PSU problem? or something else

[Ilpalazzo]

Hello,
Ok so basically I recently installed an x2 4800 proc and an x1900xt video card (previously an amd 3500 and ati x800xl). For the first day everything seemed to run very well. Today, in the middle of a game (Company of Heroes) , my pc froze and I noticed a few artifacts on the monitor. I had to reset and now the video card is displaying little artifacts all the time (not just in games). Also, I can't play a game long (like 1-2 min) without my pc locking up again. In some cases I can't even get past launching a game.

I put my old x800xl in there (with the 4800 cpu) and their are no artifacts in windows. However, sometimes in company of heroes I notice graphical problems and very bad stuttering, at which time I exit the game because I think it is going to lock up. Everything was running absolutely fine just a couple of days ago when I was using the x800xl and amd 3500.

My first thought was that something (maybe the card) overheated, but now I am wondering if it could be a psu problem. My x1900xt idles at around 50C. My proc idles at around 40C and I believe the highest I saw it (while playing a game) was like 47-50C. I didn't check what my video card temp was while playing a game (just kinda slipped my mind). Looking at it now though it gets to 57-58C and then locks up. Hardly what I would think of as overheating. My x800xl was able to play fine up to temps of 80-90C (yea I know that sucker is hot). I don't think either of those is heating up enough to be giving me problems so could it be my PSU?

My PSU came with this Aspire case, it is a 500w. I came to the conclusion that this could handle my stuff, but now I wonder. It is an Aspire ATX-AS500W 12V. I don't know enough about psu's to say whether or not this is good. I just assumed I could handle the upgrade. So anyway, before I deem this x1900xt faulty can anybody tell me if I am right in thinking I just need a new psu? If so a recommendation is very welcome.

Some info on my setup
ECS KN1 extreme mobo
AMD x2 4800 cpu
Corsair XMS memory 2x1gig sticks
ATI x1900xt video card (MSI)
a dvd burner uh an NEC I think
Creative audigy 2zs sound card
WD raptor drive
a saitek keyboard and a razer copperhead mouse.

edit. dunno if I should mention but now and then with the x1900xt I get random vpu recovers.

 

[BillParrish]

If you dont have a voltmeter so you can actually measure the voltages under load, (if the psu cant put out the power you need usually the voltages will sag/fall below spec) perhaps you can install speedfan or some othe utility that will montior and log your voltages while you play the game.

 

[BlindedByScience]

If you dont have a voltmeter so you can actually measure the voltages under load, (if the psu cant put out the power you need usually the voltages will sag/fall below spec) perhaps you can install speedfan or some othe utility that will montior and log your voltages while you play the game.

Unfortunately, software tools are very inconsistant when it comes to measuring absolute voltages. Usually very good at measuring relative changes, but known to be inaccurate (normally) measuring the absolute value of a voltage. Decent DVM's can be had for around $20.00. I think it's an investment everyone should make....

Good Luck - B.B.S.

 

[Ilpalazzo]

Sorry, I do not have a voltmeter. I've been looking at speedfan if that means anything. Under voltages with both the x800xl and the x1900xt the numbers seemed to be the same. Both changing around slightly to the same numbers. I do not know what they mean. I don't know what to say. Since the numbers there seem to be the same I am beginning to wonder if it really is just a faulty video card. So just so I am clear, should 500w be able to handle my new upgrades?

 

[BlindedByScience]

Sorry, I do not have a voltmeter.....

< drags soapbox out >....you should. Here's one for less than ten bucks:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=390-730

Here's one that's from a brand name I recognize, that will probably do most everything you'll ever want to do - still under twenty bucks:

http://www.partsexpress.com/pe/showdetl.cfm?&DID=7&Partnumber=390-550

Here's the last DVM you'll ever need, unless you hang out in a hardware lab for a living:

http://www.myflukestore.com/multimeters/dmm-73_77.php?s=g&gclid=CI62wcy3wocCFS4BGAod_ySyKQ

< soapbox removed >

Don't put too much emphasis on software tools until you verify the accuracy with a meter, because you can be misled by the indications.

Good Luck - B.B.S.