Mike2828

I couldn't think of a better subforum to place this thread, but considering it does involve a PC game I think it is applicable.

I recently purchased a simple dell dimension 4600 for my brother. I cannibalized a few parts from some of my older setups and purchased some memory and he was good to go.

Before I go any further, the specs are:
Geforce 6800 XE 256mb
1.25gb of ram (basic ram)
2.8ghz pentium 4
two 80gb harddrives
250w stock PSU (more on that)

The problem:

He mainly needed the computer for college but also enjoys some occasional gaming as much as the next person. In particular Left4dead which we enjoy playing over LAN. With the addition of a new computer we were psyched to give the game a go with the three of us (my siblings) while he is home for the holiday.

Since L4D is nicely optimized it has no problems running on medium+settings with good FPS. The problem occurs about ten minutes into the game when inexplicably the computer crashes to a black screen. The CPU lights are on almost in a standby mode and by holding the button I am able to reset the computer which appears to be fine otherwise.

I have not done any extensive game testing as I recently set up the computer. However, my best guess is that the PSU is underpowered and is causing the computer to crash when energy demands peak during heated gaming.

Also, the 4600's are notorious for bad stock PSUs. I built the same desktop for my sister and I actually had to heat up her PSU with a hairdryer in order to reach the temperature threshold for booting up the PC (needless to say I upgraded her PSU)

I was hoping to slide by without upgrading my brothers power supply but it appears it may be necessary. I wanted to confer with you clever people to get my ducks in line before I make an order. What do you think the problem is?


thankyou,

-Mike

ebackhus

Aside from being a Dell (a brand you can't even pay me to buy) the PSU is horribly underpowered. I don't recommend turning it on until you replace it.

Mike2828

I don't think basic desktop/surfing functionality is really going to harm the computer 250w or not. For gaming yeah... but I was already planning to replace the PSU my question was whether or not my theory is correct?



(offtopic)


Dells get a bad rep, and are usually WAY overpriced. But I trust them as much as any setup if I am buying them aftermarket on the cheap. The 4600 for example cost me $60+$40 on parts. For what it does that is cheap. I even recently acquired an inspiron q6600 for about $400 under market WITH a monitor.

But building your own setup would certainly be parts assurance.

RockmasteR

yes, your theorie is correct, when the PC is idle, or surfing internet, the CPU and the Video Card won't be stressed, but when gaming, the Vcard is working with its full capacity, and the CPU too, so a 250W PSU will not handle the gaming at all!!
get a PSU with at least 400 W and decent amps under the 12 V (16 to 18A recommended)

Mike2828

I ordered the new PSU anyhow.

Thanks for the reply. I had no idea a PSU would actually shut down like that. More than anything I excepted it to just run hot before inevitably burning out.

RockmasteR

good to hear that, if your problem is solved, please mark it as SOLVED, under Thread tools

Mike2828

Im afraid my problem isn't solved.

I JUST installed the new PSU (25 minutes ago) and now I have a new problem. (http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817339019)

Now whenever I load a game up, the game runs for three seconds before locking up the entire computer. Im forced to hard restart... What the hell?! I am at a loss.

Mike2828

I don't know if it has any bearing, but there were two +4 pin connectors. One off the main 20pin junction (which I assume was there to be versatile in a +24 mobo) and another by itself. For the sake of flexability I plugged the +4 in that was by itself.

Im sure thats nowhere near the problem but I thought I should mention that. This is not the first PSU I've installed... I don't know what the deal is here


(also, I understand the PSU is of a cheaper variety but considering the alloted budget for this set vs the wattage vs the good reviews it looked like a good compromise. I could very well be wrong)

Mike2828

bumpdebump

grimx133

You have the right 4 pin ATX 12v.(2 yellow, 2 black) all by itself for cpu power. That isn't much of a power supply though. You pretty much have to pay for quality, though there is high priced garbage out there too. Go out and borrow a real power supply and try that.
Might want to read the psu sticky too. Power Supply Information and Selection