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This guide provides tips for troubleshooting video graphics issues specific to the onboard video solutions on Intel® Desktop Boards.
General Information
Troubleshooting
Determine Your Video Driver Version
If you have Windows* XP:
- Click Start » Control Panel » Performance and Maintenance » System.
- Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
- Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Right-click your video device and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab to view the current driver version.
If you have Windows* 98SE, ME or 2000:
- Click Start » Settings » Control Panel.
- Double-click System.
- Go to the Hardware tab and click Device Manager.
- Expand the Display Adapters section.
- Right-click your video device and select Properties.
- Go to the Driver tab to view the current driver version.
Where to Find the Latest Video Drivers
You can download the most current video drivers for your Intel® Desktop Board from Intel’s Download Center.
How to Update Video Drivers
To update your video drivers:
- Download the latest video driver from Intel’s Download Center.
- Double-click the filename you downloaded to extract and install the updated drivers.
Dual Display Configurations
An Advanced Digital Display (ADD2) card is an adapter card that can be inserted into the PCI Express* port of Intel® 910GL, 915G or 945G Express Chipset based systems. ADD2 cards can be used to display system output to a television, digital display, or simultaneously to a monitor and digital display. ADD2 cards are available from a number on online computer peripheral retailers.
Additional information:
Multi-Monitor: Understanding Options for Multiple Displays
TV-out and ADD2 card support
Reported Video Memory
The amount of video memory in your system is dependent upon the amount of pre-allocated memory set for your system plus Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT). The amount of memory available in your system can be reported in multiple ways.
Video BIOS POST Message
Users may first be presented with “video memory size” messaging in the video BIOS 'splash' or 'boot' message. This message displays the amount of main system memory that will be used solely for video BIOS purposes. DOS, for example, will use only this memory for display. Video BIOS will use 1 MB or 8 MB, based on system BIOS settings. From the operating system perspective, this memory is logically removed from the system so that it is invisible (for example, a 128 MB system using an 8 MB setting in system BIOS will report 120 MB of TOTAL system memory).
System BIOS POST Message
During POST, some system BIOS displays the amount of Local Memory installed in the system. This may be 1 MB or 8 MB, depending on pre-allocated memory.
Windows* 2000 and Windows XP Operating Systems "Display Adapter" Property Page
Windows 2000 and Windows XP operating systems contain a standard display property page that is displayed when the "Adapter" tab is selected. This page displays the maximum amount of local, frame-buffer memory possible by the Graphics device. This page will show 32 MB, 64 MB, 128 MB or 224 MB, depending on how much memory you have in the system.
Refer to the white paper specific to your graphics solution at Dynamic Video Memory Technology (DVMT) - How much video memory do I have? for additional information.
Information for Gamers
The Intel® Graphics Gaming Guide is intended to help users with Intel integrated graphics products achieve the highest quality gaming experience possible. Visit the Gaming Guide for more information.
Game compatibility information compiled by Intel presents the wide range of game applications tested with Intel® graphics controllers. In the few cases where compatibility issues were found, you will find the majority can be resolved by modifying system settings, updating system drivers, or applying a workaround or patch from the game manufacturer. Visit the Game Compatibility List for more information.
PCI Express* Graphics Riser Cards for BTX
In BTX form factor systems, add-in graphics card can either be mounted vertically or horizontally via a riser card. If a riser is used, the length of the graphics card may be limited to half-length cards.
Riser cards are generally chassis-specific, so it is up to the chassis supplier to provide it. Some chassis suppliers offer chassis models with and without the riser, and some sell it as an accessory.
AGP Aperture Size
AGP aperture size (in MB) is memory that has been reserved from your system RAM for graphics processing. The size of the address space ranges from 4MB to 256MB and is configured in the BIOS and will most likely default to 64MB. In some cases, the system BIOS will allow the user to change it.
Intel recommends that the aperture always be set at 64MB even if the amount of actual system memory (RAM) is less than 64MB.
Frame Buffers
Frame buffer size is the total amount of system memory locked by the BIOS for video. A larger frame buffer size should result in higher video performance.
To adjust frame buffer size in the BIOS:
- Press F2 during boot to enter BIOS Setup.
- Go to the Advanced > Video Configuration menu.
- Set frame buffer size (options can vary based on board model).
- Save by pressing F10 and exit the BIOS Setup.
Installing External Graphics Cards
If you want to install a 3rd party external graphics card instead of using the onboard graphics, follow these steps:
- Install the 3rd party external graphics card, following the installation instructions that come with the card.
- Integrated graphics is automatically turned off.
ATI CrossFire* Compatibility
CrossFire* technology is a recently introduced product from ATI Technologies* designed to dramatically improve the graphics performance of hardware and software applications designed for gamers and other high-end users. For additional information, refer to Compatibility with ATI CrossFire* Technology.
Blu-ray* Playback and Intel® 4 Series Chipset-Based Desktop Boards
In order to ensure the best possible high-definition and Blu-ray playback experience for your Intel® Desktop Board DG45ID or DG45FC, it is strongly recommended that you use the latest BIOS and graphics driver versions available at Intel's Download Center.
Early versions of the BIOS for these boards displayed a PAVP mode setting. In the most recent BIOS, the PAVP setting is removed since PAVP is now permanently set to Lite mode. Lite mode significantly reduces processor utilization in most cases and is never detrimental to any function of the processor or chipset and does not reserve any memory.
General information on Blu-ray playback with the Intel® G45 Express Chipset including information regarding optimized media player applications is available on the Intel graphics support site.
Slow Performance
A variety of graphics settings are available in PC games that can improve graphics quality and detail or increase game performance. This gives games the ability to take advantage of the latest high performance computers, while still allowing acceptable performance for slower computers. Visit the Game Settings Optimization guide for more information.
Many overall system features can affect gaming performance. Refer to the System Hardware and Operating System Settings Guide for simple things you can do to improve performance.
TV-Out Issues
If you are experiencing problems connecting your PC to a television display, refer to TV-Out Issues for assistance.
Game-Specific Issues
Game compatibility information compiled by Intel presents the wide range of game applications tested with Intel® graphics controllers. In the few cases where compatibility issues were found, you will find the majority can be resolved by modifying system settings, updating system drivers, or applying a workaround or patch from the game manufacturer. Visit the Game Compatibility List for more information.
Display Flickers
A display monitor's refresh rate is the speed at which the monitor "refreshes," or redraws, the image it shows you. Refresh rate is important because it impacts the viewability of the screen image. Refresh rates that are too low can cause annoying flicker that can be distracting to the viewer and can cause fatigue and eye strain.
The refresh rate necessary to avoid flicker varies with the individual, because it is based on the eye's ability to notice the repainting of the image. Most individuals notice flicker at refresh rates below 60 Hz. Flicker also depends on the size of the monitor – it is more noticeable on larger monitors.
To view/set your monitor’s refresh rate:
- Click Start » Settings » Control Panel.
- Double-click Display.
- On the Settings tab, click the Advanced button.
- Go to the Monitor tab.
The Screen Refresh list should display all refresh rates supported by your monitor. Choose higher refresh rates to eliminate flicker.
Cannot select a larger display mode (resolution, refresh rate, or colors setting)
Your computer and/or monitor may not support the entire range of display modes (resolutions, refresh rates, or color settings) supported by the Intel® integrated graphics chipset and drivers. By default, the Windows* operating system excludes display modes not supported by both the graphics controller and the monitor.
For more information and troubleshooting tips, refer to Supported display modes and resolutions.
This applies to:
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