How to Identify a Display Driver Problem?

Ok so my BF2 has been acting strange as of late.. I think I may have some sort of Display Driver issue..

When playing BF2 now (ever since I installed SF) The game plays fine for 1-2 rounds.. but by the middle of the 3rd.. the game gets choppy as heck.. with small breaks of smooth running onnly to get chopping a second later.. gameplay is impossible.. can really only do Commander role.. but the game seems to get worse as times progresses.. Screen went black for a brief second.. then fine.. then black again..

So does this sound like a DD issue?

Sounds like a tasteless game issue:

(ever since I installed SF)

LOL Sorry I just had to:

Check out this tech note [url=http://www.ap0calypse.com/MaDDN3ss/ea_boycott1.jpg]HERE <<<< Clicky clicky

Hope it helps.

Ive uninstalled SF.. the issue is still there.. I think it has something to do with a Driver SF might of installed..

I just checked the Advance Tab in my Display Properties.. Getting this message..

The NVIDIA Display Panel Extension cannot be created.

Possible reasons include:
Version mismatch. Reinstalling display drivers may solve this problem.


So what order should I go so I don't cripple my machine in the process.. I hate screwing with Display Drivers..

XP is really bad about it's implementation of Display Drivers. Bubba or Sarge, what is that tool that cleans out all your old display drivers?

Also, Sarge had a post that talked about the things he did to improve his video performance.

DriverHeaven has their "driver cleaner" tool which works pretty well. I usually uninstall the driver via the add/remove programs, reboot and run driver cleaner. Then install new drivers. I have an ATI though so I don't know if the recommended procedure is different for NVidia stuff.

If drivers don't fix it, Think memory leak...

Hmm I'll try that..

What are the symptoms of a memory leak? Any solutions?

I may be off base here, but it sounds also like maybe your video card might be overheating. does your card have a fan on it? And if so, is it working?

Good point Skorch. Definitely could also be a heat issue.

Yep.. It's the ASUS 6800GT 128.. SmartDoctor is saying the card is running OK.. Not sure where to check temp.. since Ive never needed to.. I thought it might of been the video card once the screen went to black like that but not sure.. air coming out of the back & side seems cool as well

Ok found the temp reading..

At startup

GPU - 47c
RAM - 41c

52c
48c

after 10 minutes.

That doesn't seem to be too hot. Have you tried fixing the drivers? You might also try your other system drivers as they can sometimes cause issues when they get corrupted. I remember having some serious BF42 problems at one point that were fixed when I re-installed my motherboard drivers.

My first thought was Memory leak or problem like Bubba.