Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

trey5498

macrumors regular
Original poster
Jun 16, 2008
191
0
I need to know if there is a application that will allow me to test an iMac to see if the video card is bad. I know there are several for windows, but I need it for OS X 10.5
 
Your OS discs come with a hardware test. It is on the install disc that shipped with that iMac. Boot from your DVD holding down the D key I think.
 
I tried that and yet the video card still craps out when trying to play graphical intense games and locks up. Just started last night and the built in one on the operating CD says it is fine.
 
By 'craps out' what do you mean? Are you able to post a screenshot? What happens exactly? Also what gen iMac do you have?

Sorry for all the questions.
 
usual graphics lock up. Fuzzy lines vertically across the screen, then the entire then locks up requiring me to restart it. When running in safe mode or normal mode just surfing the web it is fine. The moment I try to run anything with heavy graphics ....... Lock up!!

It is too expensive to be just a web browser machine, so I want to test the card to figure it out
 
Actually, you're overcomplicating the issue somewhat. Be careful not to rule out simple problems (software issues, bad RAM, etc) just because it looks like a graphics card issue.

That said, what type of computer do you have? If it's a MacBook Pro, not the current model but anywhere from about 1 1/2 years old to 3 years old, you might very likely be suffering from the known problem with the NVIDIA Graphics cards. Of course, the only way to know for sure would be to take it to a repair facility, either an Apple Store or an Authorized Service Center, as the tests for that sort of thing are internal, so you won't be able to get a copy to use. In fact, most hardware tests are internal, aside from the copy you get with your install disks.

I'd say try to rule out software or RAM, then take it in if the problems persist. If it's a MBP with a covered card, you should pay anything anyways, so you'd only lose the use of the computer for a while.

jW
 
Ok update:


I have:

Name: iMac Intel (Early 2008)
Model: Mxxxx iMac Intel (core 2 duo) 3.06GHz
Group1: iMac
Group2: Intel
Generation: 5
ModelCode: imac_early_08
CPU speed: 3.06GHz
Bus speed: 1.07GHz
Family name: A1225
Screen size: 24 inch
Screen resolution: 1920x1200 pixels
Memory - number of slots: 2
Factory: QP (USA)

with a Nvidia GeForce 8800 GS video card. I clear the PRAM and NVRAM last night and it seemed to work, for at least 2 hours and it went back to locking up. I did the extended hardware test and it came back clean. I did the disk repair and it came back clean as well. How do I figure out if there is something wrong with the software?
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.