Video Card Testing

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Revision as of 16:00, 7 November 2013 by Dhughes (talk | contribs) (Changed spec's, reorganized and deleted repair instructions)
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These are instructions for testing video cards. PC cards are not hot swappable, so make sure the computer is off before starting the testing process. If you have any questions, check in with your instructor. Be sure to check the whiteboard for exceptions to the store box rules. If the instructions tell you to send it to the store and the whiteboard says they don't want them, recycle them.
STEPS NOTES AND DETAILED INSTRUCTIONS
Sort by slot type and memory size
  • PCI-Express with 512 MB or more for the STORE
  • PCI-Express with at least one VGA port and 256 MB for Build
  • PCI with 128 MB or more for the STORE
  • AGP with 512 MB or more for the STORE

Recycle cards with less than the above minimum memory size for the slot type or obvious damage.

If the memory size is not on the card you will have to look it up. Try to find a number like 109-A67631-00 or 180-10403-0000-B00 on the card and Google that.

Send all cards that say Macintosh to Mac Land without testing, including the following:

  • Nvidia geforce 6600 (model A386)
  • Nvidia geforce 7300 (model P345)
  • Nvidia geforce 7800
  • Nvidia quadro fx 4500
Check for Damage Visually inspect the card and recycle any with blown capacitors or missing parts (like heatsink, fan or backplate).
Seat Card into Mobo Place The Video Card into the appropriate PCI-e, PCI, or AGP slot on the motherboard. If the card has an extra power connector(s), plug in another power cable(s) from the power supply.
Plug In & Turn On Attach the monitor cable to the video card, if required ask for an adapter. Turn the computer on, let it boot to the network menu then select Hardware Testing >>> Video Card Testing and let the program run until it tells you what the card is. On the cards we currently keep and test the program will under-report the memory size. Look for abnormalities on the screen. (lines on the screen, colored display, weird text, etc.)
Determine Card Status

Recycle in the yellow bin IF:

  1. the card does not post
  2. the card's display is unusual
  3. the card is incomplete (missing a fan or faceplate)
  4. it is a Silicon Integrated Systems (SiS) with model numbers 661/741/760 if PCI/AGP, and 662/761Gx if PCI-e

Keep IF:

  1. the card posts
  2. there are no abnormalities in the display
Power Down Turn off the computer, remove the video card and put your initialed "Tested by" sticker on . The software control will not work, turn off the computer with the power supply switch.
Put it away Bring to appropriate area determined by the type of card it is.
  • PCI-Express with 512 MB or more go into the STORE BOX
  • AGP with 512 MB or more go into the STORE BOX
  • PCI with 128 MB or more go into the STORE BOX
  • PCI-Express with at least one VGA port and 256 MB go to Build
Do it again! Thanks for your good work!