your 8800GTX is water cooled, you should be aiming for around... 40-50c (in-game).

By all means you can carry on running your card at temps of 85-90c, but i can guaranty you it wont last long.

I paid £400+ for my card, and theirs no way shape or form I'm going to let it fry! lol... That's why I did as much research on this matter as possible.

About the Nvidia drivers... They always have the fan settings on auto what ever the driver (from what I've seen anyway.)

I suggest you all register on Guru3d's forums and ask these questions their. I'm sure you will get the same answers I'm giving you.

There's plenty more sites with information discussing the 8800GTX, its just a matter of searching and being patent until you find what your looking for.

[FlashPan 0]

hm, I thought of buying a 8800gtx card in the next time some day, but if so many people have problem with this graphix card and ArmA, I will have to think of another options, right?

It's a shame, as when it works, Arma is liquid smooth on my system with everything maxed out at 1680x1050. For those that have no problems with their GTX8800's they must be in ARMA nirvana!

[Gaffa 0]

^^

[harddisk_ripper 0]

I'm sorry, but thats BS Gaffa....

The G80 chip (the one in the 8800gts, gtx and ultra) was tested to operate up to 150°C!

Temperature readouts with the driver - under load ("in game" as you would say) - are normal up to 90°C.

Besides, in the old nvidia driver control panels you can find your CST (core slowdown threshold) Value. It think it's at 110°C or something arround there. So if your temp diode would measure 110°C, the GPU and Ram would beginn to underclock, so that they won't reach temperatures that would be harmful for your gfx-card.

Greetings harddisk_ripper

[maatz 1]

hm, I thought of buying a 8800gtx card in the next time some day, but if so many people have problem with this graphix card and ArmA, I will have to think of another options, right?

It's a shame, as when it works, Arma is liquid smooth on my system with everything maxed out at 1680x1050. For those that have no problems with their GTX8800's they must be in ARMA nirvana!

ujhm, I don't get what you're trying to say mate! sry!

[Meatball0311 79]

I'm sorry, but thats BS Gaffa....

The G80 chip (the one in the 8800gts, gtx and ultra) was tested to operate up to 150°C!

Temperature readouts with the driver - under load ("in game" as you would say) - are normal up to 90°C.

Besides, in the old nvidia driver control panels you can find our CST (core slowdown threshold) Value. It think it's at 110°C or something arround there. So if your temp diode would measure 110°C, the GPU and Ram would beginn to underclock, so that they won't reach temperatures that would be harmful for your gfx-card.

Greetings harddisk_ripper

This is very true. When I first got my 8800GTX I installed it and started to check it out. I had a problem with an earlier card overheating so I definitely didnt want my new 8800GTX to overheat. So I checked out the temp on it. It was reaching 80c+. I started to trip out thinking it might be my computer chassis had poor ventilation. I then called tech support and spoke to a representative who said that the card can handle extreme heat up 100c+. Believe me it took me awhile to believe it, but mine works fine. My comp stays on all day and the average standing temp on my card is 70c. When playing ArmA for hours it reaches 82c.

I had all of those same problems that alot of you are having in the past. I use to get these things that looked like beams on my screen. My ArmA would always crash saying "ArmA stopped Responding". Also in multiplayer I would crash alot too.

What I did to solve these problems:

1. Added -maxmem=512 into the parameters of my ArmA Launcher. Or if you are not using a launcher put it into the target area of your ArmA icon.

2. I am using the latest drivers which is currently the 169.09. It is a beta but it is working great for me. It seems that the NVIDIA site is still stuck on 163.75, if you go to the EVGA sight it has the latest drivers.

My Specs

Intel Core 2 Quad CPU Q6600 @2.40GHz 2.39GHz

3Gb RAM

Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit

8800GTX

Video Options

Terrain: High

Object: High

Texture: High

Shading: Low

Postprocess: Low

Anisotropic: Low

Shadow: Low

Antialising: Normal

Blood: High

NVIDIA Control Panel/Manage 3d Settings/Global Settings

Anisotropic: 8x

Antialising Gamma Correction: On

Antialising Mode: Override any application settings

Antialising Settings: 4x

Antialising Transparency: Supersampling

Conformant texture clamp: use hardware

Error Reporting: On

Extension Limit: On

Force MipMaps: trilinear

Multi display/mixed GPU acceleration: Single display performance mode

Stereo: Use onboard DIN connector

Texture Filtering Negative LOD bias: Allow

Texture Filtering Quality: High quality

Threaded Optimization: On

Triple Buffering: On

Veritcal Sync: Force on

[kklownboy 43]

Nvidia cards has been running with those temps for ages. nothing unusal about that. if the card reaches 87-90C then it might be overheating. but yes it's wise to, just to be safe, to keep em cooler than 80C.

Mate your wrong lol...

Search the more technical sites, you will see that if you have a 8800GTX with a fan cooler, you should be aiming from around 50-70c (in-game), Any higher is considered to be overheating and may end up damaging your card. If on the other hand your 8800GTX is water cooled, you should be aiming for around... 40-50c (in-game).

By all means you can carry on running your card at temps of 85-90c, but i can guaranty you it wont last long.

I paid £400+ for my card, and theirs no way shape or form I'm going to let it fry! lol... That's why I did as much research on this matter as possible.

About the Nvidia drivers... They always have the fan settings on auto what ever the driver (from what I've seen anyway.)

I suggest you all register on Guru3d's forums and ask these questions their. I'm sure you will get the same answers I'm giving you.

There's plenty more sites with information discussing the 8800GTX, its just a matter of searching and being patent until you find what your looking for.

FUD... modern GPUs can run 100c+, and no damage to the chip. Now the RAM and other stuff on the card may not like a hot case enviroment, and the whole card/driver/OS/game may give artifacts at 95c and up, but you wont damage a GPU at 100c.

As for the OP., set your ingame settings a notch lower, or just go default for awhile. Max settings can give crashes...with the wacky RAM amounts that NVDA uses with the 8xxx cards, there are issues with vid memory. Hence MaxMem, Flush command, ect.

[Kneip2k 0]

Hmm... This worries me a bit. Just got my new rig last week, and Arma is downloading as we speak ( Finaly I might add!! ).

Im looking forward to hours and hours of multiplayer fun, but this 8800GTX "problem" is sucking the life out of me.

Can a game actually ruin your GPU ( Stock game, stock cooling and so on? ). I don`t really know if theese problems

will pop up on my system, only the computer god knows for sure.

My sys:

Intel Core2 Duo E6850 3.0GHz

3 gigs of ram

WinXP Pro (for now)

8800GTX

Any tips, warnings or predictions would be most welcome

Edit: Got it all working evetually. But after playing the game for about 20-30 min. I encounterd what some

discribes as grey beams coming from the center of the screen. I quickly Alt+TAB`ed to check the GPU temp wich was

77 degrees c. Alt+TAB`ed back to the game, hitting resume and was greeted by a rather quick BSOD and a automatic reboot of the computer.

I have not done any tweaks or anything (-maxmem and so on). Bought the sprocket ArmA Gold Edition and was happily going trough the training stuff when it all fell apart.

Im running the latest beta drivers (169.09)