My computer is flickering

[broxis11]

When I load fs9. It flickers whenever I change the plane or if it is loading a new airport etc. It seems to play ok but it is very annoying.

It seems to try to do it a few times before actually loading successfully.


It has only recently started doing this after I upgraded some of the components.

The new compnents are a 9800xt video card, an amd athlon 2400 processor, a Asus A7N8X motherboard and a Maxtor Diamond Plus 9 160 GB SATA hard drive.

If you could offer any assistance I would be very grateful.

Thanks  :)

[Delta_]

If you are using WinXP it may be that the refresh rate on your monitor is going really low.

If it is the monitor that is doing this, try this: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=354 Refreshlock is the program.  Make sure it is set-up properly.

If it is not the monitor, have you tried the latest ATi drivers, i you have not try the link in my sig. (Catalyst 4.3)  

I would try the Graphics drivers first (I would do this anyway if you don't have the latest ones), then if that does not sort the problem try the RefreshLock (assuming it is your monitor)

[JBaymore]

Broxix11,

Hi and welcome to SimV.

You description sounds exactly like you have the "dreaded" ATI Ficker.

The cure for it is to install at least the Cat 3.9 driver set.  The current version is the Cat 4.3's.  

Search around the FS2004 Forum and this forum for LOTS of (depressing) posts on this whole subject.  Most all of us ATI users suffered with that annoying issue until ATI finally fixed it with a driver release.

best,

...............john

[broxis11]

Thankyou for your helpful replies, I am downloading new drivers just now, hopefully this will do the trick.

Although, I wwas wondering if I already had the up to date ones as it is brand new, I bought it two weeks ago.

Oh well, I will find out soon enough.

I will let you know how I get on,

Magnus

[JBaymore]

Broxis11,

When I bought my ATI 9800XT a month or so ago...... the driver disk in it was WAY older than the cat 3.9's that I had already installed from the website.  Those cards in boxes take a LONG time to get to the retail end of the market.

best,

.....................john

[andy2]

Is this the flicker accompanying the dialogue boxes, eg. the loading terrain/adjusting scenery message, changing aircraft etc. I don't get anything during flight. It was worse with the earlier drivers but is still there with 4.3 with my 9600 Pro

[JBaymore]

andy2,

Yes... that fits the symptoms exactly.

ATI driver installation is problematic.  Uninstalling the OLD driver can be an issue.  Their own uninstall routine tends to not get the whole thing out of there before reinstalling.  I don't know for sure if that is why you still have the flickering.... but it might be a possibility.

There are some "driver cleaner" programs designed for ATI stuff.  Look in the old ATI Flicker threads here and in the FS2004 forum for the address to get them.  Try uninstalling again...... use the driver cleaner....and then reinstall the new ones.

You are the only person I have heard of so far who has the new drivers and still has the "flicker".

best,

.................john

[Delta_]

Driver cleaner: http://downloads.guru3d.com/download.php?det=745

[JBaymore]

Hyvry,

Thanks for reposting that.... I couldn't remember where I got it.

best,

.............john

[broxis11]

Hi guys, just one quick question, is it possible to find out which drivers you are already using?

I downloaded the 4.3 ones but there was a problem when I was trying to install it. I thought it might be a better idea to check to see if I already have it.

Many thanks  :)

[Delta_]

Right click on desktop,
click properties,
click settings tab,
click advanced,
click options tab,
then where it says catalyst version that is the number you are looking for.
It should say
CATALYST Version: 04.3

If it says something lower, (it won't say anything higher)
You need to remove the old display drivers before you even try to install the new ones.

[broxis11]

Hi, I have checked and I have version 3.8 so I will try and do it tonight. Many thanks again for your prompt reply.  :)

Magnus

[andy2]

I didn't update the control panel so I'll try that, reinstall, and give that cleaner a go as well. I have dx9b

Thanks

Andy

[andy2]

I have used drive cleaner for a couple of installs now and find the 4.1 ATI driver through Saphire(their latest) for my card seems to work best, least flickering compared to the ATI 4.3

Framerates in both 3dmark2001 (9682/cleanboot 10128)and FS9 are similar for both drivers.

I checked the earlier threads and cant see that those with the problem found any resolution either, and the flicker is not all that much of a distraction anyhow.

I am still to check for a motherboard driver update but the Asus support site is still offline.

Thanks everybody for your help.

Andy

[broxis11]

I had some problems with my system when I was trying to install the new drivers and ended up having to do a clean install.

Everything seemed to be working fine like all my other games etc but when I now play fs 2004 it doesnt flicker when I am loading it but during the gameplay it seems to stutter every second. My framerates are high and everything works, it just stutters constantly.

I don`t know what to do, again, any help would be greatly appreciated.
:-/
Magnus