I just tinkered with my little brother's computer and this is the current configuration:
AMD Sempron 3000+ 2.0ghz processor
1gb pc3200 ddr ram
120gb hard drive
256mb Radeon X1650 Video Card (AGP)
Driver Version: 8.411.0.0 (up to date)
DirectX 9.0c
I decided to test it out with some CS: Source, so I installed steam and loaded cs:s on his comp from my steam account. Everything installs fine. When I launch the game, the monitor blinks (changing res) and I see the cs:s load screen for a second. The video card fan kicks on then the monitor blinks again, and I am back at my desktop, steam staring at me like it did nothing wrong.
also, in a probably related problem, the earthsim software that came with the ati card won't launch either...
I tested the card out with Passmark PerformanceTest and it threw this error when I ran the 3d tests:
///Invalid video mode.
///the resolution and color depth you have
///chosen do not appear to be valid for
///hardware acceleration.
///
///Please ensure that the correct monitor
///drivers are installed.
///
///Also ensure that the most recent video
///drivers for your graphics adapter have been
///installed properly
The monitor driver is as new as it's going to get and I have the latest ati drivers.
I looked at the video adapter properties and it lists the location of the card as: PCI bus 1, device 0, function 0. It's an AGP card, so is there something wrong with this?
I don't know what the problem is. thanks for any help