Possible PSU Problem?

[Jazzatola]

I've recently upgraded my machine and am experiencing display failures when gaming.

I built the machine a couple of years ago and am running an Antec NeoHE 500W psu. Until recently I was running a Q6600 cpu with 2Gb RAM and an stock EVGA 8800GTX. I've played plenty of games (Crysis, COH, Bioshock) running XP 32Bit with no problems.

Last week I added another 2Gb of memory and replaced the gfx card with a stock EVGA GTX 260. Since I now have 4Gb RAM, I also moved to Vista 64Bit.

Now when I'm gaming I get random display failures. My monitor goes into standby and claims there is no signal from the gfx card. The machine itself does not reboot as I can hear that the game is still running. Unplugging and reattching the dvi cable makes no difference, neither does switching to the other dvi port on the card. If I force a reset, the display comes back fine.

I haven't experienced any crashes when not gaming. So is it a faulty gfx card maybe? Or am I overloading the psu when the gfx card is really working? What do you think?

 

[mpilchfamily]

Yep the video card isn't getting enough power. Surprised the PC is even able to boot. The 260 needs a bit more power then the old GTX did. You'll want a good quality 550W to 600W PSU for your system.

 

[Jazzatola]

I've realised my problem. I used an online psu calculator and it came out with a total of 370W for my system. What I didn't understand at the time is that this is an estimate of its idle power consumption. I can see from the reviews of the GTX 260 that the card can easily consume another 100W at peak taking me almost up to my limit. Add to that the fact that my psu is over 2 years old and I guess its not a surprise I'm having trouble.

Anyway, just ordered a Corsair TX650W. That should do it.

Thanks!

 

[plion]

use EMCAKACCK promo code to get 10 off, and use live cashback link to get 3.30 off. i just ordered that same psu from newegg a few minutes ago using cashback link + promo code.

 

[VirtualLarry]

Originally posted by: plion
use EMCAKACCK promo code to get 10 off, and use live cashback link to get 3.30 off. i just ordered that same psu from newegg a few minutes ago using cashback link + promo code.

You do know that in the T&Cs for live cashback, you're not allow to use any other discount or coupon codes or it invalidates your cashback, right?

 

[Jazzatola]

I'm in the UK so no newegg for me! Thanks though.

I want to get this sorted before Spore comes out on Friday so I actually ordered from Amazon.co.uk. I paid way over the odds for it but it's guranteed to be delivered this evening when I get home from work.