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My PCI E link width is stuck at x1, how do I set it back to x16?

I installed an Nvidia 8800GT a while back, and it worked great for a month or so. I left for about two weeks, and when I came back my frame rates in my games were very low. I have spent hours upon hours researching my problem, and have found that my PCI E link width somehow has been set to x1. Since my computer is a Dell there is no way I can find to change it back, either in the bios, or on the motherboard, or with a 3rd party PLL chip modifier. I know it used to be set to x16 because my games used to scream. Does anyone know how I can set the PCI E link width back to x16? Or at least a way to get into some advanced bios settings?
I've read where other people with this same link width problem have overclocked their FSB and that "forced" the link width to x16. I cannot OC my FSB, according to this website http://www.podien.de/FSB.HTM. My PLL is a CY28410.

Thanks in advance for your help.

jamietoner

Try resetting bios defaults using the clear cmos jumper on the motherboard.
http://support.dell.com/support/edocs/systems/xps400/sm/syssetup.htm#wp1053729

prpilot

ASKER

Thanks, I already had tried this, but I tried it again anyway. It didn't help.

jamietoner

Have you tried to update the bios? If you have tried and the system is still under warranty contact Dell and have them replace the motherboard.

prpilot

ASKER

Yes, I have flashed the bios, updated Windows XP with every update known to man, and tried 4 different versions of the Nvidia drivers. I have a brand-new power supply, 650W, since at first I thought perhaps my old one was too small, being rated at only 375 when Nvidia recommends 425 for the 8800GT. I asked BFG Tech if the power supply being too smal would damage the card, and they said no, it would simply not work, or not work well, until it had enough power.

I have a brand-new 8800GT as well, from BFG Tech. They RMA'd my old card, and drop-shipped me the replacement (I'm quite happy with the service I've gotten from BFG Tech, except that they don't know how to fix this problem.) Both cards exhibit the same problem, which leads me to believe it is not the card itself.

The weird thing is, when I first installed the 8800 it worked very well, with no apparent problems for at least a month. And I played some very graphics-intensive games during that time. Somehow, something caused the PCIE link width to drop to x1. I cannot think whhat I did that could possibly have done this. Nor can I think how do set it back.

Dell is no help at all...they simply tell me my pc is no longer supported. I cannot even purchase support for it. I can tell you I'll never buy another Dell.

nobus

long shot : if it is not too old, try a system restore to a previous date
you can also check what programs and updates were installed at that time, and uninstall them
good luck !

prpilot

ASKER

After further research I found that other peple have done one of two things to rectify this problem: Either increase the PCI voltage, or increase the PCI bus frequency. Since my PC was made by DELL, and they allow for very little changes to the bios or the chipset settings, there is apparently NO WAY to get the PCIE width back up to x16. Dell tech support was no help. I have since purchased a new motherboard, one which allows much more settings to be changed, the ASUS P5N-D. This has solved my initial problem, but I am now chasing a new one: during gameplay in COD4 i take a huge hit in performance every two minutes or so. But that's for another thread!

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nobus

processors can step down the speed when they overheat - so it is possiible they do it with a malfunction too