Screen blacks out / computer locks up

[Bullitt]

I'm having a bit of a problem with a Dell Inspiration 2350 with the Intel 3D extreme video on board chip set. 

"The Intel® 82845G graphics controller, also referred to as the Intel® 82845G/GL/GE/PE/GV graphics controller, is the display adapter component of the Intel® 845G chipset family"

The screen goes black and the computer locks up.  This happens randomly, I can be using the computer, or it just may be sitting idle.  I am using the intel 810 or later driver.  Any ideas, or suggestions on how to correct/prevent this problem?

[Ramchu]

I Googled your machine and found :

Code: [Select]

Memory
Architecture
DDR SDRAM

Memory connectors

two

Memory capacities


128-, 256-, or 512-MB

Minimum memory

128 MB shared DDR SDRAM

NOTE: Between 32 and 64 MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.
Maximum memory
1 GB
Memory type
PC2100 (266-MHz) DDR SDRAM
(non-ECC)
There for you may not have enough memory
You could try LXDE or XFCE desktop editions

You didn't mention which edition you are using.

Hope this helps !

[mikkl]

Ironically, I am having the same problem on mmy XP powered Dell laptop.  I put the lid down, the display darkens and the OS crashes.

Mikkl

[Bullitt]

I Googled your machine and found :

Code: [Select]

Memory
Architecture
DDR SDRAM

Memory connectors

two

Memory capacities


128-, 256-, or 512-MB

Minimum memory

128 MB shared DDR SDRAM

NOTE: Between 32 and 64 MB of system memory may be allocated to support graphics, depending on system memory size and other factors.
Maximum memory
1 GB
Memory type
PC2100 (266-MHz) DDR SDRAM
(non-ECC)
There for you may not have enough memory
You could try LXDE or XFCE desktop editions

You didn't mention which edition you are using.

Hope this helps !

I am using KDE w/o desktop effects.  Yes, it does help/confirm my suspicions.  I have updated the machine with 2 gigs of memory (it sees the memory fine).  However, I don't think this helps the video memory.  I will take your suggestion and try another DE.

Thanks, Bullitt

[uncleV]

This happens randomly

Could be a hardware problem like raised CPU temperature, dust on the chips, PSU problem, failed RAM stick or contact.