Lockups when using nvidia driver [SOLVED]

[gkw]

Hi

I have been experiencing lockups when I install the nvidia graphics driver. I have installed the driver using the PBI file (nVidiaDriver8762-1.11-PV02.pbi) and have tried uninstalling that and installing the nvidia driver via ports. The problem has occurred when I installed PC-BSD 1 and now with 1.2.

Each time that I install the driver the system boots up OK and the nvidia splash screen comes up. The system quickly locks up when I start to use applications (e.g. thunderbird or Firefox). I assume that the x windows system locks as I can still SSH into the machine from somewhere else. Sitting at the machine, it locks up so that I cannot even take down the window manager using Ctrl + Alt + Backspace however.

I have the same machine boot to windows and linux (Ubuntu). I do not have the same problems in Linux that I am having in PC-BSD but I would prefer to use PC-BSD if I can get the graphics card working to its full potential.

I have reverted to the backed up XF86Config file and the system is stable again.

Does anyone have any advice?

Thanks in advance, Graeme

Update:
Have disabled fastwrite and reduced AGP to x2 in system bios and have noticed a dramatic improvement in stability. There is the occaisonal lockup but nowhere near as frequently. I have experienced a unprompted reboot when using an Open GL application (foobilliard).

Update 2:
Followed the advice at the following site.

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=72892

GL applications now exit without rebooting the machine. Will monitor lockups but could open and use thunderbird without crashing (which is a good sign).

Update 3:
No lockups since I patched and complied the driver. That's a couple of weeks at least.

[antik]

Hi

I have been experiencing lockups when I install the nvidia graphics driver. I have installed the driver using the PBI file (nVidiaDriver8762-1.11-PV02.pbi) and have tried uninstalling that and installing the nvidia driver via ports. The problem has occurred when I installed PC-BSD 1 and now with 1.2.

What model of nVidia card is installed?

[gkw]

Hi

That was quick. Sorry, I was going to mention that. The video card is a gigabyte GV-N55 - actually either a GV-N55 128D or GV-N55 128DP, I will need to open the case to see exactly which of those it is.

Regards

Graeme

Update: A quick examination reveals a GV-N55 128DP.

[DragnLord]

chipset info for "GV-N55 128DP":
FX 5500, 128Mb , AGP 8x, TV-out, 128bit, Core/Mem 250/500 MHz

[gkw]

Followed the advice at the following site.

http://www.nvnews.net/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=72892

GL applications now exit without rebooting the machine. Will monitor lockups but could open and use thunderbird without crashing (which is a good sign).