Graphic card lockups

Apprently GPU overheating fix dosn't help

from GalCiv2 Forums
Hello, new user. *waves* I've been having the GPU overheating issue. I have a 6800GT with the basic HSF.
I tried everything I could think of. I updated to 1.1 off the bat, I attempted to enable Vsync by the control panel. I'm right now playing on 1024x768, on a 1280X1024 monitor, just to keep tempature down. I also updated drivers and cleaned out the PC, it helped, but not much, my GPU tempature still reachs 90C. I just tried enabling the FPS counter, it hovers around 70 yet I feel this is more like whats being sent to monitor, as theres no other reason for the GPU to spike to 90C.

Any suggestions?
4,803 views 8 replies
Reply #2 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you have a card next to the video card it may be blocking airflow or adding its own heat to the graphics card.
I had that happen on my machine, the TV tuner card was right next to the video card. It is a large card and generates a lot of heat on its own. I swapped PCI slots with a smaller card that did not generate the heat, and my GPU temps went down nearly 20C.

Also, getting an aftermarket fan for the video card might help as well.
You are not overclocking the card are you?

Galactic Civilizations III
Reply #3 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
No, I'm not overclocking the card, in fact, I tried underclocking with not abit of improvement in staying ability.

I've opened my case door, which improved the situation abit, and I'm considering an additional fan to help airflow, however, I can't think of the airflow as the problem. The card is free on both sides.
Possibly random question to save me a C or two, would taking off the nVidia sticker on the 6800GT HSF help dissapation by giving the heatsink more room to breath?
Reply #4 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
I doubt it. If it is open to both sides are you sure the fan is working? No dust in the fins or blades hampering airflow?
And you mentioned 90C. The overheat warning does not trigger until something like 125C in my driver control panel. 90C should not be causing it to crash, even though it is a bit warmish.

Have you tried different drivers? You have not mentioned which version you are using.
You should be on version 81.98


Next time i crashes post the debug.err report. It may help track down the problem. It may not be strictly related to the graphic cards heat.
Reply #5 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
The Fan is working, now its actully stable following me opening the side door and adding a house fan to the mix. Thanks for the help.

I'm using 84.43 drivers, quite abit over 81.98.
Reply #6 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Yes, you are on a beta build. The 81.98's might be more stable.

Sorry, I just checked something.
84.21 are the last WHQL for WinXP.
81.98 are the last WHQL for WinXP Media Center Edition, which is what I have.


You are still using beta drivers, though. You might be better off going to the WHQL 84.21 drivers.
Reply #7 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
Not really, beta drivers in my experiance are no less stable. Either way, I've solved the problem temporarily, thank you for your help.
Reply #8 from GalCiv2 Forums Top
If you install Coolbits 3D, you can set the fan to "always on".