Meeffas

Raidmax 420 Watt 12V

Deleted090308

That PSU should be enough to run your computer. Do you have another computer you can try the card in?

mattlock

The GPU temps are fine.

I'm leaning toward a poor PSU. The Raidmax 420 cost less than $20, has 13a on the +12v rail and is likely only 65% efficient. Which means in the a real world environment, you'd be lucky to get over 300 watts out of it, and as it heats up it's output capacity will drop.
You should have a quality 450w or higher, 80% efficient (500w or better with 70% efficiency) minimum of 18a on the +12v and would be better off with 24a.

Read our Power Supply Info thread and insert your system specs into the calulator then add 30% to the end result.

Compusa has the Antec Trio 550 on sale for $70 but the sale ends today.

Newegg has it for $80 shipped and the Antec Trio 650w for $65 shipped after $40 rebate. Through the weekend.

If you want to be sure that's your issue then go to Circuit City, Bestbuy, Staples, ETC and buy a good PSU, and test your system with it. You can always return it.

Meeffas

*Please don't read this as rude*

I live in Japan, and while I know there are repair shops off base MOST of them don't speak english or won't work on American systems. I am forced to come online because of a lack of choices. I buy 100% of my computer products online because there is little other choice. If I go to the Bx they will generally charge double for hardware items and refuse to match online prices. I miss two things about living back in the states and they are food (TGIF, Chillies, Outback, Red Lobster...) and bestbuy.

I will look into getting a new PSU, but I can't get that any sooner than two weeks maybe. Newegg is actually REALLY good about shipping fast and still great prices (that is where I bought this rig initially) so we generally go through them.

As far as switching the card, I never actually had problems with it when it was in another computer. I had it in a day and everything worked out, but a graphics driver issue forced me to switch it back and I haven't tested again.

On a side note I did turn off my computer last night when I went to sleep and left the window open in the room wider than normal to force a little air flow and the temps are all down.



This is with out playing anything on it (brunch and Hopkins fight so no time). I will orde the PSU (I do agree it is underpowered and will replace it with 500-600 W when it gets in) sometime today.

Thank you for the ideas and again I wasn't trying to be a dick, I just wanted to better explain my situation.

Meeffas

This is my PSU I think, it came with the case, but this looks exactly like it.

mattlock

I fully understand your circumstances. There are many users and staff here at TSF that are located outside states.

It's really a shame that the BX racks you over the coals like that, but I'm glad to hear that The Egg is taking care of service men.

The link posted didn't work because it's got "http" in it twice (I've made the same mistake myself), but the PSU you linked to is the same one I pulled the specs from for my post. I really think that's you're problem. Your temps really aren't that bad, so I don't think it's heat related. It's possible that you have a Vram issue, but I'm really leaning towards that weak +12v rail, and poor power output.

What's the make and model of your 6800?

Keep us posted on your progress.

Meeffas

I purchased this one, hopefully next weekend if I am really lucky but more probable in two weekends. I will keep in touch. Thank you for the info.

mattlock

You're welcome. I hope it works out for you.

Do know what 6800gt you have? Evga, BFG, etc?

TheMatt

What do the BIOS voltages read?

Meeffas

I haven't had the computer on for two or three days now, since I ordered the PSU. How or where do I find the BIOS voltage? I can log in to it after work today and check.

TheMatt

Once in the BIOS, go to the PC Health section. For info on entering the BIOS, see here:
http://www.techsupportforum.com/info...he-bios-setup/

Meeffas

Much overdue update:

My wife and I moved into a brand new house and we finally got internet after a long time of Wii sports amusement and videos.

I played several older games (UT2004, MoHAA, and WCIII) with 0 graphics issues. Well last week when I finally got my internet up and running and finally set up my wireless to realize that while playing wow my graphics are still hosed.

I decided with my issues and knowing that my computer is pretty dirty I decided to dismantle and clean everything individually. This may not be the most efficient thing to do, but at this point I am sick of the dirt (not dust, dirt). My heatsink was absolutely disgusting and the air can couldn't even move the dirt off the fins.

Tonight I decided to get this project started and took everything apart easily enough, at least nothing broke or chipped . After scrubbing the case down as well as I know how I air cleaned the MB removing all dust collections and hopefully cleaned the slots for everything.

Next up was cleaning my Zalman HSF (I don't know the series, but the fins are all copper, can anyone see what is coming??) so I went online for suggestions. I unfortunately did not have an extra toothbrush and my wife forbade me from using hers so I decided to use the douse with water and dry with a hair dryer method...seriously with this computer of course it had to happen. As it was drying I noticed the Cu turning green. I am curious as to whether this will completing ruin the HSF or if it will still be effective. It is only green for < 1/8" on the top of the fins towards the center.

Anyways on to more cleaning. I am going to ask if there is a suggested way to clean my VC, RAM, and Wireless adapter. I was thinking alcohol the rest of the way =/.

Thank you for reading this long story and let me know what you think of this stupidity.

mattlock

I wouldn't use anything other than air on the VGA card, RAM, and wireless adapter.

As for the HS, I think it'll be fine. Sounds like it just developed some tarnish.