3DFuzion Technical Support Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Below is a list of common questions and answers related to the installation and operation of 3DFuzion graphics cards. Please look for the question that most describes your issue and click on the link to go to the suggested answer. If you cannot find the answer to your particular issue, or you have a question not listed, please contact Technical Support by clicking on the "Contact Us" link at the bottom right of this page.
What is the warranty for 3DFuzion graphics cards?
After installing my 3DFuzion graphics card in a computer with on-board graphics I am only receiving a black screen when booting, how can I fix this?
My display becomes distorted after installing my new 3DFuzion card, why?
What is causing vertical lines and/or pixellation?
Can I connect two monitors to my 3DFuzion graphics card?
Why are the display acceleration features showing as not available when I run Direct X diagnostics?
AGP does not appear to be working properly and/or DX Diagnostics fail/ what are the suggested BIOS settings?
After installing my new 3DFuzion graphics card I can only run my monitor at 640x480 with 16 colors. How can I fix it?
My new 3D applications seem to be running slow after installing the new graphics card. What should I do?
I have downloaded the latest drivers for my NVIDIA-based graphics card and when I run the file, I receive a "This is not a valid Win32 application" error. How can I correctly download the drivers?
Pre-sales Questions
The manual or sticker on my motherboard states that only a 1.5v AGP card can be used, will your card work with my motherboard?
What does my system need in order to use 3DFuzion graphics cards?
What size power supply do you suggest for running a 3DFuzion graphics card?
Do I need to register my 3DFuzion card?
Is there a maximum resolution for the DVI output?
Is there a maximum resolution when using the TV out function?
Q. What is the warranty for 3DFuzion graphics cards?
A. 2 Year Warranty
3DFuzion is proud to warrant, upon completed registration at http://www.3DFuzion.com/register, the original purchaser of the graphics product in this package (“Product”) that the Product will be free from defects in material or workmanship for a period of 2 years from the date of purchase, when given normal wear and proper usage. This warranty is not transferable or assignable. Purchaser must retain the original sales receipt as proof of purchase for any and all warranty claims!
This warranty is valid if the product:
- Was not damaged while being installed.
- Was not damaged by software or hardware from a company or individual other than 3DFuzion or by motherboard incompatibility.
- Was operated in accordance with 3DFuzion specifications, instructions and technical support directions.
- Was not modified or damaged by altering the default core or memory clock settings, tampering, user error, accident, disaster, abuse, misuse, power supply, power application, alteration, repair, modification, a fix or replacement by someone other than 3DFuzion.
3DFuzion’s liability under this warranty, or in connection with any other claim relating to the Product, is limited to the repair or at 3DFuzion’s option, the replacement of the portion of the Product which was defective in material or workmanship with new or refurbished product.
Except as expressly stated above, 3DFuzion makes no warranty, express or implied, whether of merchantability, non-infringement of intellectual property, fitness for any particular purpose or use, or otherwise on the products, or any parts or technical assistance or other labor furnished.
A Returns Material Authorization number (RMA #) must be issued by 3DFuzion Technical Support before any product is returned to 3DFuzion. Product shipped to 3DFuzion without an RMA # will be refused and returned to shipper.
Technical Support is available 8am to 5pm, Monday through Friday, Central Standard Time.
In the US call toll-free 1-877-300-8869. Outside the U.S., call (+001) 630-637-2488 (International call, charges apply).
Technical Support is also available via e-mail at support@3DFuzion.com.
Q. After installing my 3DFuzion graphics card in a computer with on-board graphics I am only receiving a black screen when booting, how can I fix this?
A. This is most likely due to a conflict with your motherboard's on-board (integrated) graphics. Make sure the monitor cable is plugged into the new 3DFuzion video card you just installed and not the on-board video connector. Prior to installing your 3DFuzion card the on-board graphics must be disabled. Please contact your motherboard or system manufacturer for details on disabling the on-board graphics in the BIOS as the method can vary a great deal. You may also be able to disable the on-board graphics through device manager in Windows if there is not an option in your system's BIOS. This can be accomplished:
- a. In Windows 95, 98, ME or Windows NT start by clicking on Start > Settings > Control Panel and then double click on System.
b. For Windows 2000 or XP click Start > Control Panel > Performance and Maintenance > System > Hardware
- a. For Windows 98, 98, ME or NT double click on the video card under display adapter and place a check in the box to disable in hardware profile. Close device manager; do not restart your computer. Remember, if the computer prompts you to restart the computer select "no".
b. In Windows 2000 or XP right click on the display adapter and select disable. Click "yes" if asked "Do you really want to do this". Click "no" If prompted to restart, then proceed to step 4.
- If using XP skip to step 4.While still in the control panel double click the display icon. In display properties select the settings tab. Now click the Advanced button (this button may vary depending upon the current display drivers and operating system). In the adapter tab (again this may vary depending upon the type of video or drivers installed on the computer click change, to select a new display adapter. List the display devices, DO NOT search or auto-detect the display adapter. If you do not see a listing of various computer video card manufactures and models select "show all hardware". In the listing select Standard display types (generally the first listing under manufacturers) and choose standard VGA for the model. Do not restart after the installation has finished.
- Close all open windows and shutdown your system. Your system is now prepared for installation of your new 3DFuzion graphics card. Please follow the instructions in the Quick Install Guide.
This can also be caused by an insufficient power supply please check the product page for each card's requirement.
Q. My display becomes distorted after installing my new 3DFuzion card, why?
A. A power supply not meeting the minimum requirements can cause this. Please check the packaging or the product page at www.3DFuzion.com for power supply requirements for your card.
Q. What is causing vertical lines and/or pixelation?
A. Please visit or check with your motherboard manufacturer for the latest BIOS and chipset drivers. If this does not fix the problem contact 3DFuzion tech support.
Q. Can I connect two monitors to my 3DFuzion graphics card?
A. If the 3DFuzion card you purchased has both a VGA and DVI connector you can connect an analog display to the VGA connector (blue) and a digital display to the DVI connector (white), or a second analog display if you use a DVI to VGA adapter. The Forceware drivers on the Installation CD include nVIew multi-display technology.
If you already have two display devices (monitor, TV, etc.) connected to your 3DFuzion graphics card, the Multi-Display Setup Wizard will automatically launch when re-starting your system after the driver installation is completed. Follow the step-by-step instructions to take full advantage of the multi-display environment that nView offers.
If you have a single display device (monitor, TV, etc.) connected to your 3DFuzion graphics card (or cancelled out of the wizard at first start-up) the Multi-Display Setup Wizard will not launch and must be activated from the Control Panel. Follow these steps to gain access to the Setup Wizard.
- Entering the Control Panel:
a. In Windows 2000 or XP Click Start>Control Panel then double click the "NVIDIA nView Desktop Manager" icon.
b. In Windows 98, ME, or NT click Start>Settings>Control Panel then double click the "NVIDIA nView Desktop Manager" icon.
- Click "Enable" under nView Desktop Manager. This will also add an "nView Properties" option to the pop-up menu when right clicking on the desktop.
- You may now start the Setup Wizard by clicking the "Setup Wizard" button.
- To access the Setup Wizard at a later time simply right click on the desktop and select "nView Properties".
Once the Setup Wizard starts follow the step-by-step instructions to take full advantage of the multi-display environment that nView offers.
For detailed information on using nView please see the "nView User's Guide" located on the Installation CD in the Manuals folder. Or click on here.
Q. Why are the display acceleration features showing as not available when I run Direct X diagnostics?
A. Most often this is due to either remnants of previous video card drivers or Windows corruption. Please remove all previous video card drivers and re-install DirectX. If this does not correct the error we suggest you format your hard drive and proceed with a clean installation of you operating system.
Q. AGP does not appear to be working properly and/or DX Diagnostics fail/ what are the suggested BIOS settings?
A. There are many factors that could be causing issues and most will probably require some input from the motherboard manufacturer. BIOS settings are one of the things that can affect this. The settings below are suggested for baseline or troubleshooting, not for performance. Each motherboard will react differently to adjusting these setting and not all motherboards will have these settings, therefore we suggest you seek the advice of the motherboard manufacturer before changing from the defaults. Be sure to write down any changes you make so they can be undone if needed. In rare instances it may be necessary to format your hard and re-install everything. Below are the suggested BIOS settings in alphabetical order:
Name
Setting
Name
Setting
AGP Aperture
128MB or 64MB
PCI 2.1 Compliancy
Enable
AGP Clock
2/3
PCI Latency Timer
128
AGP Transfer Mode
Match card - 8x/4x/2x
Peer Concurrency
Disable
AGP Turbo Read Mode
Disable
Pipeline Cache Write
Disable
AGP Turbo Write Mode
Disable
USWC
Disable/set to UC
AGP WS Read
Highest Value
VGA Boot Sequence
AGP (PCI for PCI card)
AGP WS Write
Highest Value
VGA Pallet Snooping
Disable
Assign IRQ for VGA
Enable
Video BIOS Cacheable
Disable
Assign IRQ to USB
Enable
Video BIOS Shadowing
Disable
Delayed Transaction
Enable
Video RAM Cacheable
Disable
Passive Release
Enable
Video RAM Shadowing
Disable
PCI Bursting
Disable
AGP Capability Auto
VLink Enable DBI Output for AGP Trans Enable
Q. After installing my new 3DFuzion graphics card I can only run my monitor at 640x480 with 16 colors. How can I fix it?
A. Remove any previous video drivers from your system including NVIDIA drivers using the Add/Remove Programs feature in Windows. Update your chipset drivers to the latest ones from NVIDIA, Intel, VIA, AMD, ALI or SiS depending on the chipset of your motherboard. Check that 'Assign IRQ to VGA' is set in your BIOS. If the 3DFuzion card is sharing an IRQ with another device, see above for correcting the situation.
Q. My new 3D applications seem to be running slow after installing the new graphics card. What should I do?
A. Your new card is very complex and requires certain power and performance from the rest of your system. Most 3D games and applications are also CPU intensive and require a high performance processor for optimal game play. Download and use the latest chipset and AGP drivers for your motherboard, consult your motherboard or system manufacturer if you have questions about which chipset you are using. Most Super Socket 7 motherboards will exhibit inferior AGP performance due to poor AGP implementation.
Q. I have downloaded the latest drivers for my NVIDIA-based graphics card and when I run the file, I receive a "This is not a valid Win32 application" error. How can I correctly download the drivers?
A. Generally, this means that you are using a download utility in the background, which is corrupting the drivers. You will need to disable any download utilities prior to downloading the drivers from the 3DFuzion or NVIDIA Web sites. Once you have downloaded the drivers, you may enable your download utility once again.
Pre-sales Questions
Q. The manual or sticker on my motherboard states that only a 1.5v AGP card can be used, will your card work with my motherboard?
A. All 3DFuzion AGP cards are compatible with 1.5v AGP slots.
Q. What does my system need in order to use 3DFuzion graphics cards?
A. Generally, the better system you have, the better your graphics card's performance will be. You can find individual requirements by model on our product pages.
Q. What size power supply do you suggest for running a 3DFuzion graphics card?
A. While some cards only require 250 watt power supplies others require more. Please check the product page of the card you are interested in to verify its requirement.
Q. Do I need to register my 3DFuzion card?
A. 3DFuzion graphics cards come with a two year warranty and 8a.m. — 5p.m. CST tech support. It is necessary to register at www.3DFuzion.com/register in order to be eligible for these benefits. You must save your sales receipt to show proof of purchase in case you need warranty service on your product.
Q. Is there a maximum resolution for the DVI output?
A. Yes, it is 1600x1200.
Q. Is there a maximum resolution when using the TV out function?
A. The maximum output is 1024x768.
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