Not receiving sufficient power?

18seconds · 12-17-2007, 04:10 PM

The error I am getting from NVIDIA System Sentinal:
To protect your hardware from potential damage or causing a potential system lockup, the graphics processor has lowered its performance to a level that allows continued safe operations.

I have only started receiving this since yesterday when I upgraded video card drivers, I have not knowingly changed any hardware. I am running a GeForce FX 5900XT and my power supply is 430W. Do I need to increase my PSU size or is this a different kind of problem as I have only started receiving it recently after over a year of perfect performance?

Thanks for any help

ebackhus · 12-17-2007, 04:41 PM

As a power supply operates the eletronics in it deteriorate. This is a process that occurs in all electrical devices. Another thing to consider is that many manufacturers give the MAXIMUM wattage and don't tell you what the normal wattage is. Just like a car engine can run hard for a short time before going out a PSU can only give the maximum for a short time. Running it harder than it is designed to do will also cause it do die faster than it would otherwise.

Check the +12v line and make sure it's over 24a.

18seconds · 12-17-2007, 04:44 PM

I can't see a +12v, theres +12v1 and +12v2, they read 14a and 15a respectively. What does this mean?

ebackhus · 12-17-2007, 05:19 PM

That you're underpowered. You need a new and more powerful PSU.

18seconds · 12-17-2007, 05:22 PM

Ok thanks, whats wattage would you recommend?

12-17-2007, 04:10 PM	#1 (permalink)
18seconds Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 33 OS: XP	Not receiving sufficient power? The error I am getting from NVIDIA System Sentinal: To protect your hardware from potential damage or causing a potential system lockup, the graphics processor has lowered its performance to a level that allows continued safe operations. I have only started receiving this since yesterday when I upgraded video card drivers, I have not knowingly changed any hardware. I am running a GeForce FX 5900XT and my power supply is 430W. Do I need to increase my PSU size or is this a different kind of problem as I have only started receiving it recently after over a year of perfect performance? Thanks for any help

12-17-2007, 04:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,303 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: Not receiving sufficient power? As a power supply operates the eletronics in it deteriorate. This is a process that occurs in all electrical devices. Another thing to consider is that many manufacturers give the MAXIMUM wattage and don't tell you what the normal wattage is. Just like a car engine can run hard for a short time before going out a PSU can only give the maximum for a short time. Running it harder than it is designed to do will also cause it do die faster than it would otherwise. Check the +12v line and make sure it's over 24a. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

12-17-2007, 04:44 PM	#3 (permalink)
18seconds Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 33 OS: XP	Re: Not receiving sufficient power? I can't see a +12v, theres +12v1 and +12v2, they read 14a and 15a respectively. What does this mean? Last edited by 18seconds; 12-17-2007 at 04:59 PM.

12-17-2007, 05:19 PM	#4 (permalink)
ebackhus Manager, Design Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: SATX Posts: 14,303 OS: WinXP Pro SP3/Windows 7 RTM My System Blog Entries: 28	Re: Not receiving sufficient power? That you're underpowered. You need a new and more powerful PSU. __________________ ----------------------------- There are no dumb questions, unless a customer is asking them. Help in the fight against cancer and other serious illnesses.

12-17-2007, 05:22 PM	#5 (permalink)
18seconds Registered User Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 33 OS: XP	Re: Not receiving sufficient power? Ok thanks, whats wattage would you recommend?