Artifacts when I plug into any power adapter

[eddie23smith]

I just bought a Dell M6400 and I am having a horrible time with artifacts. I have discovered that they are only present when running off the adapter. The computer runs fine when running on battery. I have tried the 230W monster adapter that it came with and another smaller 60w dell adapter. Both gave me artifacts. The artifacts seem to appear when playing with Nvidia settings FX2700. When on battery I can adjust settings no problem. I am guessing this is a motherboard problem? Please help!!!

 

[photonboy]

That doesn't sound fixable by you.

 

[eddie23smith]

Anyone else? I would just like to be pointed in the right direction.

GPU or motherboard?

 

[eddie23smith]

Sooooo you could fix it? Where would you start?

I'm not claiming to be an expert but I see an opportunity for me to learn.

 

[tsnor]

Try underclocking if you can find a tool.

Try manually setting fans to very high.

Try reloading video driver.

Try different game to see if it's a game problem or a game/video interaction.

Try to get temps off the video.

New laptop? I'd call manufacturer and see about a swap. Make sure you get a new one, not soneone else's year old as a swap. Returnign to the store where you bought is easiest, swap for new one of same model.

 

[scout_03]

look like electrical problem try rma

 

[tsnor]

could be as stupid as the laptop is on a bed blocking air intakes, and is running flat out because it's getting wall current vs. throttled on batteries and the artifacts are high temp problems. but know one knows until it's debugged. I'd return and get a new one.

 

[eddie23smith]

I have attempted to underclock it but the "Current Clock" is much much lower than the "Default Clock" on all the programs I have tried. It is showing current clocks at 100/163/300 or something close to that not sure on the exact. When I play with clocking the same problems happen.

The CPU is running at spec according to the intel CPU monitor.

The fans will NOT manually set. I have tried a few different programs with no luck, rivatuner throws artifacts and locks the system.

It isn't for gaming. I've been trying engineering programs. CATIA will install and run. Solidworks locks up during install.

GPU temps are around 60C. all other temps 45-50C

Used laptop, ebay.......... 🙁

 

[tsnor]

Make sure you are using the video driver from the Dell site, sometimes they customize. If you are failing with that one then try a few drivers from nVidia (newest first, then older, then older still...) Maybe download a demo from nvidia to be sure that it's not the cadcam programs fault.

IF you haven't already, try a few basic memory tests, etc. Test the parts that are easy to replace first.

IF you haven't already, forcing a fresh factor load of the OS then getting all the known fixes from Dell, followed by all the windows update fixes would be a good idea.

If you are using the VGA connection, do you have something that would try the display port connection ?

 

[eddie23smith]

It came without an OS but I had SP0 then I updated through windows. Dell's site says that my operating system is not supported? I manually downloaded all drivers from Dell.

I have tried every Nvidia Driver new old , Dell's version, Nvidia's version.

I called dell and they will troubleshoot it for $59 bucks so I'm sending it in.

I appretiate everyone's help. I will post results when I get them in case anyone else has this problem.

I can't find anyone with similar problems. At least not on a laptop. With limited Bios access.