AGP problem

[JacKDynne]

Let me explain the situation:

Got a box that I am using the agp slot for my graffix card. The problem is that the contact points in the slot are not really solid. If I don't have the card in just right, and I mean with hairline precision, I get no signal from the card. Tried switching cards with the same result. (both are ATI cards). If I just look at it wrong it stops working.

My question is - Is there anything that I can use to "fill" the contact points on the card and in the slot? Maybe some kind of silicone gel or something?

Any help is greatly appreciated - when it tanks on me it usually takes a couple of frustrating hours of trial and error to get it back again....

[Crowdirt]

Hi JackDynne, this has been a common problem for a number of years. If you have a look at some of the New MOBOs out there, they come now with a Plastic Clamp that fits around the AGP Socket and it helps to "Lock" the card in place. Have not seen it as a separate part so far, but if you know what to look for that would be the "First" step.

[Nicos]

How is your AGP card sitting in relation to the case? Is it flush? I mean, does it line up with the screw hole, or must you bend the mounting bracket to have it fit?

I've run into this problem a couple of times myself and sometimes found that the case is often to blame. A case that is slightly bent (accidently or during manufacturing) causes the card not to have solid contact.

To see if this is the problem, remove your mounting bracket that is attached to your video card and put the card back into the system.

Boot your system several times and see if the problem still exists. Be careful not to bump your case while power is applied and or touch your AGP card.

Be EXTRA sure that when you do this, that the card is in the AGP slot aligned.

Let me know the results. If it is a case of your AGP slot pins not giving good contact--and not the case--there are a few things that you can do to fix that, but I'd rather not give you the info on that yet, since you can actually ruin your AGP slot if you're not careful.

[JacKDynne]

Thanks to you both for your replies.

I am pretty sure it's not the case; it snaps in just fine but when I loosen the screw (to the case) the card can wiggle back and forth about a 1/4 inch each way. Believe me, once I get it working I am VERY careful not to kick or bump the box in any way.

Nicos, what other info do you have? If its not too extreme I'll give it a shot next time this happens.

(If it hoses my board it gives me a good reason to get a newer one without too much drama from the wife )

Thanks again, guys....

[Nicos]

When you say you can wiggle the card back and forth, do you mean from left to right? Or do you mean it can move back and forth in relation to the case (where the screw attaches to the case)?

Anyway, here are some other things you can do the next time it happens to help alleviate the problem.

Assuming the contacts pins in the AGP slot are loose, but still make contact, but not a tight fit:

1. Some carbon or dust build up may be present on your AGP slot. Use an electricial contact cleaner to spray out your AGP slot. Or use a fine grade of sandpaper (finishing grade 150 or higher) to gently remove any residue that are on pins of the AGP card. This may take 20 insertions or so. Then vacuum the residue out.

2. Take an eraser and clean the contacts of your AGP card before putting it in motherboard.


As a last resort, try this--but have another motherboard on hand or have your order ready as this procedure may leave your motherboard not working at all:

1. One the top of your AGP connector--using a picture of a PCI slot, since the details can be seen easier-- there are (although you can't seem them in the picture) pins that extend to the top of the connector. These pins which make contact to your AGP card can be bent to make better contact by simply inserting a blunt object and pressing down onto the pin slightly. However, take care not to press down too much, as the pin can come out of the connector. Just press down on one pin a little at a time, see if the pin moves closer towards the center of the AGP slot and then move onto the next. Its a time consuming process, and it you can ruin the pins if you're not careful, but it will certainly make the connection tighter.

If you a pin or two comes out of the slot, the pins can be reinserted by the same method--but only bent them enough to reinsert them.

Hope that helps...

[JacKDynne]

Thanks Nicos,

I will give those things a try next time it happens and let you all know how it turns out. When I said it wiggles back and forth I mean when I pop it in it still can move up and down (tower case standing upright). I laid it down and I can see the metal connectors moving as it wiggles.

Thanks again and I'll check back when I try to implement those techniques...