Oblivion and only Oblivion hard-crashing : IV

» Thu May 03, 2012 6:57 pm

This is the third place I've gone in an attempt to solve this problem, so I'll get right to it: For months I had been playing Oblivion with no problems, hardly ever changing any graphics settings or otherwise. I play with a decent number of mods, but not much that changes the overall design of the game. I realized that I hadn't defragmented my hard drive at all since I'd been playing the game for these several months and so decided I'd try to do so in the hopes of resolving some stuttering issues. I used the built-in Windows defragmenting program and it took many, many hours to complete. Shortly after doing this I started experiencing hard crashes in-game that would render the computer completely unresponsive. Here's a photograph of the screen when this crash occurs:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/cmkennedy/6833053259/

Apologies for the quality. Since this started happening, I began to run CHKDSK to try to alleviate the problem. This would buy me a few days of crash-free playing, though correlation does not imply causation. It slowly began to get worse, and at this point the game doesn't run for 10 minutes before crashing in this spectacular fashion. Sound effects enter a continuous loop and the screen locks into the pattern you see above. It doesn't matter what I'm doing in-game. I can be battling a horde of bandits or I can be staring at a tree. The crash always happens.

I know those reading this are probably running a hundred different causes through their heads right now, so let me outline what I've done so far to attempt to fix this. Only one thing has worked, and I'll get to that last.

Purchased a new HDD. Cloned my old HDD, same problem.
Uninstalled Oblivion completely. Removed all data from "My Games" folder. Reinstalled, patched the game to 1.2.0416 and played with no mods. Crashed before the end of the tutorial.
Replaced the graphics card (went from an XFX 8800GT to a GTX 260), used Driver Sweeper to remove all traces of previous drivers. Reinstalled latest NVIDIA drivers. Uninstalled Oblivion, then reinstalled in the same fashion as above (no mods, just the official patch). Still crashed before the end of the tutorial.
Formatted the HDD. Installed brand-new Windows XP 64-bit. Installed the game with the official patch only. Still crashed before the end of the tutorial.
Bought a new copy of Oblivion, this time the GOTY edition. Uninstalled previous Oblivion, installed new GOTY Oblivion. Experienced no crashes before the end of the tutorial, thought I was in the clear. Re-modded everything and started playing again. Crashed in the exact same fashion after about 30 minutes of playing.
Ran Microsoft's Memory Diagnostic tool for 8.5 hours from boot using a CD with extended testing enabled. No faults.
Reduced clock ratio of CPU from 9 to 6, bringing it down to 2.00 GHz. Still crashed.
Checked RAM timing. It matches manufacturer specs.
Updated Realtek HD Audio driver to latest version (2.67).
Using the Oblivion.ini file, shut off audio hardware acceleration. Crashed. Used the .ini to shut off acceleration and all sound. Crashed. Removed the Realtek drivers and disabled the device in Device Manager. Crashed.
Rolled back to two previous NVIDIA drivers and tried Windows' default GTX 260 drivers. Crashed.
Ran a SpeedFan log of temps while playing. GPU hit 75C, CPU hit 53/52 (Core 0/Core 1) right before it crashed. Ran another log while playing World of Warcraft, which never crashes. Went to a high-graphics intensity environment. GPU hit 79C, CPU hit 56/54. No crash, of course.
Forced 3.0 shaders on. Crashed.
Downloaded and ran Core Damage, a CPU stress program that loaded up my CPU to 66C for three minutes. No strange happenings.

The only thing that has prevented a crash has been to set the graphics all the way down. 640x480 resolution, low/no detail on everything, view distance of around 30% on all sliders, no anti-aliasing. I say "prevented" when I should say "significantly forestalled," since I only played for around 30 minutes before I couldn't stand to look at the screen anymore. I can't say it prevented the crash because I may not have played long enough to have brought one on.

So to break it down:

This problem has been happening through two different HDDs, two different Windows installations, two different video cards and two different DVDs of the game. It happens whether my game is modded or not (and when I say "not," I mean I don't even install OBMM or OBSE). According to tests my CPU, GPU and memory are doing fine. Oblivion is the only game this happens with.I honestly have no idea what could possibly be causing this problem at this point. I'll go ahead and link to two different threads I've started on two different forums just in case anyone wants to see the whole history of my crazy problem:

http://forums.nexusmods.com/index.php?/topic/551802-im-at-wits-end-catastrophic-crashing

http://www.eggxpert.com/forums/thread/798011.aspx

Specs:

E8400 Wolfdale 3.0GHz C2D (no overclocking)
XFX GTX 260
GIGABYTE GA-P35-DS3L mobo (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813128059) (running latest BIOS and Intel P35 chipset drivers)
Corsair CMPSU-550VX (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004)
Windows XP 64-bit SP2
Mushkin Enhanced Silverline 4GB Dual-Channel DDR2 800 (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16820146692)
WD Caviar Black 500GB SATA

» Fri May 04, 2012 1:08 am

Could you list your full specs, please?

» Thu May 03, 2012 11:01 pm

Could you list your full specs, please?

Sorry, I totally meant to do that but forgot. See original post.

» Thu May 03, 2012 9:32 pm

Those aren't the full specs. Just post the dxdiag (full thing) in a spoiler tag. And I mean everything. Don't just copy and paste from it. Save the results with the button and post them. And in a new post, please? I'd rather not have to keep guessing where they'll be. >.>

» Fri May 04, 2012 5:09 am

I put it in the original post because I figured it was a good place to have it. Here you go, full dxdiag information:

Spoiler

------------------
System Information
------------------
Time of this report: 2/7/2012, 20:44:39
Machine name: CHRIS-DESKTOP
Operating System: Windows XP Professional x64 Edition (5.2, Build 3790) Service Pack 2 (3790.srv03_sp2_gdr.101019-0340)
Language: English (Regional Setting: English)
System Manufacturer: Gigabyte Technology Co., Ltd.
System Model: P35-DS3L
BIOS: Default System BIOS
Processor: Intel? Pentium? III Xeon processor (2 CPUs), ~3.0GHz
Memory: 4094MB RAM
Page File: 2099MB used, 3792MB available
Windows Dir: C:\WINDOWS
DirectX Version: DirectX 9.0c (4.09.0000.0904)
DX Setup Parameters: Not found
DxDiag Version: 5.03.3790.3959 32bit Unicode

------------
DxDiag Notes
------------
DirectX Files Tab: No problems found.
Display Tab 1: No problems found.
Sound Tab 1: No problems found.
Music Tab: No problems found.
Input Tab: No problems found.
Network Tab: No problems found.

--------------------
DirectX Debug Levels
--------------------
Direct3D: 0/4 (n/a)
DirectDraw: 0/4 (retail)
DirectInput: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectMusic: 0/5 (n/a)
DirectPlay: 0/9 (retail)
DirectSound: 0/5 (retail)
DirectShow: 0/6 (retail)

---------------
Display Devices
---------------
Card name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Manufacturer: NVIDIA
Chip type: GeForce GTX 260
DAC type: Integrated RAMDAC
Device Key: Enum\PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_05E2&SUBSYS_23911682&REV_A1
Display Memory: 896.0 MB
Current Mode: 1680 x 1050 (32 bit) (60Hz)
Monitor: Plug and Play Monitor
Monitor Max Res: 1600,1200
Driver Name: nv4_disp.dll
Driver Version: 6.14.0012.8558 (English)
DDI Version: 9 (or higher)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Driver Date/Size: 10/7/2011 23:51:00, 11446016 bytes
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
WHQL Date Stamp: n/a
VDD: n/a
Mini VDD: nv4_mini.sys
Mini VDD Date: 10/7/2011 23:51:00, 12579072 bytes
Device Identifier: {D7B71E3E-46A2-11CF-5C54-9D0300C2CB35}
Vendor ID: 0x10DE
Device ID: 0x05E2
SubSys ID: 0x23911682
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Revision ID: 0x00A1
Video Accel: ModeMPEG2_C ModeMPEG2_D
Deinterlace Caps: {6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YUY2,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(UYVY,YUY2) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(YV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
{6CB69578-7617-4637-91E5-1C02DB810285}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_PixelAdaptive
{335AA36E-7884-43A4-9C91-7F87FAF3E37E}: Format(In/Out)=(NV12,0x3231564e) Frames(Prev/Fwd/Back)=(0,0,0) Caps=VideoProcess_YUV2RGB VideoProcess_StretchX VideoProcess_StretchY DeinterlaceTech_BOBVerticalStretch
Registry: OK
DDraw Status: Enabled
D3D Status: Enabled
AGP Status: Enabled
DDraw Test Result: Not run
D3D7 Test Result: Not run
D3D8 Test Result: Not run
D3D9 Test Result: Not run

-------------
Sound Devices
-------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio output
Default Sound Playback: Yes
Default Voice Playback: Yes
Hardware ID: HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_10EC&DEV_0888&SUBSYS_1458E601&REV_1000
Manufacturer ID: 1
Product ID: 100
Type: WDM
Driver Name: RTKHDA64.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6526 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
WHQL Logo'd: n/a
Date and Size: 12/13/2011 18:27:28, 8854632 bytes
Other Files:
Driver Provider: Realtek Semiconductor Corp.
HW Accel Level: Full
Cap Flags: 0x0
Min/Max Sample Rate: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW Mix Bufs: 0, 0
Static/Strm HW 3D Bufs: 0, 0
HW Memory: 0
Voice Management: No
EAX? 2.0 Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
I3DL2? Listen/Src: Yes, Yes
Sensaura? ZoomFX?: No
Registry: OK
Sound Test Result: Not run

---------------------
Sound Capture Devices
---------------------
Description: Realtek HD Audio Input
Default Sound Capture: Yes
Default Voice Capture: Yes
Driver Name: RTKHDA64.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6526 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 12/13/2011 18:27:28, 8854632 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

Description: Realtek HD Digital input
Default Sound Capture: No
Default Voice Capture: No
Driver Name: RTKHDA64.SYS
Driver Version: 5.10.0000.6526 (English)
Driver Attributes: Final Retail
Date and Size: 12/13/2011 18:27:28, 8854632 bytes
Cap Flags: 0x0
Format Flags: 0x0

-----------
DirectMusic
-----------
DLS Path: C:\WINDOWS\SYSTEM32\drivers\etc\GM.DLS
DLS Version: 1.00.0016.0002
Acceleration: n/a
Ports: Microsoft Synthesizer, Software (Not Kernel Mode), Output, DLS, Internal, Default Port
Microsoft MIDI Mapper [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth [Emulated], Hardware (Not Kernel Mode), Output, No DLS, Internal
Registry: OK
Test Result: Not run

-------------------
DirectInput Devices
-------------------
Device Name: Mouse
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: Keyboard
Attached: 1
Controller ID: n/a
Vendor/Product ID: n/a
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Gaming Keyboard Pro
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x11
Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x8000
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Gaming Keyboard Pro
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x11
Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x8000
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Gaming Keyboard Pro
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x11
Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x8000
FF Driver: n/a

Device Name: USB Gaming Keyboard Pro
Attached: 1
Controller ID: 0x0
Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x8000
FF Driver: n/a

Poll w/ Interrupt: No
Registry: OK

-----------
USB Devices
-----------
+ USB Root Hub
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x8086, 0x2936
| Matching Device ID: usb\root_hub
| Service: usbhub

----------------
Gameport Devices
----------------

------------
PS/2 Devices
------------
+ HID Keyboard Device
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x06A3, 0x8000
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_keyboard
| Service: kbdhid
| OEMData: 20 00 00 10 0B 00 00 00
|
+ Terminal Server Keyboard Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_kbd
| Upper Filters: kbdclass
| Service: TermDD
|
+ HID-compliant mouse
| Vendor/Product ID: 0x046D, 0xC01E
| Matching Device ID: hid_device_system_mouse
| Service: mouhid
|
+ Terminal Server Mouse Driver
| Matching Device ID: root\rdp_mou
| Upper Filters: mouclass
| Service: TermDD

----------------------------
DirectPlay Service Providers
----------------------------
DirectPlay8 Modem Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.3790.3959)
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.3790.3959)
DirectPlay8 IPX Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.3790.3959)
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider - Registry: OK, File: dpnet.dll (5.03.3790.3959)

DirectPlay Voice Wizard Tests: Full Duplex: Not run, Half Duplex: Not run, Mic: Not run
DirectPlay Test Result: Not run
Registry: OK

-------------------
DirectPlay Adapters
-------------------
DirectPlay8 Serial Service Provider: COM1
DirectPlay8 TCP/IP Service Provider: Local Area Connection - IPv4 -

-----------------------
DirectPlay Voice Codecs
-----------------------
Voxware VR12 1.4kbit/s
Voxware SC06 6.4kbit/s
Voxware SC03 3.2kbit/s
MS-PCM 64 kbit/s
MS-ADPCM 32.8 kbit/s
Microsoft GSM 6.10 13 kbit/s
TrueSpeech? 8.6 kbit/s

-------------------------
DirectPlay Lobbyable Apps
-------------------------

------------------------
Disk & DVD/CD-ROM Drives
------------------------
Drive: C:
Free Space: 375.9 GB
Total Space: 476.9 GB
File System: NTFS
Model: WDC WD5002AALX-00J37A0

Drive: D:
Model: PIONEER DVD-RW DVR-215D
Driver: c:\windows\system32\drivers\cdrom.sys, , 0 bytes

--------------
System Devices
--------------
Name: Intel? G33/G31/P35/P31 Express Chipset PCI Express Root Port - 29C1
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29C1&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&08
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? G33/G31/P35/P31 Express Chipset Processor to I/O Controller - 29C0
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_29C0&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&00
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family PCI Express Root Port 5 - 2948
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2948&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&E4
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family PCI Express Root Port 4 - 2946
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2946&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&E3
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family PCI Express Root Port 1 - 2940
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2940&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&E0
Driver: n/a

Name: Microsoft UAA Bus Driver for High Definition Audio
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_293E&SUBSYS_A0021458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&D8
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 293C
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_293C&SUBSYS_50061458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&D7
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB2 Enhanced Host Controller - 293A
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_293A&SUBSYS_50061458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&EF
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2939
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2939&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&D2
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2938
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2938&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&D1
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2937
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2937&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&D0
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2936
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2936&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&EA
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2935
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2935&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&E9
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family USB Universal Host Controller - 2934
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2934&SUBSYS_50041458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&E8
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family SMBus Controller - 2930
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2930&SUBSYS_50011458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&FB
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family 2 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 2 - 2926
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2926&SUBSYS_B0021458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&FD
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 Family 2 port Serial ATA Storage Controller 1 - 2921
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2921&SUBSYS_B0021458&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&FA
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? ICH9 LPC Interface Controller - 2918
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_2918&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_02\3&13C0B0C5&0&F8
Driver: n/a

Name: Intel? 82801 PCI Bridge - 244E
Device ID: PCI\VEN_8086&DEV_244E&SUBSYS_00000000&REV_92\3&13C0B0C5&0&F0
Driver: n/a

Name: Standard Dual Channel PCI IDE Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_197B&DEV_2368&SUBSYS_B0001458&REV_00\4&24C54F4F&0&00E3
Driver: n/a

Name: Realtek PCIe GBE Family Controller
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10EC&DEV_8168&SUBSYS_E0001458&REV_01\4&345CAFAF&0&00E4
Driver: n/a

Name: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 260
Device ID: PCI\VEN_10DE&DEV_05E2&SUBSYS_23911682&REV_A1\4&1A9C9F1A&0&0008
Driver: n/a

------------------
DirectX Components
------------------
ddraw.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 283136 bytes
ddrawex.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 28160 bytes
d3d8.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:24 1042432 bytes
d3d8thk.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 8192 bytes
d3d9.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:24 1690624 bytes
d3dim.dll: 5.02.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:24 378880 bytes
d3dim700.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 835584 bytes
d3dramp.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 590848 bytes
d3drm.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 351744 bytes
d3dxof.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 48128 bytes
d3dpmesh.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 36864 bytes
dplay.dll: 5.00.2134.0001 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 33040 bytes
dplayx.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 230400 bytes
dpmodemx.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 23552 bytes
dpwsockx.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 57344 bytes
dplaysvr.exe: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 31744 bytes
dpnsvr.exe: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 17920 bytes
dpnet.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 376320 bytes
dpnlobby.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 3584 bytes
dpnaddr.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 3584 bytes
dpvoice.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 212480 bytes
dpvsetup.exe: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 83968 bytes
dpvvox.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 116736 bytes
dpvacm.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 22016 bytes
dpnhpast.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 4096 bytes
dpnhupnp.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 60928 bytes
dinput.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 159744 bytes
dinput8.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 182272 bytes
dimap.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 42496 bytes
diactfrm.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 415744 bytes
joy.cpl: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:34 69632 bytes
gcdef.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:30 80896 bytes
pid.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 33792 bytes
dsound.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:28 360960 bytes
dsound3d.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 1294848 bytes
dswave.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 19456 bytes
dsdmo.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 182272 bytes
dsdmoprp.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 75776 bytes
dmusic.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 104448 bytes
dmband.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 28672 bytes
dmcompos.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 61952 bytes
dmime.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 181760 bytes
dmloader.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:26 36352 bytes
dmstyle.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 105984 bytes
dmsynth.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 103424 bytes
dmscript.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 82432 bytes
dx7vb.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:28 621056 bytes
dx8vb.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:28 1225216 bytes
dxdiagn.dll: 5.03.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:28 1765376 bytes
mfc40.dll: 4.01.0000.6151 English Beta Retail 9/1/2010 13:02:30 888592 bytes
mfc42.dll: 6.06.8064.0000 English Beta Retail 3/11/2011 13:32:48 1163264 bytes
wsock32.dll: 5.02.3790.0000 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 22528 bytes
amstream.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:20 72704 bytes
devenum.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:24 61440 bytes
dxmasf.dll: 6.04.0009.1133 English Final Retail 8/22/2006 04:05:26 498742 bytes
mciqtz32.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:34 62464 bytes
mpg2splt.ax: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:36 148992 bytes
msdmo.dll: 6.05.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 14336 bytes
encapi.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 20480 bytes
qasf.dll: 10.00.0000.3997 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:46 217088 bytes
qcap.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:46 192512 bytes
qdv.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:46 279040 bytes
qdvd.dll: 6.05.3790.4928 English Final Retail 11/14/2011 19:07:20 385536 bytes
qedit.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:46 512512 bytes
qedwipes.dll: 6.05.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 733696 bytes
quartz.dll: 6.05.3790.4928 English Final Retail 11/14/2011 19:07:20 1278976 bytes
strmdll.dll: 4.01.0000.3938 English Final Retail 9/10/2009 02:00:54 247326 bytes
ir41_32.ax: 4.51.0016.0003 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 848384 bytes
ir41_qc.dll: 4.30.0062.0002 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 120320 bytes
ir41_qcx.dll: 4.30.0064.0001 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 338432 bytes
ir50_32.dll: 5.2562.0015.0055 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 755200 bytes
ir50_qc.dll: 5.00.0063.0048 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 200192 bytes
ir50_qcx.dll: 5.00.0064.0048 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 183808 bytes
mswebdvd.dll: 6.05.3790.4565 English Final Retail 8/5/2009 15:48:48 209408 bytes
ksproxy.ax: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/24/2005 19:57:44 130048 bytes
ksuser.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 4096 bytes
mpeg2data.ax: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:36 62976 bytes
msvidctl.dll: 6.05.3790.3959 English Final Retail 2/18/2007 11:05:42 1563136 bytes
vbisurf.ax: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 30720 bytes
msyuv.dll: 5.02.3790.4625 English Final Retail 11/26/2009 16:13:12 18432 bytes
wstdecod.dll: 5.03.3790.1830 English Final Retail 3/29/2006 07:00:00 50688 bytes

------------------
DirectShow Filters
------------------

DirectShow Filters:
WMAudio Decoder DMO,0x00800800,1,1,,
WMAPro over S/PDIF DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
WMSpeech Decoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
WMVideo Advanced Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
Mpeg4s Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
WMV Screen decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
WMVideo Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
Mpeg43 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
Mpeg4 Decoder DMO,0x00800001,1,1,,
WMT MuxDeMux Filter,0x00200000,0,0,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Full Screen Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
DV Muxer,0x00400000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Color Space Converter,0x00400001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
WM ASF Reader,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmpsrcwp.dll,10.00.0000.3997
AVI Splitter,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
WMT Audioanolyzer,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
VGA 16 Color Ditherer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Indeo? video 5.10 Compression Filter,0x00200000,1,1,ir50_32.dll,5.2562.0015.0055
Windows Media Audio Decoder,0x00800001,1,1,msadds32.ax,8.00.0000.4487
AC3 Parser Filter,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.05.3790.3959
WMT Format Conversion,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
StreamBufferSink,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.05.3790.4826
WMT Black Frame Generator,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
MJPEG Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Indeo? video 5.10 Decompression Filter,0x00640000,1,1,ir50_32.dll,5.2562.0015.0055
WMT Screen Capture filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Microsoft Screen Video Decompressor,0x00800000,1,1,msscds32.ax,8.00.0000.4487
MPEG-I Stream Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
SAMI (CC) Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
MPEG Layer-3 Decoder,0x00810000,1,1,l3codecx.ax,1.06.0000.0052
MPEG-2 Splitter,0x005fffff,1,0,mpg2splt.ax,6.05.3790.3959
ACELP.net Sipro Lab Audio Decoder,0x00800001,1,1,acelpdec.ax,1.04.0000.0000
Internal Script Command Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
MPEG Audio Decoder,0x03680001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
File Source (Netshow URL),0x00400000,0,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
WMT Import Filter,0x00200000,0,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
DV Splitter,0x00600000,1,2,qdv.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Bitmap Generate,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Windows Media Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,wmvds32.ax,8.00.0000.4487
Video Mixing Renderer 9,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Windows Media Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,wmv8ds32.ax,8.00.0000.4000
WMT VIH2 Fix,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Record Queue,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Windows Media Multiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASX file Parser,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASX v.2 file Parser,0x00600000,1,0,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
NSC file Parser,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ACM Wrapper,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Windows Media source filter,0x00600000,0,2,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
Video Renderer,0x00800001,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Frame Eater,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
MPEG-2 Video Stream anolyzer,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.05.3790.4826
Line 21 Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Video Port Manager,0x00600000,2,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
WST Decoder,0x00600000,1,1,wstdecod.dll,5.03.3790.1830
Video Renderer,0x00400000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
WM ASF Writer,0x00400000,0,0,qasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
WMT Sample Information Filter,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
VBI Surface Allocator,0x00600000,1,1,vbisurf.ax,5.03.3790.1830
Microsoft MPEG-4 Video Decompressor,0x00800000,1,1,mpg4ds32.ax,8.00.0000.4504
File writer,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
WMT Log Filter,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
WMT Virtual Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
DVD Navigator,0x00200000,0,2,qdvd.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Overlay Mixer2,0x00400000,1,1,qdvd.dll,6.05.3790.4928
AVI Draw,0x00600064,9,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
.RAM file Parser,0x00600000,1,0,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
WMT DirectX Transform Wrapper,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
G.711 Codec,0x00200000,1,1,g711codc.ax,5.02.3790.1830
MPEG-2 Demultiplexer,0x00600000,1,1,mpg2splt.ax,6.05.3790.3959
DV Video Decoder,0x00800000,1,1,qdv.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Windows Media Update Filter,0x00400000,1,0,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF DIB Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF ACM Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF ICM Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF URL Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF JPEG Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF DJPEG Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
ASF embedded stuff Handler,0x00600000,1,1,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
9x8Resize,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
WIA Stream Snapshot Filter,0x00200000,1,1,wiasf.ax,1.00.0000.0000
Allocator Fix,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
SampleGrabber,0x00200000,1,1,qedit.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Null Renderer,0x00200000,1,0,qedit.dll,6.05.3790.3959
WMT Virtual Source,0x00200000,0,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
WMT Interlacer,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
StreamBufferSource,0x00200000,0,0,sbe.dll,6.05.3790.4826
Smart Tee,0x00200000,1,2,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Overlay Mixer,0x00200000,0,0,qdvd.dll,6.05.3790.4928
AVI Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Uncompressed Domain Shot Detection Filter,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
AVI/WAV File Source,0x00400000,0,2,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
QuickTime Movie Parser,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Wave Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
MIDI Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Multi-file Parser,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
File stream renderer,0x00400000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
XML Playlist,0x00400000,1,0,wmpasf.dll,10.00.0000.3997
AVI Mux,0x00200000,1,0,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Line 21 Decoder 2,0x00600002,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
File Source (Async.),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
File Source (URL),0x00400000,0,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
WMT DV Extract,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
WMT Switch Filter,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
WMT Volume,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Stretch Video,0x00200000,1,1,wmm2filt.dll,2.01.4029.0000
Infinite Pin Tee Filter,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
QT Decompressor,0x00600000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
MPEG Video Decoder,0x40000001,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Indeo? video 4.4 Decompression Filter,0x00640000,1,1,ir41_32.ax,4.51.0016.0003
Indeo? video 4.4 Compression Filter,0x00200000,1,1,ir41_32.ax,4.51.0016.0003

WDM Streaming Data Transforms:
Microsoft Kernel Acoustic Echo Canceller,0x00000000,0,0,,
Microsoft Kernel GS Wavetable Synthesizer,0x00000000,0,0,,

Video Compressors:
WMVideo9 (WMV3) Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
WMVideo9 Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
WMVideo Advanced Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
MSScreen 9 encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
DV Video Encoder,0x00200000,0,0,qdv.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Indeo? video 5.10 Compression Filter,0x00100000,1,1,ir50_32.dll,5.2562.0015.0055
MJPEG Compressor,0x00200000,0,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Cinepak Codec by Radius,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Intel 4:2:0 Video V2.50,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Intel Indeo? Video R3.2,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Intel Indeo? Video 4.5,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Indeo? video 5.10,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Intel IYUV codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Microsoft H.261 Video Codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Microsoft H.263 Video Codec,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Microsoft RLE,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Microsoft Video 1,0x00200000,1,1,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959

Audio Compressors:
WM Speech Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
WMAudio Encoder DMO,0x00600800,1,1,,
IMA ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
PCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Microsoft ADPCM,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
ACELP.net,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
DSP Group TrueSpeech?,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Windows Media Audio V1,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Windows Media Audio V2,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
GSM 6.10,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Microsoft G.723.1,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
CCITT A-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
CCITT u-Law,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
MPEG Layer-3,0x00200000,1,1,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928

Audio Capture Sources:
Realtek HD Audio Input,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959
Realtek HD Digital input,0x00200000,0,0,qcap.dll,6.05.3790.3959

Midi Renderers:
Default MidiOut Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Microsoft GS Wavetable SW Synth,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928

WDM Streaming Capture Devices:
Realtek HD Digital input,0x00200000,1,1,,5.03.3790.1830
Realtek HD Audio Input,0x00200000,1,1,,5.03.3790.1830

WDM Streaming Rendering Devices:
Realtek HD Audio output,0x00200000,2,1,,5.03.3790.1830

WDM Streaming Mixer Devices:
Microsoft Kernel Wave Audio Mixer,0x00000000,0,0,,

BDA CP/CA Filters:
Decrypt/Tag,0x00600000,1,0,encdec.dll,6.05.3790.4916
Encrypt/Tag,0x00200000,0,0,encdec.dll,6.05.3790.4916
XDS Codec,0x00200000,0,0,encdec.dll,6.05.3790.4916

Audio Renderers:
Realtek HD Audio output,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Default DirectSound Device,0x00800000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
Default WaveOut Device,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928
DirectSound: Realtek HD Audio output,0x00200000,1,0,quartz.dll,6.05.3790.4928

WDM Streaming System Devices:
Realtek HD Digital input,0x00200000,1,1,,5.03.3790.1830
Realtek HD Audio Input,0x00200000,4,1,,5.03.3790.1830
Realtek HD Audio output,0x00200000,17,1,,5.03.3790.1830

» Thu May 03, 2012 8:16 pm

Alright, first off, is SP3 compatible with XP 64-bit? If so, install that.
Second of all, are you sure you installed the XP64 Nvidia drivers?
It does look hardware related, though. Either the GPU or CPU, from the looks of it. I know you said the testing came out ok, but have you opened things up yet to take a look? Look for dust, burnt marks, or other anomalies.

» Fri May 04, 2012 12:55 am

Alright, first off, is SP3 compatible with XP 64-bit? If so, install that.
Second of all, are you sure you installed the XP64 Nvidia drivers?
It does look hardware related, though. Either the GPU or CPU, from the looks of it. I know you said the testing came out ok, but have you opened things up yet to take a look? Look for dust, burnt marks, or other anomalies.

There is no SP3 for XP 64.

I am 100% positive that I installed the x64 drivers. The filenames of the drivers I've tried:

Just opened up and took a nice, detailed look with a Maglite and a can of air. Dust buildup was nearly nonexistent since I replaced the vid card only a few weeks ago and did some thorough vacuuming while I was in there, making sure to get the front fan filter for good measure. No burn marks or any other indication that something's gone horribly wrong. Paid particular attention to the northbridge and southbridge areas. Heatsinks are clean and glistening gold.

» Fri May 04, 2012 3:53 am

Alright, wasn't sure on the SP3 part.

Just checking, as you didn't supply the file names or anything.

That's odd, this is very similar to a hardware component not functioning properly. And with it functioning right on the low resolution, it makes me think even more it could be the hardware. Have you stress tested your GPU yet?

» Thu May 03, 2012 11:03 pm

Haven't downloaded a program specifically for stressing it. Perhaps somewhat lazily I figured the WoW test was sufficient (going to a graphics-intense environment and checking the SpeedFan log), as the temps climbed higher than Oblivion set, but WoW isn't exactly a graphics powerhouse despite all the modernization they've been adding over the years. I'll look something up and post the results.

» Fri May 04, 2012 1:30 am

WoW is not going to suffice. I got it maxed on a 7600 GT with 60 FPS everywhere in the 2 days I tested the game out. Going to need a benchmark program or another stress test.

» Thu May 03, 2012 9:17 pm

Downloaded FurMark (http://www.ozone3d.net/benchmarks/fur/) and ran a burn-in test at 1440x900 in windowed mode. The GPU got up to 85C before a hard crash, turning the screen brown.

So this means that I was unlucky enough to use two failing GPUs? That an 8800GT that has crashing issues would lead to a GTX 260 that has the exact same crashing issues?

» Thu May 03, 2012 5:33 pm

Sounds like it. It also may be a bad PCI lane. Have you looked with a magnifying glass to make sure the paths aren't severed at all?

Edit:

Will check back in about 12 hours. It's shutdown time. Just so you know you haven't been abandoned in the middle of a support call

» Thu May 03, 2012 5:39 pm

Checked the motherboard quite carefully, although I don't own a magnifying glass. Didn't see anything out of the ordinary.

But...I seem to have verified that the problem is, indeed, the GPU – or in this case, both GPUs. I remembered my wife's machine uses an ASUS 9600 GSO, so dreading what I had assumed would be bad news, I swapped it in and reloaded the drivers. Just finished a ~45min play session with no hiccups at all, aside from a slightly lower framerate. Haven't been able to play that long at such high graphics settings in months. So it seems that I'll be needing to spend even more money. I can't believe I have two GPUs with the exact same problem.

I suppose I should get one with a good RMA policy in case it's not solved. Could it be that Oblivion isn't playing nice with a feature on the 8800GT and the GTX 260 that just doesn't exist on the 9600? Or am I really looking way too hard to find a problem that doesn't exist?

» Fri May 04, 2012 3:41 am

Nope, I run a GTX 260 and it runs beautifully. Probably just a bad GPU. Never was too much a fan of XFX, though. I suggest going with Evga, they're stuff is good and with good warranties. Now I must shut down. Keep getting sidetracked >_>

» Thu May 03, 2012 3:33 pm

Before you go completely nuts, have you looked at the power Supply?

How old is it, what kind of wattage does it supply? (Especially on the 12 volt rail)

Did I ask how old is it?

The two video cards that didn't work use more power than the 9600 that did work.

I would strongly suggest getting a program that monitors voltages (PC-Wizard) comes to mind.

You'll be looking for variations in the 12 volt supply.

Did I ask how old the PSU is?

» Fri May 04, 2012 2:23 am

Corsair CMPSU-550VX (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817139004)

Single 12V rail, 41A. Purchased 6/28/2008.

Downloaded PC Wizard 2010, not sure where to look to find variations in the 12V. This is what I see in the "Voltage, Temperature and Fans" section:

Processor Voltage : 1.18 VMemory Voltage : 1.98 V+3.3V Voltage : 3.34 V+5V Voltage : 5.03 V+12V Voltage : 12.35 VVBAT : 3.28 V

» Fri May 04, 2012 12:13 am

Well, I'd ordered an EVGA GTX 560 shortly after determining the 9600 GSO was fine. Just installed and played Oblivion at max settings for about half an hour with no issues. Closed Oblivion, fired up FurMark and ran at 1440x900 at 8x MSAA, the same settings that caused a crash in the GTX 260 after about two and a half minutes. Ran for 8 minutes and the card didn't miss a beat, never getting above 76C (averaged 75C). As much as it started to really look like a PSU problem, I'm thinking it may have been two faulty cards in a row, as crazy as that notion is. I'll withhold ultimate judgment until I've had it for about a week, and by that point will send in for the MIR if all is well.

According to http://imageshack.us/f/718/gfxpowerchartbybrandgen.png/, the GTX 560 draws a good bit more power than a GTX 260, significantly more power than an 8800 GT and even more power than a 9600 GSO. If this card crashes at some point, I will report back and start a warranty claim on my Corsair PSU (5-year warranty, 3.5 years old). Otherwise, consider this case closed. Thanks to those who contributed and attempted to help me out. With this card, I think Skyrim may be in the cards in the coming months. Woot.