3D image distortion

[Anonymous]

Hello all, I just acquired an ASUS G73SW-A1, 8GB RAM, NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460M graphics card, 64-bit -- great gaming computer basically. I'm running ArchiCAD 12 on it presently. When I marquee my model and try to show it in 3D, I get a distorted, garbled image when static. However, the 3D images resolves into a proper 3D image when I orbit or move it. The second I let go of the orbit, the image distorts again. I think this has to do with the frequency of the graphics card since because it's a gaming laptop, the card is optimized for speed. So here are my questions:

ArchiCAD 12 is 32-bit and I'm using a 64-bit machine, is that the source of the problem? If I upgrade to ArchiCAD 15, will I not have this 3D distortion problem? I noticed some of you are working with a similar laptop so I don't think the laptop's the problem.

Is there a way to reduce the frequency on the graphics card or to tinker with the computer settings to eliminate the above problem in ArchiCAD 12?

Have any of you successfully replaced the manufacturer-installed graphics card? Like switching to an NVIDIA Quadros? I understand it's not easy to replace a manufacturer-installed graphics card in a notebook so I'd rather not have to mess with my unit.

Thanks all.

[Laszlo Nagy]

Are you using the NVidia driver or the ASUS driver?
You can download the Asus driver at:

http://www.asus.com/Notebooks/Gaming_Powerhouse/G73SW/#download

Is this happening both with Internal 3D Engine and OpenGL Engine?

Actually, I just bought this same laptop, only with 16 GB of RAM. Will get it in 1-2 days so I can tell you if it has any problem with AC15.

[Anonymous]

Hi Laszlo, thanks for the response. I noticed you're getting the same machine so I'm glad for your input ...

The distortion is occuring with both Open GL and Internal driver. I believe I'm running the NVidia display driver which was out of the box - I've done everything from updating the display driver to modifying the screen resolution, but still have distortion problems. I could try the Asus driver and see what happens.

I do suspect there would not be a problem with ArchiCAD 15 or any other 64-bit version. I'm still running ArchiCAD 12 32-bit so that may be the main issue.

Let's keep in touch over it. Thanks again.

[Laszlo Nagy]

OK, my new machine is up and running.
I checked both ArchiCAD 12 32-bit and ArchiCAD 15 64-bit on it: there is no problem at all in 3D with either one, in OpenGL or Internal 3D Engine, Parallel or Perspective view, zooming, panning, orbiting or whatever, it works perfectly.

I have the latest NVidia graphics card driver. It is version 275.33 and I downloaded from NVidia. Works just fine.

[Anonymous]

Hmmm, glad your machine's working. I'll check my driver again and make sure it's the most current. I'll let you know how it goes later today.

[Anonymous]

Alright! That did it. I think I might've thought I downloaded the correct driver but hadn't actually completed the download. The update link you sent worked great and everything looks fine.

I think we're both going to like our machines, they're pretty loaded. If ArchiCAD ever develops a 3D steroscopic version, we'll be set.

Thanks for your help Laszlo.

[Laszlo Nagy]

Great it worked for you too.

[Laszlo Nagy]

I spoke too soon.
I am starting to experience display problems both in AC15 and AC14, both in Floor Plan and 3D.
But it has to do with the graphics driver, I am pretty sure since I move the element or pan or zoom a little bit and the display problem disappears.

[rob2218]

I'm looking into purchasing the ASUSG74SX-RH71 or G74SX-DH71 to run Arch15. Have you been happy with it or should I go with Dell?

[Laszlo Nagy]

I am very happy with the G73. If I had waited about one more month I would have bought the G74.
Full HD display, 16 GB RAM, two hard drives, powerful graphics and CPU (4 cores, 8 threads), everything I need. This machine will be good for me for at least 3 years now.