screen flickers and goes black while gaming

Mountaingoat · 05-27-2006, 04:06 PM

Recently as I've been playing a game, my screen flickers for a moment, then will just go black. If I get the game minimized the problem goes away, I can see the desktop just fine. Part of the problem is I use a laptop for gaming purposes..it is an hp zd7000 'desktop replacement' (has a numpad and all). I'm thinking the problem is with the video card overheating. The video card is an nvidia go5700 or something of the sort. I use an app called Speedfan, I'm not sure how accurate it is, but the temperature it reads while running a game is usually around 68* C.

I have a a 10 inch circular fan always running, and when the problem get really bad, I prop up the computer and get the fan right on the two compter fans located on the bottom of the laptop. I also periodically open up my computer and make sure dust hasn't accumulated. Also, sometimes giving the comp a small whack makes the screen come back for a few seconds? Could it also be a loose connection somewhere (that I am further enhancing with whacking the comp)?

Some other stats:
3Ghz processor
512 RAM

Computer is approximatly 2 years old, and I have been gaming on it much of that time.

**Joefireline** · 05-27-2006, 04:16 PM

Try updating the graphics card drivers.
Also, try opening the laptop, and check that the inverter for the screen is in properly.
This might be better to put in laptops.

Mountaingoat · 05-27-2006, 05:01 PM

What does the inverter look like, and is there a general area it can be found? As for new drivers, Geforce FX go5700 isn't supported (the regular non 'go' Geforce FX 5700 is). It isn't listed under products supported on nvidia website, nor does the new driver even install. The manufacturer website, HP, is the only place to get a new one I suppose, and they haven't put any new ones out for this card.

**Joefireline** · 05-28-2006, 03:01 AM

Check that this cable:

is connected to both ends properly, maybe een just take it out, check for any dust build up or anything, then put in back in.

Mountaingoat · 05-28-2006, 01:29 PM

Thanks a bunch, I'll check this out

05-27-2006, 04:06 PM	#1 (permalink)
Mountaingoat Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	screen flickers and goes black while gaming Recently as I've been playing a game, my screen flickers for a moment, then will just go black. If I get the game minimized the problem goes away, I can see the desktop just fine. Part of the problem is I use a laptop for gaming purposes..it is an hp zd7000 'desktop replacement' (has a numpad and all). I'm thinking the problem is with the video card overheating. The video card is an nvidia go5700 or something of the sort. I use an app called Speedfan, I'm not sure how accurate it is, but the temperature it reads while running a game is usually around 68* C. I have a a 10 inch circular fan always running, and when the problem get really bad, I prop up the computer and get the fan right on the two compter fans located on the bottom of the laptop. I also periodically open up my computer and make sure dust hasn't accumulated. Also, sometimes giving the comp a small whack makes the screen come back for a few seconds? Could it also be a loose connection somewhere (that I am further enhancing with whacking the comp)? Some other stats: 3Ghz processor 512 RAM Computer is approximatly 2 years old, and I have been gaming on it much of that time.

05-27-2006, 04:16 PM	#2 (permalink)
Joefireline Enthusiastic TSFer~Joseph Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portishead (Bristol) England Posts: 5,319 OS: Windows 7 64bit(Desktop) / XP Home SP2(laptop) My System	Try updating the graphics card drivers. Also, try opening the laptop, and check that the inverter for the screen is in properly. This might be better to put in laptops.

05-27-2006, 05:01 PM	#3 (permalink)
Mountaingoat Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	What does the inverter look like, and is there a general area it can be found? As for new drivers, Geforce FX go5700 isn't supported (the regular non 'go' Geforce FX 5700 is). It isn't listed under products supported on nvidia website, nor does the new driver even install. The manufacturer website, HP, is the only place to get a new one I suppose, and they haven't put any new ones out for this card.

05-28-2006, 03:01 AM	#4 (permalink)
Joefireline Enthusiastic TSFer~Joseph Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Portishead (Bristol) England Posts: 5,319 OS: Windows 7 64bit(Desktop) / XP Home SP2(laptop) My System	Check that this cable: is connected to both ends properly, maybe een just take it out, check for any dust build up or anything, then put in back in.

05-28-2006, 01:29 PM	#5 (permalink)
Mountaingoat Registered User Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 3 OS: XP	Thanks a bunch, I'll check this out