New GTX260 not being detected on startup most of the time, runs fine sometimes

[Donegrim]

Just bought a new XFX GTX260 XXX version and after installing it and the drivers am having an annoying issue. When windows (vista x64) starts up most of the time the graphics card is not detected, vista seems to be running off a "standard vga device" or similar, and the nvidia control panel option disappears from the desktop right-click menu, as if the card is not there. After a few restars it eventually gets it right and the card runs perfectly fine. As far as I am aware my computer (although not great) is capable of running this card. So, is someone able to tell what is the most likely cause of this? Does it seem as if the card is at fault or my system? Here are my specs
Windows Vista Business 64bit SP1 (also same behaviour on xp 32bit SP3 partition)
Hiper 580W Type-M power supply (one 18W 12v and one 20W 12v rail)
Foxconn C51XEM2AA Nvidia nForce 570SLI
Athlon X2 4800 (2.5ghz)
4*1GB Geil ddr2 800 4-4-4-12 @2.1v
1 TB samsung drive

Nvidia drivers: 178.24

Any advice would be really appreciated (before I go and buy a new psu and motherboard...which I'd rather not have to do)

 

[mruffin75]

If you have the two partitions as you say, and both are exhibiting the same kind of problem, then it would most likely suggest a faulty card.

 

[Donegrim]

But the same motherboard and psu is being used no matter what OS i boot into, could it just as easily be them that are the problem?

 

[SolMiester]

18 & 20a 12v rails is a bit on the slim side if you ask me.....i reckon its a power issue, 100% hardware related as the issue is the same on both XP & Vista platforms. PSU >card>mobo

 

[Donegrim]

Ok that sounds like a reasonable cause (considering my current one was only £30). I hate to turn this into a "spec me".... but... spec me a psu? I was looking at a Seasonic M12 600W Modular psu for about £100, does this seem like overkill, underkill, or about right?

 

[Donegrim]

I just ordered a Corsair 650W TX Series PSU, with a single 12v rail supporting 52A, and 2 8-pin pci-e connectors I am hoping it should be more than enough for my gtx260. If I still get issues I'll send the card back for a replacement.

 

[bdubyah]

oh yeah, that 650 will be plenty for the card, considering the card is good.

i'm running a GTX260 just fine on my VX550.

 

[Donegrim]

New powersupply and new motherboard and (another) new vista install dont fix the problem, so its gone back for a replacement. On the plus side I almost have a completely new pc now (it needed doing soon enough anyway).

 

[mruffin75]

Originally posted by: Donegrim
New powersupply and new motherboard and (another) new vista install dont fix the problem, so its gone back for a replacement. On the plus side I almost have a completely new pc now (it needed doing soon enough anyway).

What'd I say?????? hah seriously..shame about the card..never like to see a high-end card die like that..