Graphics compatibility issues with games tend to fall into one of three categories:

1. Performance issues
2. Graphics corruption or incorrect display
3. Failure to run or load game

Performance Issues
For performance related issues, please refer to the Optimization and Tuning section of the Gaming Guide.

Graphics Corruption or Incorrect Display
Missing textures, scrambled video, flashing areas, or a solid colored screen are common symptoms of this type. This issue is usually the result of the game using a graphics feature that is not supported by the graphics controller, a graphics driver issue, or an issue with the game.

The following steps should be used to resolve the issue:

1. Review the Game Compatibility List to see if this is a known issue with this particular game. If so, specific information or instructions are provided there for resolving the issue. Games that have been tested with no issues found are also listed there.

2. Update the graphics drivers to the latest version. If drivers cannot be obtained from the system or motherboard manufacturer, the latest Intel® graphics drivers can be used.

3. Check the game manufacturer's web site for any game updates, patches, or known issues with the graphics adapter.

4. Check the in-game options screens to turn off features that are not supported by the graphics controller.

5. Check to make sure you have the latest version of DirectX* ^†installed on your system. Most games include the version of DirectX that they require on the game CD, but sometimes an updated version will help to resolve an issue.

Failure to Run or Load Game
A graphics or video error message when running the game, system crash when starting the game or loading a level, or a blank screen when starting the game are common symptoms of this type.

The following steps should be used to resolve the issue:

1. Review the Game Compatibility List to see if this is a known issue with this particular game. If so, specific information or instructions are provided there for resolving the issue. Games that have been tested with no issues found are also listed there.

2. Update the graphics drivers to the latest version. If drivers cannot be obtained from the system or motherboard manufacturer, the latest Intel® graphics drivers can be used.

3. Check the game manufacturer's web site for any game updates, patches, or known issues with the graphics adapter.

4. Make sure no background tasks are running, such as virus scanners, task schedulers, remote system control programs such as Microsoft* NetMeeting* or any other programs that run in the task bar.

5. Check the CPU Usage using Windows Task Manager (Ctrl+Shift+Esc). Watch the CPU Usage in the status bar of this window for several seconds. If it remains higher than about 15%, check the processes tab to see which programs are using excessive system resources.

6. Check to make sure you have the latest version of DirectX* ^†installed on your system. Most games include the version of DirectX that they require on the game CD, but sometimes an updated version will help to resolve an issue.

7. Reduce the desktop screen resolution and color depth to 640x480 and High Color (16 bit) color depth in Display Properties. Many games will attempt to switch to this particular screen resolution and color depth when loading. Switching to this mode manually can help to determine if the issue is with switching video modes or with loading the game. Additionally, some OpenGL* games will attempt to run at the current desktop color depth. Some graphics adapters do not support 3D acceleration at higher than 16-bit color depth, so they will not be able to use OpenGL 3D acceleration at true color (24-bit or 32-bit color depth).

This applies to:

Intel® 82810 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82815 Graphics Controller Intel® 82830M Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82845G Graphics Controller Intel® 82852/82855 Graphics Controller Family Intel® 82865G Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82915G/82910GL Express Chipset Family Intel® 82945G Express Chipset Intel® 82946GZ Graphics Controller Intel® 82G965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q963 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® 82Q965 Graphics and Memory Controller Hub (GMCH) Intel® G31 Express Chipset Intel® G33 Express Chipset Intel® G35 Express Chipset Intel® Q33 Express Chipset Intel® Q35 Express Chipset Mobile Intel® 915GM/GMS, 910GML Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 945GM Express Chipset Family Mobile Intel® 965 Express Chipset Family