ODD Video card problem on a Slimline PC

jlee3400 · Jul 3, 2007

Details:

I bought a low-profile ATI Radeon x1550, PCI-E x16, for my HP Slimline pc - had to buy a new PSU as well, as the default PSU was a piece of crap (at only 180Watts).

Video card was working fine after I installed the new PSU. Please note: My DVD-ROM drive and my hardrive only have SATA connectors, and were connected to the PSU accordingly.

Recently bought a SATA-to-4-pin adapter, and connected my DVD-ROM to it.

Now, my video card doesn't work; runs pretty hot, fan spins, but NO DVI SIGNAL TO MONITOR. The VGA sort-of works, I get a hazy sky-blue screen, which locks up before VISTA loads up, then proceeds to turn the computer off.

Luckicly, if I unplug the video card, my on-board video kicks in and it works fine.

Did I blow out of video card? Anyone come across this problem before?

Please help me!! And NEVER buy slimline PC's!!

dai · Jul 3, 2007

it sounds like you do not have enough power for the card
pcie needs
24amps on the 12v+ line
did you disable the onboard when using the card

TheMatt · Jul 4, 2007

What is the new PSU you bought? Post the manufacturer, power output (watts), and current output (amps) on the +12v.

jlee3400 · Jul 5, 2007

Here are the details of the PSU:

Sparkle Power SPI270LE 270 Watts FLEX ATX (20/24-Pin) RoHS Power Supply

Also, please note that the Video card was working fine, before I started using the SATA-to-4-pin adapter.

The orignal system came pakaged, from HP, with a 180W power supply and works fine. I doubt a video cards sucks up 90Watts of power... or can it?

I'm thinking I may have fried my video card.. have to get it tested.. sigh.

Your thoughts are much appreciated!

TheMatt · Jul 5, 2007

There is your problem right there. You cannot run an ATI X or X1k series on less than 400w. You will encounter serious problems in the future if not now if you don't look at a better PSU. That card takes about 30w and while that is only a little, the fact that your PSU probably has only 70% effeciency and that it can't sustain even all the actual power output will require an upgrade.

The problem is that a FlexATX PSU is going to be difficult to upgrade. I would buy a standard ATX PSU and then put it outside the case so you can choose a quality PSU for your computer.

Something like this is good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817171010

TheMatt · Jul 5, 2007

This is also good: http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16817371006

ODD Video card problem on a Slimline PC

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