Ryan2065

I am trying to diagnose a problem on my friends computer. He purchased a new graphics card and a new case. Before I changed everything to his new case I installed the GPU in his current case, everything ran fine for about a week or so. I then transferred everything to his new case and all of a sudden a picture wont come up on the monitor, but everything else is running alright. The weird thing is that sometimes this doesnt happen and a picture does come up on the display and everything works great, but as soon as I power down the computer, start it up, no picture! Its not the graphics card because I tried his old GPU and it does the same thing. My guess is that the motherboard PCI-E port is malfunctioning. What do you think it could be? The power supply is only a 380w, could it be that? I listed all of his parts below. Thanks in advance for your help.

Case: Antec 300
CPU: AMD 3800+
GPU: XFX GTS 250
RAM: 1gb
PSU: 380W
Motherboard: Some HP motherboard, model of HP: a1600n

My guess is the PSU. Are you just using the one that came with the case?

I am using an old one that came with the HP computer I believe. Something tells me that Its not the PSU because It was working fine for about a week and then I transferred it to the new case and all of a sudden I get this problem. Do you still think it might be the PSU?

Nexxtech

An updated driver may be available for your Video Card. Check driver support from the manufacturer's website. Any functioning PSU should boot the machine. If your problem continues try another PSU and or clear the CMOS on the motherboard.

Not clear if you are able to enter the BIOS on reboot but try loading default values and reboot. Let us know.

CCT

You can check voltages using Everest under Computer, Sensor. They are active scans so they keep updating.

Have you tried booting into VGA mode to test basic functions?

ryan29121

Video drivers should't have anything to do with how to card runs outside of windows, which is what my current problem is. I have tried clearing CMOS and Updating bios and still no luck. If I remove the GPU and plug my monitor into the onboard VGA port everything seems to work. Do you still think it could be the PSU or do you think it could be the PCI-E port on the motherboard. I kinda want to be sure on what part to buy before I go out and purchase it and find out its the wrong one. Its a pretty old PSU with a pretty low wattage so I wouldnt mind replacing the whole unit. Thanks so far for your help regarding this issue. Any other suggestions would be great.

dai

you need to be up here

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...corsair%2b550w

oldjoe

The XFX GTS 250 requires a minimum 450W PSU.

Nexxtech

As suggested above try another PSU. BOLWT.

dai

whatever is on the box add 50% and you will be in the ball park

ryan29121

RESOLVED. I had a 4-pin ATX extension cable attached to the PSU for the CPU power. I removed that and everything works fine. Its kinda weird that something like that would cause a picture not to display on the monitor. Thanks to everyone who helped.

suhp90

It has to be the fact that the power supply has only that many watts. I am guessing the monitor as well. Try to get a new monitor. Maybe the VGA input is damaged somehow that his why the pictures cannot be seen.

suhp90

Your power supply cannot support that gcard taht you have or its GPU. Whats the cpu?

Tumbleweed36

Serious talk time now. Therefore, I need to talk to you about a pressing issue with your rig.

I know you said you had this issue fixed and you may very well have for now. However, with a 380 watt power supply with that video card, you need to be thinking about upgrading that power supply to a more powerful unit to prevent near future difficulties.

If I remember correctly oldjoe has hit the nail on the head with the requirements although since he has I didn't look it up. Another concern is that when they tell you a 450 is needed that is bare minimum and you still leave yourself open to troubles with the video card and other components.

A 550 watt supply as suggested by dai would be a prudent investment and prevent you from component damage from lack of proper power and heat buildup from an underpowered PSU. The one he listed is excellent and a very good buy.

I know, purchasing a new PSU is your call because it is your money, but when and if (quite likely) something burns out from lack of power, remember, you heard it here that you needed more power. We do our best on this hardware team to guide you in the right direction without making you spend more than is necessary.

Good luck and we do hope it works out for you.