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View Full Version : Should I just spring for a new video card?

FullMetalJacket
10-12-2006, 08:41 PM
For the record, I have an AMD 2600+, 1GB RAM and a 256MB GeforceFX 5900 Ultra. According to the Windows Vista "test," my video card is the only thing preventing me from obtaining "optimal" performance.

What's more important, however, is that intermittently ever since November 2004, every time I boot up, there's a dialogue box that pops up saying "the nvidia-based system sentinel reports that your video card is not receiving sufficient power. Your video card has lowered its performance to allow continued safe operations." Normally it only pops up irregularly, and opening the case and/or powering down and dusting usually cures it. For the past few months, though, it pops up EVERY DAMN TIME I turn the computer on, and it seriously underclocks my videocard, to the point where most games are downright unplayable. Heat doesn't seem to be the problem, but this is annoying as hell. And for the love of god, before anyone asks, YES, the molex connector is attached and the card is firmly seated in its AGP slot.

I'm tempted to just upgrade to a 7600 or something along those lines, although I don't know if my case or power supply could handle it. Any ideas?
NutWrench
10-12-2006, 09:05 PM
How many watts is your power supply rated for?
FullMetalJacket
10-12-2006, 09:23 PM
How many watts is your power supply rated for?

I'm not 100% sure. How can I check?

Also, would my motherboard come into play at all?
Xerxes
10-12-2006, 11:05 PM
Maybe you could attach another power supply's connector to the card if you have one?

Connect the green wire to a black wire on the big motherboard connector to power it on without a motherboard...
IHerman
10-13-2006, 01:37 AM
My Radeon 9600Pro runs Vista just fine. You're geforce definitely shouldn't have any problems when running properly.
Jiminator
10-13-2006, 03:18 AM
well, i suspect burned connectors between the card and power cable. i'd suggest getting a cheap 450 watt psu from a reputable manufacturer. depending on where you go they can be had for <$50. Note, I said reputable, not garbage PSUs.

For upgrading the video card, the PSU may still be an issue. Add to it that your system overall is underpowered. If you would want the real vista experience then you should get a dx-10 compatible card, of which there are none currently available.

anyway my overall suggestion would be to get a new PSU, and save for a new system for next spring (or christmas if you can swing it)
ZaphodB
10-13-2006, 03:45 AM
I'm not 100% sure. How can I check?

Also, would my motherboard come into play at all?

Most power supplies (good reputable ones) have the rating printed along with voltage specs on a QA sticker on the side (you sometimes have to remove the power supply to see it, it's sometimes on the side facing the case side your mainboard is attached to). If it's a 350Watt or less I urge you to buy a new one, even if it doesn't solve your vid card problem, because it could have been the cause to damage your vid card if the power supply is low wattage. (I could get technical, but just say that if it doesn't put out enough watts, and your system needs the watts, it will try to "pull" the watts from your power supply and damage equipment)
Foxy
10-13-2006, 08:33 AM
, i suspect burned connectors between the card and power cable. i'd suggest getting a cheap 450 watt psu from a reputable manufacturer. depending on where you go they can be had for <$50. Note, I said reputable, not garbage PSUs.

I got a PSU that was £20. Wattage was plenty. Short story: It made my PC crash, greenscreen and screech if I tried to play any vaguely demanding game (Halo for example, lol. >>)

Ended up buying a Hiper Type R to replace it. :/
FullMetalJacket
10-13-2006, 08:44 AM
WOW. Turns out the PSU is only 300 Watts! Now, would my PC case/tower come into play at all? Do you think it could only take a PSU up to a particular wattage, or could I just throw in the best 450W I can find?
ZaphodB
10-13-2006, 08:48 AM
I'd go with a 450 at least. And make it a good one, cheap PSU means cheap parts which results in unreliablility. Do some research online. ZDnet is a good place to start, but not the only place I would read up on PSU's.
Foxy
10-13-2006, 09:38 AM
http://tomshardware.co.uk/2006/02/07/5_power_supplies_get_the_full_juice_treatment_uk/

I bought my Type R on their advice.
Duoae
10-13-2006, 10:04 AM
WOW. Turns out the PSU is only 300 Watts! Now, would my PC case/tower come into play at all? Do you think it could only take a PSU up to a particular wattage, or could I just throw in the best 450W I can find?

You don't need to worry about the case. If you're worried about size, ATX powersupply is a standard. If you're worried about something else to do with your case then don't be - there's nothing to worry about. :)
FireFly
10-13-2006, 03:51 PM
I have a Hiper Type R 580W and think it looks great. The modular connectors make everything much more tidy.

It also has no problems powering my X1800 XT (although I wouldn't expect it to have any).