View Full Version : XFX 8800 GT 512MB XXX Alpha Dog crashing
mister_jon
03-06-08, 19:54
I'm really struggling here folks and don't know what to do.
I recently installed 2 XFX 8800GT XXX Alpha Dog cards, but am having some real stability problems. I can only play Age of Conan and Crysis (among others), for a few minutes before everything hangs and I have to reboot the system.
On a couple of occasions I've managed to get back to the desktop but shortly thereafter the same thing happens.
I've checked temperatures, CPU is running fine at around 41C, but both cards are going as high as 80C under load (idling in the mid-60s).
I've installed RivaTuner and set the GPU fan speed to about 90% but that's made no difference.
I've tried each card separately, and get the same results. But my old ATI X1950 pro works fine on the same board.
Could the cards be overheating?
I've had several things suggested, like getting hold of an older driver, but I have yet to give it a try. I really don't want to go through the hassle of putting new coolers on the cards - and would rather just send these back and go for a more expensive card with better cooling.
Any help you can offer would be appreciated.
System specs are:
AMD 64 X2 5200+
Gigabyte GA-M57 SLI-S4 board
4GB Corsair XMS2 Ram
Thermaltake 850W PSU
(2 x) XFX 8800GT 512MB XXX Alpha Dog cards
PeterStoba
03-06-08, 20:30
I was going to say PSU, but it seems good enough to me.
Whats your airflow to the cards like?
mister_jon
03-06-08, 20:35
Should be fine - I've got 2 12CM case fans, a Zalman cpu cooler that blows air down over the rest of the boards.
I've just tried downgrading to the older forceware, but still the same problem.
Even get an almost instant crash when running ATITool.
I'm seriously considering just getting these RMA'd and getting different (non OC) cards.
Give the driver a try, and if that fails just RMA
Sim
mister_jon
03-06-08, 21:22
Sim - tried the driver/forceware - no different. Have even disabled SLI and tried the cards separately but still no good.
wonderlust
03-06-08, 21:31
Have you tried clocking them to the 8800gt standard clocks?
mister_jon
03-06-08, 22:35
Not yet - but ultimately this card was actually more expensive than the standard 8800GT. I've had overclocked cards previously with no problems.
mister_jon
03-06-08, 23:29
EDIT:
Downclocked to the stock speed and mem frequency of the 8800GT and got some stability - but surely the card is supposed to run at the OC speed? Especially if it's factory OC'd
Just be careful if you RMA them. i sent my card back in April and still haven't heard anything yet. Still waiting for customer services to find it. Pretty ****ed to be honest as I was told it would take 28 days maximum. Got a load of work to do, can't use my system because I don't have a display card. Looks like i'm gonna have to buy a new one. Really could do without it. Next time I'll buy one from a local PC shop, then I know it won't take 3 years to sort it.
if the cards wont run at the advertised speeds rma them, just make sure you send them special delivry so you can track them and if they do go missing they are insured.
Have you tried them each seperately?
If they run their rated speeds on their own then it maybe due to something else, as i always say SLi just isn't worth the aggro.
after some more thought it could be the nb and sb need a bit more voltage too as they're now working a bit harder.
Just be careful if you RMA them. i sent my card back in April and still haven't heard anything yet. Still waiting for customer services to find it. Pretty ****ed to be honest as I was told it would take 28 days maximum. Got a load of work to do, can't use my system because I don't have a display card. Looks like i'm gonna have to buy a new one. Really could do without it. Next time I'll buy one from a local PC shop, then I know it won't take 3 years to sort it.
Simply post your RMA number here and someone at aria can sort it for you.
As for OP and the Oc'd card running at Oc'd speeds sometimes you can get cards which pass all the factory tests when produced but are 0.1% unstable - if lowering the clocks works, return card as "not running at advertised speeds" for a replacement.
mister_jon
04-06-08, 23:19
Yeah I think RMA is the way things are heading - I emailed customer services and got sent a response which actually asked me to do all the things I'd ALREADY detailed in my original email to them (like temperatures, disabled SLI, tried cards on their own etc).
Replied with the extra info about downclocking the cards - as technically they are not fit for purpose - so I should be able to arrange replacement under the sale of goods act. One thing is for sure I will NOT be having these same cards again.
mister_jon
04-06-08, 23:23
Also just noticed that Aria are no longer selling these cards on the site so wouldn't be able to get them again even if I wanted to.
My RMA is - RMA209561
So far this week I've rung cust services TWICE, and sent 2 emails. I haven't heard any response from my emails, and haven't had any returned calls as I was told.
My RMA has been ongoing for 36 days nows, and I'm getting absolutely ****ed off.
I've already spent another 30 odd £ on another card just so I can complete my uni work.
What the hell is happening?!?!
mister_jon
06-06-08, 13:31
Spoke with Aria today - as the cards were purchased under a finance agreement they are a refusing a refund and say I will be credited to my account - which means I still have to pay for items that I no longer have? Phoned the finance people and they've asked me to put it in writing to them to sort out.
On top of all this - spoke with Consumer Direct today and they agree that if the card does not run at its advertised specifications and I have taken all reasonable steps to get them to work, and the fact that Aria no longer stock these cards and none of the others meet the same spec - then I am entitled to return them under the Sale of Goods Act AND claim back all my postage and packaging costs for the return.
Same here! The card I bought was the ATI x1950 pro. This card is also no longer available, and still I have no sign of a replacement or a refund! I'm fed up of being ignored. I've waited 36 days now, and I'm having to ring customer services because they won't return calls as promised! So far, 3 emails have been ignored, and I've even left messages on the main webpage. I've sent an ultimatum, 3 days and if I don't get a response I'm taking it further.
I thought this company was great when I bought all my gear the other year. I even signed my mate up who spent £400+ on his first order.
I feel very let down by you Aria.:mad:
Yeah I think RMA is the way things are heading - I emailed customer services and got sent a response which actually asked me to do all the things I'd ALREADY detailed in my original email to them (like temperatures, disabled SLI, tried cards on their own etc).
Replied with the extra info about downclocking the cards - as technically they are not fit for purpose - so I should be able to arrange replacement under the sale of goods act. One thing is for sure I will NOT be having these same cards again.
The fact is tho, you shouldn't have to muck about with the cards like you have. You don't buy a gfx card and spend 3-4 hours mucking about changing core voltages, downclocking, etc. It should perform as it says on the tin. That's why you pay the extra for the performance.
No, the downclocking is to PROVE that the card is faulty, if he had somehow had SLI enabled and that was hthe problem, we would have to pay for the RMA postage and it would not be refunded due to his mistake...
maybe the dog doesnt wanna run for too long :lol:
See what I mean? No replies to emails, No replies to forum posts. I'm sick of being put on hold for 30+ minutes.
ARIA WHAT THE **** IS HAPPENING WITH MY GFX CARD?
Now 39 days have past and I still haven't heard/got anything.
Seems even emails threatening legal action don't even get read. I'm off down to citizen's advice this afternoon and find out where I stand.
Like I said in my email whoever from Aria is reading, YOU HAVE WHILE WEDNESDAY 11th OF JUNE TO CONTACT ME REGARDING THIS OR I WILL TAKE THIS FURTHER. :mad:
I will look in to it for you, I have emailed the returns administrator asking what is happening.
Sorry about the trouble you've been having.
I have been informed that a replacement card is coming from the distributors today but if you dont want to wait we can credit your account for the card. If you let me know what you wish to do via private message I will get it sorted for you.
Any news yet? Almost 2 months now. Where's my gfx card?
I have forward it to the customer services advisor that has been dealing with it, I will now pass it to their team leader to sort out for you.
We are crediting your account, you should receive an email when it has been done.
Will this be done today? I need to get a card sorted fairly shortly. I thought you had the replacement card back in stock?
The credit is on your account so when you have found a replacement, call telesales and they will be able to arrange it all for you (with any extra payments etc)
Thanks Jon, you've been way more helpful than customer services. If Aria is sacking them all, I'll gladly step in to fill the position.
I'll give telesales a ring now.
Thanks very much :)
jons the man m8, if you had sent him your details it would of been sorted ages ago.
No probs, I aim to do my best :)
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