Nvidia: keeps crashing computer
 

I have tried this with two nvidia graphics cards (MX 400 and FX 5200) and have had the same problem with both.

When, using them without the proprietary drivers they are fine, the computer seems to run stable. However, i need the proprietary drivers for the 3D support. So, i install the drivers and everything seems fine. However occasionally, the computer just either decides to freeze OR restarts itself. This happens a lot more when using applications that require the use of 3D support/ OpenGL etc.

I've googled this and havent really found anything useful. The only thing close to this that i have seen is overheating of the card. However i have tried cooling the computer down as much as I can (without sticking it in the deep freeze it :p), so much so that the GPU is barely getting hotter than its surroundings - but still, no luck

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

How are you installing the drivers? I haven't used suse for quite a while and last time I did, you could easily install the drivers through Yast2. If you in fact used the YaST method, you may consider downloading and installing the latest drivers from nvidia's site (or vice-versa, in the case you downloaded the drivers from nvidia).

The issue you are having indeed sound like overheating though. However, don't just think that what is overheating is the graphics card itself. Many 3D applications also will make your CPU to be used 100%. So check every fan on your case. Adding a few more won't hurt either ^^

Thanks for the reply,
I am installing the drivers through yast using the nvidia repository. (shouldn't they contain the latest stable drivers?)

I will keep an eye on the CPU temp, and will try and stick some more fans on the machine. Hopefully, it should sort i out.

Also what version of the nvidia driver are you using? the MX 400 is supported by the 1.0-9639 and the FX 5200 is supported by 100.14.11. these are two different drivers.

cybertaz:
Each time i change the card, i uninstall the drivers and then re-install the correct ones. So everything should be okay there.

Type this in a konsole window: glxinfo | grep rendering.
My results: Direct Rendering: Yes
You should get something similar. Have you made any changes to your xorg.conf?

Do you reboot (or at least logout and back in) after each change in drivers?

I did a "glxinfo | grep rendering" and got Direct Rendering: No.
So, could this be the cause of my problem? How could i change it?

Thanks

are you getting the nvidia splash screen when you start up? if not, the drivers aren't getting installed. I always get the drivers from nvidia directly.

http://www.nvidia.com/object/unix.html

HOWTO: http://www.suse.de/~sndirsch/nvidia-...r-HOWTO.html#1

use the 32/64 driver that goes with the system you use. You will need to have the kernel-source install (search for it with yast).

You will have to log out of KDE (or you may use GNOME). Choose a console session, login as root and then execute the driver. When done just type exit. After a second or two you will get the nvidia splash screen. And back to a logon screen.

EDIT: Another thought. Did you ever use this command: sax2 -r?

The drivers are installed correctly and the nvidia splash screen does come up (i used the HOWTOs you have mentioned to begin with). 3D support works, it just that whenever im using something that needs 3D support it just freezes or restarts the computer a couple minuets after starting a game etc.

That is why it is leading me to believe it is an overheating issue, but Ive cooled the cards down as much as possible - and they aren't getting even warm

If it happens with two different cards, that sounds like a driver issue not overheating. It may still be a heat problem :scratch:

Look in your xorg.xonf file (/etc/X11) and check out the device section. The device should be nvidia not nv. NV is the default driver. Can you post the section and/or the whole xorg.conf file?

have a look at this: http://www.suseforums.net/index.php?...rect+rendering

Also check the fan of the cards, I had one crashing all the time because dust was preventing the GPU from cooling down. I had to remove the fan and use the vacuum cleaner to clean it, afterwards it never crashed again.

This is happening with two different video cards. The OP says that they are staying cool. I'm beginning to think that this not related to the video card or driver, but something else.

tjyorkshire:
What game(s) are you playing and how are you starting them? Try starting them in a konsole window and see if there are any errors that show up.

I followed the link and just ended up completely disabling compiz/beryl.

Ok, now i have "direct rendering: Yes"

The output of my xorg.conf is:
It, however, is still not working correctly - Im trying to use FlighGear specifically but all the other games that come with suse that require 3D support just either freeze or restart the computer.

I'm wondering if this could be a problem with suse itself?
I think i might install ubuntu on my other drive and see if i have the same problem, what do you think?

That xorg is just like mine. It theoretically should be working. Like I said before, this might not be a driver or card problem. It is sounding more like a base install or other hardware issue. At this point you have me. If you have the space to install ubuntu next to suse, give it a try. It could possibly be a borked install (bad cd/dvd etc.)