8800 GT + PSU??? help please.

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 06:09 PM

I recently bought a used computer from someone.

CPU = 1.6 dual cpu E2140
RAM = 2 GB
HDD = 250 GB
Video card = EVGA 8800 GT 512 MB
Cooling = Default cooling
PSU = 250 Watt

My problem is, sometimes when i start my PC, the Graphic card fan doesnt start and monitor (Flatron W2242TQ) goes to power saving mode.

BUT then theres other times when it turns on and i game for hours on end without crashes (games like COD4,BF2 etc etc. demanding games)

Sometimes i will be playing a game and screen goes black and to power saving mode.

When i do run games, they run flawlesly and smoothly, i can run COD4 at max settings without any stuttering. Also mass effect.

I would like to know what the problem is, I myself think that the PSU is not enough for the GFX card, but i wanted to make sure.

Please help soon :) thank you in advance.

Phædrus2401 · 08-03-2009, 06:18 PM

Yeah, definitely the PSU, you'll want a quality 600w+ PSU for the 8800GT. I recommend Corsair, PC Power and Cooling, and SeaSonic as good brands.

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 06:24 PM

ok, but one question.

If it is the PSU, how come i could play those games before perfectly?

And also, How come sometimes the GFX wont turn on at all but rest of PC will??? (no image on screen though, just hear PC booting normally).

Would this point to a dying PSU?

also thnx for your fast reply !

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 06:37 PM

Also if it is the power supply, would either one of these be good enough ?

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...117&CatId=1079

OR

http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...113&CatId=1079

Tumbleweed36 · 08-03-2009, 07:18 PM

The OCZ 550 will run that card in most instances. However, here is a much better power supply for only ten bucks more with free shipping. It is a 650 watt Corsair:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 07:25 PM

ok, but can you please answer my questions from my second reply???

i dont want to waste $100 if PSU might not be the problem.

Phædrus2401 · 08-03-2009, 07:33 PM

You know how if you have a car that's really, really low on gas it will cough and sputter a bit, then run along fine for a few seconds, then start sputtering again? That's basically what your power supply is doing. COD4 and Battle Field 2 aren't really "extremely graphics intensive" games, not by today's standards.

I guarantee you it's the power supply. Guarantee. As in, I'd bet money on it being the PSU.

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 07:38 PM

Ok thank you very much.

Yeah as i said the PC is used, and when i got it i was suprised to see an 8800 being powered by a 250 watt PSU.

so i will replace it, thank you again for fast responses and i will use this forum for future problems too!

Phædrus2401 · 08-03-2009, 07:40 PM

No problem. I bet the guy had a better power supply and just stuck that one in before selling it so he could keep the old one.

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 08:33 PM

Is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182161 good??? 650 Watt, 60A on 12 rails combined???

Tumbleweed36 · 08-03-2009, 08:41 PM

That is a terrible power supply, don't buy that one.

Tumbleweed36 · 08-03-2009, 08:47 PM

Cheaper than the Corsair although not nearly as good. However, much better than the Rosewill:

http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341019

Phædrus2401 · 08-03-2009, 10:35 PM

Rosewill is the biggest "bang" for the buck--meaning, it's cheap and it's really likely to blow up on you if your stress it at all. Corsair is what we recommend most, but if you really can't afford one, or a similar PCP&C or SeaSonic unit, then a mid-range OCZ unit like Tumbleweed linked to will work as well.

shadow3467 · 08-03-2009, 10:44 PM

See the thing is, i just want a PSU that can handle my current setup for 1-2 more years, then ill probably buy a new PC. I'm not doing ANY overclocking or pushing or anything, just what i have...

Phædrus2401 · 08-03-2009, 10:46 PM

Then you want the OCZ unit. Rosewills have something like a 20% failure rate within the first year, I've heard... That means there's a one in five chance it could die on you, and if it dies it will take the rest of the computer with it since Rosewill's short circuit and over voltage protection is crap.

shadow3467 · 08-05-2009, 01:30 AM

Also one last question, just so i know that its not heating issues...

Are these normal temps for the graphic card ?? Idle = 60c Load = 64-67c

**grimx133** · 08-05-2009, 01:42 AM

yes, the temps vary a lot from card to card, but it's normal. The 9800GT I was using idled about the same and load in mid 70's. Graphics cards run hot, warmest thing in a computer, normally.

08-03-2009, 06:09 PM	#1 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	8800 GT + PSU??? help please. I recently bought a used computer from someone. CPU = 1.6 dual cpu E2140 RAM = 2 GB HDD = 250 GB Video card = EVGA 8800 GT 512 MB Cooling = Default cooling PSU = 250 Watt My problem is, sometimes when i start my PC, the Graphic card fan doesnt start and monitor (Flatron W2242TQ) goes to power saving mode. BUT then theres other times when it turns on and i game for hours on end without crashes (games like COD4,BF2 etc etc. demanding games) Sometimes i will be playing a game and screen goes black and to power saving mode. When i do run games, they run flawlesly and smoothly, i can run COD4 at max settings without any stuttering. Also mass effect. I would like to know what the problem is, I myself think that the PSU is not enough for the GFX card, but i wanted to make sure. Please help soon :) thank you in advance.

08-03-2009, 06:18 PM	#2 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Yeah, definitely the PSU, you'll want a quality 600w+ PSU for the 8800GT. I recommend Corsair, PC Power and Cooling, and SeaSonic as good brands. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-03-2009, 06:24 PM	#3 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. ok, but one question. If it is the PSU, how come i could play those games before perfectly? And also, How come sometimes the GFX wont turn on at all but rest of PC will??? (no image on screen though, just hear PC booting normally). Would this point to a dying PSU? also thnx for your fast reply !

08-03-2009, 06:37 PM	#4 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Also if it is the power supply, would either one of these be good enough ? http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...117&CatId=1079 OR http://www.tigerdirect.ca/applicatio...113&CatId=1079

08-03-2009, 07:18 PM	#5 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,632 OS: XP Professional	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. The OCZ 550 will run that card in most instances. However, here is a much better power supply for only ten bucks more with free shipping. It is a 650 watt Corsair: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817139005 __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

08-03-2009, 07:25 PM	#6 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. ok, but can you please answer my questions from my second reply??? i dont want to waste $100 if PSU might not be the problem.

08-03-2009, 07:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. You know how if you have a car that's really, really low on gas it will cough and sputter a bit, then run along fine for a few seconds, then start sputtering again? That's basically what your power supply is doing. COD4 and Battle Field 2 aren't really "extremely graphics intensive" games, not by today's standards. I guarantee you it's the power supply. Guarantee. As in, I'd bet money on it being the PSU. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-03-2009, 07:38 PM	#8 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Ok thank you very much. Yeah as i said the PC is used, and when i got it i was suprised to see an 8800 being powered by a 250 watt PSU. so i will replace it, thank you again for fast responses and i will use this forum for future problems too!

08-03-2009, 07:40 PM	#9 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. No problem. I bet the guy had a better power supply and just stuck that one in before selling it so he could keep the old one. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-03-2009, 08:33 PM	#10 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Is http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817182161 good??? 650 Watt, 60A on 12 rails combined???

08-03-2009, 08:41 PM	#11 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,632 OS: XP Professional	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. That is a terrible power supply, don't buy that one. __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

08-03-2009, 08:47 PM	#12 (permalink)
Tumbleweed36 Asst Manager Hardware Join Date: May 2005 Location: USA Posts: 19,632 OS: XP Professional	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Cheaper than the Corsair although not nearly as good. However, much better than the Rosewill: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Produc...82E16817341019 __________________ ---------- I don't receive email notifications of replies to subscribed threads. (Internet provider policy) Therefore, if I don't respond to your post within 24 hours, please send me a reminder PM and include the link to your thread.

08-03-2009, 10:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Rosewill is the biggest "bang" for the buck--meaning, it's cheap and it's really likely to blow up on you if your stress it at all. Corsair is what we recommend most, but if you really can't afford one, or a similar PCP&C or SeaSonic unit, then a mid-range OCZ unit like Tumbleweed linked to will work as well. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-03-2009, 10:44 PM	#14 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. See the thing is, i just want a PSU that can handle my current setup for 1-2 more years, then ill probably buy a new PC. I'm not doing ANY overclocking or pushing or anything, just what i have...

08-03-2009, 10:46 PM	#15 (permalink)
Phædrus2401 Hardware Tech Team Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: New Orleans Posts: 3,733 OS: Vista Ultimate x64 SP1 + Ubuntu 9.04 My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Then you want the OCZ unit. Rosewills have something like a 20% failure rate within the first year, I've heard... That means there's a one in five chance it could die on you, and if it dies it will take the rest of the computer with it since Rosewill's short circuit and over voltage protection is crap. __________________ Good PSU brands: Corsair, SeaSonic, CWT, PC Power and Cooling, Thermaltake Toughpower, CoolerMaster Real Power Pro On 80+ Certification - PSU Information and Selection - Power Supply Myths You don't get what you don't pay for.

08-05-2009, 01:30 AM	#16 (permalink)
shadow3467 Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Posts: 8 OS: XP	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. Also one last question, just so i know that its not heating issues... Are these normal temps for the graphic card ?? Idle = 60c Load = 64-67c

08-05-2009, 01:42 AM	#17 (permalink)
grimx133 Mentor Hardware Team Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: Canada eh Posts: 3,134 OS: xp mce sp2, xp pro sp2, windows 7 beta My System	Re: 8800 GT + PSU??? help please. yes, the temps vary a lot from card to card, but it's normal. The 9800GT I was using idled about the same and load in mid 70's. Graphics cards run hot, warmest thing in a computer, normally. __________________