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General discussion

Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade

Oct 12, 2004 12:32PM PDT

I have an AD73 PRO, (AMD2000+) Skt-A, KT266A +8233A, DDR, ATX, AC?97, ATA133 Motherboard

When trying to install an NVIDIA GeForceFX5200 AGP video card I am having IRQ sharing problems. Can I force the IRQ for the video card through the BIOS?

I cannot move any of the other cards in the PCI slots. I?ve tried uninstalling and reinstalling the cards and drivers but no luck. Is there a solution?

WINXP Pro isn?t allowing me to change the IRQ.

This is on NVIDIA's site [With more devices being included in today's PC systems, it forces system builders to install components that share IRQ's with other devices. Some components do not like sharing IRQ's and can lead to system lock ups.. Generally, the graphics card should have its own IRQ and not be sharing one with any other device. The only thing that should be sharing the same IRQ as the graphics card is an ?IRQ holder for PCI steering.? If you have anything else sharing the same IRQ as the graphics card, you must change that device's IRQ assignment. The easiest way to do this is to simply to move the device, which is sharing the IRQ with the graphics card, to a different PCI slot. Some motherboards also allow you to force an IRQ. Check with your motherboard manufacturer to see if this feature is available on your motherboard. Copyright

Discussion is locked

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 12, 2004 9:30PM PDT

Today's systems can share IRQs. What OS are you having an issue with? In fact, what is the issue?

Most of the time it's the out of date BIOS or one forgot to load the motherboard driver package.

Bob

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 13, 2004 10:47AM PDT

This should have been just a simple upgrade from a 64mb Geforce 440 MX to a 128mb Geforce5200 FX. The computer is 2 yrs old and I didn't want to spend too much on a video card for a pc with a AMD Athlon XP 2000+. I was planning on building new next year when I hope my budget is less restrictive.

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 13, 2004 1:25AM PDT

Rare to see IRQ conflicts on non-ISA boards.
Just some thoughts ---->>

From your post I see 2 IRQ's listed, 5 and 11.
Is their more and if not, why?
...My System...
IRQ 0 System timer
IRQ 1 Standard 101/102-Key
IRQ 6 Standard floppy disk controller
IRQ 8 System CMOS/real time clock
IRQ 9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System
IRQ 10 MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device
IRQ 11 Intel(R) 82801BA/BAM SMBus Controller - 2443
IRQ 12 PS/2 Compatible Mouse
IRQ 13 Numeric data processor
IRQ 14 Primary IDE Channel
IRQ 15 Secondary IDE Channel
IRQ 16 NVIDIA GeForce2 MX
IRQ 17 NVIDIA RIVA TNT2 Model 64/Model 64 Pro
IRQ 17 Linksys LNE100TX Fast Ethernet Adapter
IRQ 19 NVIDIA GeForce4 MX 440 with AGP8X
IRQ 19 Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host
IRQ 23 Intel(r) 82801BA/BAM USB Universal Host
From system Information
----------------------------------------------------

In BIOS disable the Parallel and serial ports.
This will free some IRQs'

BIOS up-date.

Drivers current on all devices?
-----------------------------------------------------

http://www.quatech.com/support/qualitypci.php
-> By developing a strict set of hardware and software parameters, the architects of PCI mapped out a system by which PCI cards could be allocated resources by the Operating System. This way the OS itself could solve and resolve any addressing or interrupt conflicts occurring as a result of multiple PCI boards coexisting with each other and with other system devices--without user intervention. However, a PCI system is only as strong as its weakest link. In order for the system to consistently function properly, all installed PCI boards must completely adhere to all aspects of the PCI specification, and in a perfect world they would. But, complete adherence to the exacting PCI specification not only requires extensive engineering expertise, it also requires the purchase of top-quality components and meticulous board design and manufacturing.
------------------------------------------------------

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 13, 2004 10:41AM PDT

Sorry that was just the conflicts/sharing info. Here's the IRQs


IRQ 0 System timer OK
IRQ 1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard OK
IRQ 3 Communications Port (COM2) OK
IRQ 4 Communications Port (COM1) OK
IRQ 5 Adaptec AUA-4000B PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller OK
IRQ 5 Belkin Gigabit Desktop Card OK
IRQ 5 VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller OK
IRQ 5 VIA Rev 5 or later USB Universal Host Controller OK
IRQ 5 Vinyl AC'97 Codec Combo Driver (WDM) OK
IRQ 5 Creative SB Live! Series (WDM) OK
IRQ 6 Standard floppy disk controller OK
IRQ 8 System CMOS/real time clock OK
IRQ 9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System OK
IRQ 10 MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device OK
IRQ 11 NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 OK
IRQ 11 NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller OK
IRQ 11 NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller OK
IRQ 11 Lucent Win Modem OK
IRQ 12 PS/2 Compatible Mouse OK
IRQ 13 Numeric data processor OK
IRQ 14 Primary IDE Channel OK
IRQ 15 Secondary IDE Channel OK

If I try to access too much information whether it's a game or mutliple websites the system crashes. I'll try disabling the serial and parallel ports to see if anything frees up. I was going by the info on NVIDIA's FAQ page as noted in my previous post. You'll note the IRQa 2, 7 and anything above 15 aren't available. I tried deleting the Video driver and reinstalling in safe mode but no effect. I also tried using Driver Cleaner too and killed the download accelerators and disabled Norton Virus scan also no positive outcome. I still haven't received a response from DFI the motherboard mfg. whether or not I can flip the IRQs thru the BIOS, but I don't see where I can. THe Bios listed on my original post is the most recent I can find.

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 13, 2004 10:50PM PDT

Is windows reporting a conflict or are you reading it this way? PCI devices are designed to share IRQs and controlled by the O/S. Unless windows is saying their
is a problem your issue lies elsewhere.

This statement
"If I try to access too much information whether it's a game or mutliple websites the system crashes."
Before or after video card install?

2 year old system
1. power supply may be getting weak.
2. power supply too small with new card
3. Are you overclocked?
4. Heat
5. Open Task Manager -> log your CPU and memory use.
6. (slim, very slim) H/D failing

Bill
.

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 14, 2004 11:41AM PDT

After start up if I go to IE system crashes on MY MSN. But not on homepage. This was only after new card install. (new card was purchased only to meet requirements of newer games)But after new card install System crashes on Splinter Cell Pandora tomorrow and HitMan Contracts) Haven't loaded other games out of frustration. Crashes mostly occur after inital start up.
Not overclocked (don't know how)
Heat apparently not a problem. Multiple fans all working nothing too close to VidCard. Temp within safe ranges. Can open case with big fan blowing still crashes.
CPU usage does seem to have some high random spikes.
Power supply should still be adequate.

My prev post included FAQ from NVIDIA cite stating the VID card needs it's own IRQ. (wasn't my assumption) So far unable to achieve it's own IRQ assignment.

I Disabled Serial and Parallel ports(not being used anyway) Disabled Lucent Modem on PCI slot 2 (also not being used, DSL is wired through Ethernet card slot 3)
Slot 4 is sound card
Slot 5 is USB 2.0 card

WINXP PRO keeps reassigning randomly it seems, below is latest IRQ assigns. It still keeps ******* up on IRQ 5 & 11. yet 3, 4, & 7 are unassigned.

IRQ 0 System timer OK
IRQ 1 Standard 101/102-Key or Microsoft Natural PS/2 Keyboard OK
IRQ 5 Adaptec AUA-4000B PCI to USB Enhanced Host Controller OK
IRQ 5 Belkin Gigabit Desktop Card OK
IRQ 5 Vinyl AC'97 Codec Combo Driver (WDM) OK
IRQ 6 Standard floppy disk controller OK
IRQ 8 System CMOS/real time clock OK
IRQ 9 Microsoft ACPI-Compliant System OK
IRQ 10 MPU-401 Compatible MIDI Device OK
IRQ 11 NVIDIA GeForce FX 5200 OK
IRQ 11 NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller OK
IRQ 11 NEC PCI to USB Open Host Controller OK
IRQ 11 Creative SB Live! Series (WDM) OK
IRQ 12 PS/2 Compatible Mouse OK
IRQ 13 Numeric data processor OK
IRQ 14 Primary IDE Channel OK
IRQ 15 Secondary IDE Channel OK

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IRQ and PC design and Microsoft.
Oct 14, 2004 11:49AM PDT

You'll have to change the current thinking to get this to happen.

I will share that your symptom is consistent with out of date BIOS, motherboard drivers and overtaxed power supplies. Usually I watch people reload the OS a few dozen times till these areas are addressed.

Your choice?

Bob

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Modern M/Bs' with PCI slots SHARE IRQs
Oct 14, 2004 10:32PM PDT

You need to think new thoughts..... Modern M/Bs' with PCI slots SHARE IRQs. The IRQ assigment is controlled by the Operating system.

Open Device Manager if windows does not show any devices with conflicts then you have none ..... forget NVIDIA.

"new card was purchased only to meet requirements of newer games" This is what Bob and I are seeing.... If the BIOS - M/B - drivers are not all up to date your system will not work properly with the new card.

"After start up if I go to IE system crashes on MY MSN. But not on homepage" What is Home Page? Any other sites affected? Check, in safe mode, for spy-ware/virus.

"Crashes mostly occur after inital start up" Time element to crash? What application are you using and how many? Bad application install can cause system crash. I don't play games, too old and slow, but from what I understand each game has its own requirments... back to drivers .... outdated drivers cause system crash.

CHECK M/B capactors. Crowned, bulging or leaking replace M/B. Recheck seating of memory and AGP card.
More than one memory chip?... pull one stress it by playing a game then the other chip.

Pull new card .... same symptoms?
(a real streach) Bad Video card?

I know ... lots of questions and no true answers.... But this is what troubleshooting is about.

Bill
.

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Re: Modern M/Bs' with PCI slots SHARE IRQs
Oct 29, 2004 3:36PM PDT

Replaced m/b. caps were shot. Good call on that one. Replaced the old DFI AMD mainboard with a new MSI Pentium. Doubled the CPU and RAM now everything is shiny and happy.

Thanks for the advice.

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(NT) (NT) Glad to be of some help ... Bill
Oct 29, 2004 10:39PM PDT
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sounds like
Oct 13, 2004 10:03AM PDT

you're able to run your PC if u r accessing the internet and doing other stuff, yes? R u able to change display property settings? Is the new card listed in Device Manager? Do you have to disable onboard video in BIOS to use the new card?
device manager>video>gforce>properties> and see if u can set configuration manually.

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Re: sounds like
Oct 13, 2004 10:43AM PDT

I'm able to use the display settings not a problem. It's just that WINXP PRO is automatically assigning the IRQs and cluttering up 5 & 11 and I can't figure out how to reassign.

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 13, 2004 11:35AM PDT

Usually the PCI slot nearest to the AGP slot is hard wired to share an IRQ, no way to change that.
I would remove the serial port on IRQ 3 and the video card in device manager, then reboot but stop at the bios setup screen. In bios, disable the serial port on IRQ 3, or both if you don't have a modem, and if your bios allows, set the APG slot to IRQ 3.
Reboot into Windows and see what IRQ is assigned.
If you disable the parallel port, your printer may stop working.

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 14, 2004 12:47AM PDT

Also, some motherboards sugggest you not use PCI slot 1 if you can help it(the one next to AGP). You mentioned
having all slots filled. Old video card wasn't an issue,
but new could be(heat, for one thing). Probably not, but what are all your slots filled with? chuck

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Re: Forcing the IRQ for Video Card upgrade
Oct 14, 2004 11:17AM PDT

slot 1 is empty (too close to heat sink on new video card anyway) Heat not a problem according to temp.
Slot 2 is Lucent modem (not being used so I disabled it running DSL through ethernet anyway)
Slot 3 ethernet card
Slot 4 Sound card
Slot 5 USB 2.0 card