White Screen Problems

[Snoopy]

For quite a while (ever since I set up my new computer IIRC), I've had problems running a bunch of Steam games. I suspect it relates to my video card (which is an AMD 4800), but I can provide the rest of the specs on request. Anyway, when running some Steam games, my computer suddenly freezes up, the sound goes to a repeat, and the screen goes white (or white with black flashes). It occurs in the following situations:

Arma II: During MOUT training on the first training level, though probably in all "action situations".
Fallout NV: About 30-40 minutes in, after killing the Geckos around the town
Team Fortress 2: Generally between 5 and 30 minutes into a round.
Gmod: On certain maps of Trouble in Terrorist Town (eg. 67th works fine, but Vessel and de_haunt cause crashes)

This problem is excessively annoying and is making me want to upgrade my video card, but I don't want to change if the problem is something much simpler. My drivers are all updated and my computer isn't overheating. Any ideas?

[PoleCat]

What you're describing really sounds like heat problems from this end. But as you say your system is not overheating (and free of dust?) then maybe it's best to look somewhere else. As you mention Steam I'll ask the obvious - any other programs this happens with? Even something as innocuous as a browser?

As I don't know those games I'd like to know this - are those graphics intensive games? Have you tried lowering graphics settings and tried to replicate the white screen?

Post your DX log with your GPU specs. That's vital info we need. Lastly have you checked your RAM via Memtest x86? If you don't know how then just ask. Good luck!

[Snoopy]

What you're describing really sounds like heat problems from this end. But as you say your system is not overheating (and free of dust?) then maybe it's best to look somewhere else. As you mention Steam I'll ask the obvious - any other programs this happens with? Even something as innocuous as a browser?

As I don't know those games I'd like to know this - are those graphics intensive games? Have you tried lowering graphics settings and tried to replicate the white screen?

Post your DX log with your GPU specs. That's vital info we need. Lastly have you checked your RAM via Memtest x86? If you don't know how then just ask. Good luck!

Overheating was my first thought too, but the problem is specific enough that I doubt it. Also, my fans are exceptionally good, so something is very wrong if that's the problem. I'll double check that later. I cleaned it of dust not too long ago, but I could try again if there isn't a different cause found.

Besides the games mentioned, this problem never, ever occurs. They aren't especially graphics intensive, and far trickier ones haven't had the problem. I tried lowering the graphics once, which did delay the problem on one game for one map, but didn't work at all on others (this is in Gmod, mind).

My RAM is in decent condition, I'm pretty sure that's not the problem.

My GPU (and graphics card) specs are:

[PoleCat]

Overheating was my first thought too, but the problem is specific enough that I doubt it. Also, my fans are exceptionally good, so something is very wrong if that's the problem. I'll double check that later. I cleaned it of dust not too long ago, but I could try again if there isn't a different cause found.

Besides the games mentioned, this problem never, ever occurs. They aren't especially graphics intensive, and far trickier ones haven't had the problem. I tried lowering the graphics once, which did delay the problem on one game for one map, but didn't work at all on others (this is in Gmod, mind).

One question - is this a new system or have you had it for awhile?

Start thinking drivers - Have you updated a driver for that card recently? How about DirectX? Is it fully up-to-date?

After looking again I see TF2. A game that old may need the DX 9.0 codec installed. If I remember correctly that's an occasional fix recommended in the M2 Tech Forum. You could try it but I can't say it will work for certain. Good luck!

In msconfig, have you tried using Diagnostic Startup to see what happens and then add the drivers back in one at a time to see which one maybe conflicting?

What he said.

[irishron]

In msconfig, have you tried using Diagnostic Startup to see what happens and then add the drivers back in one at a time to see which one maybe conflicting?