Issues with old X800

[SeeK]

My best mate's family computer originally had a Radeon X800 (I'm unaware of specific model and make at the moment), which died after a perfectly normal reboot a year or so ago. Upon boot, it just sat there, fans spinning on full RPM but nothing more. They stripped an old computer of its GF2 MX, which needless to say isn't the fastest card on the planet. We've been doing some general maintenance recently and I thought I'd try to get the X800 up and running again.

So, what might cause this sudden death for an X800? I thought we might try to reflash the card's BIOS, think that might help? I'll get back to you with model and make soon.

 

[erocker]

No idea, it could be one of several things. Try flashing it.

 

[Sasqui]

Assuming you replaced the card in the same system and everything was up and running again?

If you have an old PCI video card, you can boot with that and see if the system even detects the X800 - is it AGP or PCIe?

 

[SeeK]

Yes, the graphics card was the only thing he replaces, the rest of the system hasn't changed.

The X800 is AGP. I might be able to dig out a PCI-card, but I'll have to wait 'till tomorrow since I'm not at home at the moment.

Admittedly I haven't been looking for long, but I'm having troubles finding X800 BIOS files. Now, I realize that the models and brands have different versions, but isn't there a kind of archive with loads of 'em somewhere?

 

[Sasqui]

May want to look here - I don't know if these covered any of the AGP versions.

I was lucky enough to have one of the last X800 GTO Conncet3D models that could be flashed - still have it.

http://www.techpowerup.com/articles/overclocking/vidcard/127/2

Edit: Check here too: http://forums.extremeoverclocking.com/showthread.php?t=123195

 

[SeeK]

Sweet, that's a nice amount of BIOSes to pick from! He's sending me pictures of the card, I'll try to make out make and model from that... if not, I'll find a PCI card and try to detect it tomorrow.

EDIT: The pictures don't say much, not a single company name or logo except the ATI sticker on the fan. Think there might be something under the fan?

Pictures:
1 2

 

[Sasqui]

Sweet, that's a nice amount of BIOSes to pick from! He's sending me pictures of the card, I'll try to make out make and model from that... if not, I'll find a PCI card and try to detect it tomorrow.

EDIT: The pictures don't say much, not a single company name or logo except the ATI sticker on the fan. Think there might be something under the fan?

Pictures:
1 2

Wow, yes, that's not easyt to identify. Worth trying to ressurect being a VIVO version. If the machine does detect it, you can try saving the BIOS from the card and compare it to similar ones.

May want to rifle through here too: http://www.mvktech.net/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,26/func,selectfolder/cat,8/page,3/

If it were a GTO, PRO or XT, it would likely say so on the sticker - mine clearly says "X800 GTO" - saw a few others on eBay with the same thing.

Taking the heatsink off would help identify the memory, and may help idenfity the card - I think all models used the same GPU.

 

[SeeK]

Wow, yes, that's not easyt to identify. Worth trying to ressurect being a VIVO version. If the machine does detect it, you can try saving the BIOS from the card and compare it to similar ones.

May want to rifle through here too: http://www.mvktech.net/component/option,com_remository/Itemid,26/func,selectfolder/cat,8/page,3/

If it were a GTO, PRO or XT, it would likely say so on the sticker - mine clearly says "X800 GTO" - saw a few others on eBay with the same thing.

Taking the heatsink off would help identify the memory, and may help idenfity the card - I think all models used the same GPU.

Okay, I might go to his place tomorrow and remove the cooler. I'll report in on any findings, keep your eyes peeled for edits.