What's wrong with my ATI Xpress 200m on my laptop?

Robb235 · Dec 8, 2007, 09:10 PM

Hey guys, I've been registered here for a while but I don't think I've ever posted. A little over a year ago I recieved an HP dv5215 laptop as a graduation present. About the only games I've used it for is Battlefield 2 and Star Wars Battlefront II. I've long sinced realized that this integrated graphics chipset is crap as far as gaming goes, since I usually get around 25 fps in both games, but I've been able to barely get by with both games by turning the graphics all the way down. I'm not that hardcore of a gamer, but damn I sure do wish I could upgrade this thing. This thing is listed as "ATI Mobility Radeon Xpress Series" in Device Manager.

Recently I formated the hard drive about 6 months since the computer had collected some viruses and put on a fresh install of XP. Earlier this week I decided to start playing Battlefront II/Battlefield 2 again so I updated to the latest Omega drivers (3.8.421 (Catalyst 7.10)). Here is where my problem starts.

It seems that after I've played either game for 15-45 minutes, the screen will suddenly turn blue, with some vertical grey lines appearing on the screen (grey lines have the thickness of a pencil I would guess). No words appear on this screen. This screen appears for maybe one second or less and then the laptop restarts. I'm not certain that it's the integrated graphics chipset causing the problem, but I suspect it might be. Could it somehow be overheating and the restart is to protect it from further damage?

At first I thought maybe the Omega 3.8.421 (Catalyst 7.10) didn't agree with my system, so I followed the instructions posted by Randomness in another thread:

Quote:

Originally Posted by Randomness

---------------------To make your own modded drivers---------------------------
UPDATE: if you are using Windows XP x64 edition, you may run into problems doing this mod.

I would recommend trying to install the Catalyst Mobility driver. You can get a copy (without having to worry about "system validation") from here:
[COLOR=#e7d4d1]http://www2.ati.com/drivers/mobile/6..._enu_33680.exe[/COLOR]
You may need to edit the INF file and add support for the Radeom Xpress 200M. You could try using either patje's mod tool ([COLOR=#e7d4d1]www.driverheaven.net/patje[/COLOR]) or using the most up-to-date Omega drivers. However i have found in the past Omega drivers do not always work well when the graphics chip is integrated into the northbridge.
You could also try the following self-mod:

When you download the catalyst mobility, run it, and cancel the installation when it brings you to the Welcome screen. The driver will have unpacked itself to c:\ATI\Support\6-6-mobile_xp_dd_ccc_enu_33680\
Open the "Driver" folder
Open the "XP_INF" folder
Open the CX_33680.INF with notepad
Under the [ATI.Mfg.NTx86] section with the other Radeon products, put in the entry:
"ATI MOBILITY RADEON Xpress 200 Series" = ati2mtag_M22, PCI\VEN_1002&DEV_5955

Safe the new INF file. Now you will need to manually install the driver through Device manager. Click START-->RUN-->devmgmt.msc
Expand "Display adapters" and right click on the Radeon Xpress 200M and click Update driver.
On the next window, click on "Install from list or specific location" and click next
Click "Don't search, i will choose a driver to install"
Click "Have Disk" and enter the path :
C:\ATI\Support\6-6-mobile_xp_dd_ccc_enu_33680\Driver\XP_INF\CX_33680. INF
Click OK, select the Xpress 200M from the list, click next. It will prompt you to click "Continue Anyway" with regards to "Driver Signing", and will than install.
You will than have to manually install the Catalyst Control center by clicking Start--> run:
c:\ATI\Support\6-6-mobile_xp_dd_ccc_enu_33680\ACE\setup.exe
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ATI Radeon X200 Mobility vs Games , 4th post down.

Following these instructions neither improved nor hurt my above stated problem, or my FPS in games.

I hope I've given enough information for my problem. If I've left something out please tell me.

Dyre Straits · Dec 9, 2007, 02:47 AM

Hi, Robb235,

Overheating is a good possibility. What type of surface is the laptop being used on? It would be a good idea to use either a laptop cooler or simply place a baking wire rack for cooling beneath the laptop to provide the needed airflow.

Try either of these and let us know if the problem persists.

Good luck!

Robb235 · Dec 9, 2007, 08:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

Hi, Robb235,

Overheating is a good possibility. What type of surface is the laptop being used on? It would be a good idea to use either a laptop cooler or simply place a baking wire rack for cooling beneath the laptop to provide the needed airflow.

Try either of these and let us know if the problem persists.

Good luck!

My laptop sits on a wooden desk. I'll try to find some way of raising it up so that it gets better airflow. In the meantime, what else should I be doing to fix the problem?

Dyre Straits · Dec 9, 2007, 10:49 AM

Dust build-up inside and around the ventilation fans can cause the airflow to be restricted. Check out this site for some cleaning tips:

Cleaning A Laptop Computer

Robb235 · Dec 9, 2007, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dyre Straits

Dust build-up inside and around the ventilation fans can cause the airflow to be restricted. Check out this site for some cleaning tips:

Cleaning A Laptop Computer

Thanks for the link. I tried taking my laptop apart last night, but I couldn't figure out how to access the fans. I can could get to the wireless adapter, the hard drive, and the ram, but I can't seem to get to the motherboard or the fan. I'll have to look at the owners manual if I still that. I won't be able to look at it this weekend or Monday, I've got final exams unfortunately :-/

Dyre Straits · Dec 9, 2007, 11:43 AM

Just keep us posted on any developments.

Cheers and good luck!

Robb235 · Dec 10, 2007, 10:24 PM

I tried elevating my laptop today to make sure all the vents were getting good flow. I played Battlefield 2 today and again it crashed. I'm really wanting to open this laptop up so I can clean out any dirt and lent and what ever else may be in there, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to open this thing up. I removed every screw I could find and this thing still wouldn't come apart. If someone would like to offer some assistance, this computer is an HP dv5215. I searched for an online owner's manual but I came up empty.

Vikingod · Dec 11, 2007, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Robb235

I tried elevating my laptop today to make sure all the vents were getting good flow. I played Battlefield 2 today and again it crashed. I'm really wanting to open this laptop up so I can clean out any dirt and lent and what ever else may be in there, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to open this thing up. I removed every screw I could find and this thing still wouldn't come apart. If someone would like to offer some assistance, this computer is an HP dv5215. I searched for an online owner's manual but I came up empty.

http://h10032.www1.hp.com/ctg/Manual/c00700959.pdf

Here is the dissassembly guide from HP for your model. Be very careful when taking apart your laptop. They are often much easier to take apart than to put back together. Make sure you segregate the spare parts (as opposed to making an unorganized pile) and follow the instructions to the T. Do not skip steps, and do not lose screws. Its a good idea to read everything before you get into it.

I speak from experience. Its really interesting to see how they put them together, but if you aren't organized, it can turn into an all night curse-fest.

Robb235 · Dec 12, 2007, 09:55 PM

I believe I may have found the problem. I had a program on my computer that was supposed to "better manage my processor" and I think it just caused my computer to over heat. After removing the program I haven't had any of my games crash, and I don't hear the fan as often.

Dec 10, 2007, 10:24 PM	#7
Robb235 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	I tried elevating my laptop today to make sure all the vents were getting good flow. I played Battlefield 2 today and again it crashed. I'm really wanting to open this laptop up so I can clean out any dirt and lent and what ever else may be in there, but I can't for the life of me figure out how to open this thing up. I removed every screw I could find and this thing still wouldn't come apart. If someone would like to offer some assistance, this computer is an HP dv5215. I searched for an online owner's manual but I came up empty.

Dec 12, 2007, 09:55 PM	#9
Robb235 DriverHeaven Newbie Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 5 Rep Power: 0	I believe I may have found the problem. I had a program on my computer that was supposed to "better manage my processor" and I think it just caused my computer to over heat. After removing the program I haven't had any of my games crash, and I don't hear the fan as often.