In recent times, my computer has started bugging out (again) whenever I play just about any game. After a while, the screen will flash, then a screen with (usually a certain color) stripes going down it will appear, and my computer will freeze.
I'm speculating it has something to do with a faulty or corrupted video card, but I wanted some other opinions before taking action. If anyone knows what this is all about, that'd be great!
The OEM Model Number would have been sufficient but that tells us most of what we need.
Remove the case side and look at the PSU label for a Brand Name and Model Number.
Alienware, as well as most all OEM PC's, use low quality underpowered PSU's.
You should be at 850W minimum with a good quality PSU for the 5970.
Well, this is the only time it's been happening, it hasn't been happening the whole time I've had this computer. But I can still shut down this comp and check the PSU model
Psu's degrade and bad quality ones degrade more. In the beginning you only notice failures during the most extreme tests of the components but the quality oem psu's use is like "a ticking time bomb" in the system, Tyree is correct!
Okay, well I've found it, but it's proving itself to be a pain to take out and see the label on the side of the casing. The wires are still hooked up to the back of it, so I can't pull it out all the way, the wires are also being blocked, so unhooking them is quite hard
It says 850W on the label but it's a Dell so I doubt it can actually put out that number.
It 'should" be OK but OEM PSU's are always questionable. How old is the PC?
I am very skeptical about any OEM PVC over 2 yrs. old and your problem indicates a power problem or perhaps the GPU if the PSU has damaged it.
OEM= Original Equipment Manufacturer ( i.e. Dell-HP- etc.).
3 yrs.is the usual warranty period for most PSU's. Top quality units have a 5 to 7 yr. warranty.
SeaSonic-XFX-Corsair (not the CX-GS-M Series) are top quality PSU's.
Alright, thanks for clarifying that. Alright, so should I replace the PSU? Do you think that's what is causing the screen I linked? Also, any thoughts on that loose object I can hear in the PSU?
Your problem indicates a power issue.
Your OEM PSU is about 3 yrs. old
Nothing should be loose in the PSU so that also indicates an issue with the PSU.
You could try your GPU in another PC with a minimum 850W good quality PSU.
My best advice would be to borrow or purchase a good quality 850W minimummPSUto try.
So I cleaned out the computer of all the dust and all that good stuff, opened the PSU, cleaned out all the dust in there. Cleaned out all the fans. Now it seems to work fine while playing games. But I'll still remember your guys' advice in case it starts happening again
"In case", no not the right words. Should be when and just remember, the longer that stays in, the more likely you will also be replacing every component there sooner or later.
Yes, I get that, and I will replace it when I have the time and spare money. But I'm not sure it was a dying psu, it may have just been overheating due to all the dust buildup
It's a bit hard to pay for all these computer parts when I'm still in high school without a job! but I suppose I should buy that psu as soon as possible so I don't risk anymore computer parts
Not at all, lol. I only have about 700 bucks saved up at the moment, but most of that needs to go towards a plane ticket this summer!
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