drivehard454

I just got an ATI Radeon 9250, Saphire series video card. I cannot figure out how to get the driver for it. I have gone to AMD/ATI site and downloaded the driver on the list. I finish and the computer restarts and when it boots up, goes through the normal proceedures, then right before it would get to the welcome screen, the monitor goes black

I have to shut down and restart using previous settings to get back to windows. After getting there, I go to the ATI control panel and it tells me the drivers are not installed.

I have tried to let windows installer find them and load, and still get a black screen.

I have deleted everything, and went to the ATI Saphire site and downloaded the driver set from that site, same problem, I also had to download .NET from microsoft?

What am I doing wrong? I cannot figure it out and am getting tired of restarting my computer over and over trying to figure it out.

I did have a nvidia card before this, but I deleted the drivers for that, and my integrated graphics driver are deleted also. So there should not be a conflict there.

Any advise on what I may be doing wrong? Thanks

drivehard454

Here is what I get when trying to open ATI CCC

drivehard454

Here is the driver site and driver I installed the first couple attempts.

Dyre Straits

The most recent ATI drivers that support pre-9500 cards is Catalyst 6.11. Prior to that, ATI had stopped supporting any cards prior to the 9500 series back around version 6.5 or 6.6...not sure offhand.

Therefore, you need to be sure to grab the 6.11s and try installing those for your card.

You also didn't say what you upgraded from. If it was an nVidia card, or another brand, you need to do a fresh installation of Windows....or at the least a Windows Repair installation. This is the only way you can be sure you don't have conflicts in the Windows Registry.

If your previous card was an ATI RAGE-based card, treat it the same as another brand.


EDIT: You edited your last post as I was responding.

Be sure to follow the instructions to reinstall Windows.

It's not enough to simply delete the integrated graphics drivers. Go into the BIOS and DISABLE the onboard video.

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drivehard454

here is the driver I installed from Saphire technologies

Dyre Straits

You need to do a fresh installation of Windows as mentioned above.

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drivehard454

Hello Dyre Straits!

OK, Originally I have an integrated ATI radeon 9100 video controller. I updated ever so slightly apparently to a Nvidia geforce fx 5500 agp card. I had been having difficulty getting it to perform on my GTA game and was unltimately told it was over heating? It was locking up the screen about 15-20 minutes into play.

I know my system is old and not a high performance rig. But, all I want to do is play that stupid game. I could play it with some performance issues with the onboard graphics. The nvidia card would play better, but keeps stopping and shutting down the system. It should be able to play just fine, as it exceeds the game requirements, but everyone I ask assistance from tells me it's not enough.

Anyways, my brother upgraded from this ATI Radeon 9250 he had and gave it to me. He also used it on his system to play GTA SA. It played just fine on medium settings. So I thought, what the hell I'll pull the nvidia out and run with this. Now here I am with stupid conflicts again. I don't get it.

If I need older drivers, how do I go about getting them?

Thanks DYRE, you have been very helpful in the past.

drivehard454

You posted faster than I could reply. Is that the only option, to re-install windows.

I just finally got everything loaded and organized from a previous system crash. IF you may remember I am the one that lost my drivers for my old OS and you had helped me by installing a new HD?

Dyre Straits

Yep, I remember.

The sad truth is, you're really going to have to get Windows refreshed.....somehow.

Have you run the latest version of CCleaner lately -- the Issues option?

Another thing came to mind: Have you tried running the game in Windows98 Compatibility mode? To do this, right click on the game's icon on your Desktop...if you have one there...OR, go to the game's listing in the All Programs list. Right click on it and then select Properties from the bottom of the popup menu.

On that next screen will be a tab for Compatibility. Select that.

Now, place a check in the box for Run this program in compatibility mode for:

Now, there will be an active list of compatibility modes to choose from. Select Windows 98 and then see how the game functions. You can play with various ones to see if there's any difference.

However, you really do need to get Windows refreshed.....did I say that before?

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drivehard454

Yes, you mentioned refresh a couple times. I don't need to do a complete re-install for that correct? What is the proper method to do this?

I still have the ATI card installed and the graphics are in default. So I may try as you suggested with compatability mode if there is going to be too much trouble getting the drivers installed for this card. I will put the nvidia back in and try it then.

I feel as though I am full of ignorance, but am wondering what I would need to do a complete re-install? Anyways, if refreshing is an option, if I could be enlightened on proceedure, I would appreciate it. Thanks.

drivehard454

Oh, I am running ccleaner now. Thanks.

Dyre Straits

The only sure ways to get Windows refreshed is either by a new installation or a Repair installation. I use the Repair installation occasionally as it leaves programs and data intact.

But, either one requires a valid Windows installation CD.

CCleaner is pretty good at weeding out orphan keys and such and may be the next best thing to a Windows Repair.

At any rate, without a system restore CD and/or a Windows CD, I'd be hesitant to keep swapping out video cards and doing any major upgrades or system changes. In the absence of installation CDs, if you get the system working well, it would be wise to leave it be.

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drivehard454

I have run ccleaner. I do have an install disk for the new version of windows XP Pro I installed.

I have been doing research and finding that you were correct in that I need an older version driver. I cannot figure out how to find downloads for the older drivers. I can get the ATI CCC to install but cannot get the driver to work. All I get is a black screen after reboot.

I guess if there is no other option but starting over with windows, I am going to just pull it out and put the nvidia back in. The performance between the two cards is probably the same anyway.

I can't wait till the money tree blooms so I can get rid of all this and just upgrade.

Thanks Dyre

Dyre Straits

Just got home from work and read your post.

The older ATI Catalyst Drivers are actually easy to find....if you know how.

Start on this page:

ATI Radeon Drivers

Select your Windows XP version;

Select Radeon;

Select Radeon 9250 series;

Then click GO

The next page will be for the downloads for Catalyst 6.11. If that driver is giving you trouble, too, then look down at the bottom of the Additional Links:

Previous Drivers and Software

Click on that and you'll then see another list starting back at the Catalyst 6.5 and going backwards.

Just be very sure to completely uninstall any current set of drives before trying the next set.

Good luck!

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drivehard454

Thanks again Dyre. I am now at work and will give it a look tomorrow. I did find a nice guide for installing ATI drivers and control panel, man does it look like a lot of work!

http://www.tweaktown.com/guides/569/...ion/index.html

I am wondering if it is worth getting this one installed now, or if I should just go back to the nvidia and try cooling it with another fan.

Any body know off the top if a Nvidia geforce 5500 256MB is better, same or worse performance/quality wise, then this ATI Radeon 9250 128MB card? It may save me a lot of unneed trouble.

Maybe they are both crap and should be pulverized and I should just give up trying to make this old system do anything!(blowing off steam)

Thanks

Dyre Straits

I spent a few moments checking some comparisons online for these two cards.

Since the nVidia card has 256 MB of memory, and clocked at 270 MHz, it would definitely be the faster of the two. This card also has DirectX 9.0 functions and features.

Every 9250 series card I saw is clocked at 240 MHz so it's a slower card and also has less VRAM. This card also pre-dates DX9 and so will only support up to DX8 features.

If there's any performance disparity that causes the 9250 to perform better than the 5500, it would likely be due to the 5500 utilizing the DX9 features of the games. The 9250 would not be encumbered by any DX9 features and will pass them off.

That should tell the tale there and give you the direction you should go.

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drivehard454

Thanks for the research. I was looking around too for specs and stuff. I guess since I was experiencing problems with the nvidia, and I knew the ATI would play the game also, I just thought it would be a quick swap, and off I go.

I was also figuring the Nvidia should be a better performer. I just wonder why I would be getting heat issues. I am going to try and get temps and see what is really going on.

Well thats another chapter.

Thanks

Dyre Straits

Does the nVidia card have a fan or is it just a passive heatsink? If it's a fan, it may not be working properly and needs to be replaced.

Other options: Run with the side cover off your case and put a small area fan (desktop fan) blowing into the case at the video card.

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H3X4D3C1M4L

The 5500 shouldn't technically be considered a DX9.0 part.... most games (Notably Half Life 2 and other source based games) default to DX8.1 rendering path on the FX series (5xxx) due to the fact that they just were too poorly designed and didn't work with DX9.0 all the same.

The 9250 gets billed as a DX9.0 part because technically you can run DX9 on it, but correct you are in that its a DirectX 8.1 card (it was made when there were DX9.0 cards) because all it is, is a Radeon 8500 with a lower clock speed and more RAM.

Long story short.... GeForce FX cards, though technically DX9.0 hardware, shouldn't be labelled as such because their performance in DX9 is terrible.

drivehard454

H3X4D3C1M4L(hexadecimal?)....OK, so with what you said, should I delete DX9.0 and install the DX8.0? I think the game requires DX9.0 though, so is that even an option? Also, if it is a lower clock speed, can I safely up the clocking for a little performance?

Dyre, yes it does have a fan. I read a few articles about the fans being set at a default of 59% running speed. Do you think this is the same here? If so, how do I get to where I can turn up the speed a bit?

Also, I have another case fan that I am going to mount in the side panel blowing on the card. I am at work, so I will have to attempt this tomorrow. I still have the ATI card in at the moment. So, I will see if that helps. Also, I believe you mentioned setting compatability settings to Windows 98. I will also try that.

Thanks again guys!

Dyre Straits

No, do not delete DirectX 9.0. There's no need for that. Essentially, the abilities of whatever card you have installed will be what determines which features are used. DX 9 already has DX8 and DX7 functions built in. So, you still need DX 9 on your system.

I'll have to defer to anyone else who might know if the fans on either of those cards can be controlled. I can't recall being able to do it on my own systems until I had upgraded to my previous X800XL. Adding a case fan blowing directly onto the graphics card was one of my own methods.

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drivehard454

Thanks for clearing that up about the DX9.0. I can leave that alone then. I am going to swap cards back to the nvidia here in the morning when I get home. I'll go down that road again for a little bit.

If I were to go and buy a better video card for my little rig, what would be recommended for my set-up? I have a few things I will be selling on ebay, and if they do sell I may just use that money to get a new card. I should be able to run better graphics even though my system is a little old, correct?

I seriously only wish to up performance for the one game I have(GTA SA) and don't really think I will be buying any new games in the near future. The amount I do get to play with a family and all, I will probably not finish it for another 6 months. By then I should be sitting a little better financially and will buy a new system.

Anyways, got any recommendations?

I have a 400w psu, the rest is on the left here.

Thanks for any suggestions.

Dyre Straits

Here is a list of AGP cards sorted by Rating:

PriceGrabber-Rated AGP Video Cards

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H3X4D3C1M4L

Definately though at some points it becomes a little ridiculous... I mean I wouldn't put $500 dollar tires on a car worth less than that, you know? Similarily, I wouldn't go out and buy an X1950Pro AGP for my AXP system... it wouldn't enhance this machine enough to make it worth it.

If all you play is GTA:SA, and don't plan on playing a heck of alot of games in the near future, see if you can pick up a used 9700 or 9800 Pro on eBay on the cheap, I've seen them well under $100 in pretty good shape. That'll set you up to be playing San Andreas no problem and a whole bunch of other games as well

drivehard454

Thanks for the advice guys. I cleaned and deleted all the ATI stuff and removed the ATI card today. I installed the nvidia and the newest drivers and CP. To my astonishment, I tried the GTA game and it is playing just fine. I put another fan in the case to blow on the card. I played for about 45 minutes with no fluctuations or performance drops. I have the settings at a little less than half and turned the draw distance down to about 1/3. So far no problems. I couldn't even hardly play with everything as low as possible before.

Anyone with an explaination to that? Well, I only played the once so we will see about it later when I have more time.

I downloaded software to clock the card a bit. Is it recommended to try a little or should I leave it?

Thanks again

Dyre Straits

If you're happy with the way it played, and it plays this way again and again..... "if it ain't broke, don't fix it".

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drivehard454

I hear ya. Thanks for sending me the list from price grabber. I checked it out. Maybe I will just leave it all alone, as long as it seems to be ok. It's been a long road. Thanks for all the help.

This is a very nice forum, Maybe in a few years, I will be helping others out.